2021 Mazda Mx-5 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:automatic Transmission:internal:clutches/Bands (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Mx-5 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module:software 2024-09-18 · campaign 24V695000 · 77,670 vehicles
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Service bulletins (213)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-11 · SA-041-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical con
Engine 2026-06-19 · SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued sa(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. sa-061/25 12/17/25 description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by ask
Unknown Or Other 2026-06-18 · 09-020-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description some vehicles may exhibit scratches (1) on the rear of the seat back bar garnish (2) from contact with the convertible top (3). due to assembly variations, the clearance between the seat back bar garnish and the convertible top is too small on some vehicles. repair procedure 6. install t
Electrical System 2026-06-17 · SA-027-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted below in red. sa-027/26 04/16/26 description the mazda dca-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. if the mazda dca-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replac
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-30 · SA-031-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged vin plate or vehicle certification label. to obtain a replacement vin plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact dag (dealer assistance group) using vin plate request form available on
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-21 · SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued sa listed below: the changes are noted in red. sa-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 description mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. mazda recommends dealers follow the sch
Showing the 6 most recent of 213 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-08-18 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:internal:clutches/Bands · 1,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 mazda mx-5. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and a burning odor was detected. the failure nearly caused a collision. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch had melted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and rem…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.