Mazda MX-5 Miata problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The documented Mazda MX-5 Miata problems in recall data are on the 2016-on ND generation. The largest is 24V695, an air bag software fix for 2016–2023 cars that could deploy the front bags with too much force. Others cover abrupt downshifts on 2016–2019 automatics, 2018–2019 fuel pumps and a 2024–2025 stability light.

CarWhere lists 5 documented MX-5 Miata issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

MX-5 Miata generations at a glance

Mazda MX-5 Miata generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
ND	2016–present	Front air bags can deploy with excessive force (recall 24V695) · Automatic transmission can downshift abruptly (recall 19V072) · Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) · Traction and stability control warning light may not come on (recall 25V336) · Under-engine skid plate and bracket can detach (recall 19V496)
NC	2006–2015	No widespread issue documented here
NB	1999–2005	No widespread issue documented here
NA	1990–1997	No widespread issue documented here

ND MX-5 Miata problems (2016–present)

Front air bags can deploy with excessive force (recall 24V695) (2016–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: ND (2016–present)
Years:: 2016–2023
Powertrain:: All

A software error in the air bag control module on 77,670 2016–2023 MX-5 Miata models can make the front air bags deploy with too much force in a crash, failing FMVSS 208. Dealers update the air bag sensor module software (campaign 6924I).

Symptoms

No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 24V695 (2024-09) · 77,670 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Automatic transmission can downshift abruptly (recall 19V072) (2016–2019 (automatic))

Safety recall

Generation:: ND (2016–present)
Years:: 2016–2019 (automatic)
Powertrain:: Automatic transmission only

Incorrect transmission control module programming on 14,370 2016–2019 MX-5 Miatas with automatic transmissions can cause an unexpected downshift and abrupt deceleration. Dealers reprogram the TCM (campaign 3019A).

Symptoms

Sudden downshift or jolt
Unexpected slowing

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V072 (2019-02) · 14,370 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) (2018–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: ND (2016–present)
Years:: 2018–2019
Powertrain:: All

The low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack and cause the pump to fail on certain 2018–2019 MX-5 models and other Mazda models (121,038 vehicles in total). Dealers replace the pump.

Symptoms

Rough running
Stall or no-start

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 21V875 (2021-11) · 121,038 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Traction and stability control warning light may not come on (recall 25V336) (2024–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: ND (2016–present)
Years:: 2024–2025
Powertrain:: All

A software error can stop the TCS and DSC indicator light from illuminating on 12,244 2024–2025 MX-5 models, failing stability-control standard FMVSS 126. Dealers replace the DSC unit (campaign 7425E).

Symptoms

TCS/DSC indicator does not light at startup

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 25V336 (2025-05) · 12,244 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Under-engine skid plate and bracket can detach (recall 19V496) (2016)

Safety recall

Generation:: ND (2016–present)
Years:: 2016
Powertrain:: All

The skid plate and its metal bracket can detach from under 2,476 2016 MX-5 Miatas, creating a road hazard. Dealers replace the skid plate.

Symptoms

Scraping or rattling under the car

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V496 (2019-06) · 2,476 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Related MX-5 Miata research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an MX-5 Miata was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the known MX-5 Miata problems?

For the ND generation, recalls cover air bag deployment force (2016–2023), abrupt automatic downshifts (2016–2019), the low-pressure fuel pump (2018–2019), a stability-control indicator (2024–2025) and a loose skid plate (2016).

Does the ND Miata have an air bag recall?

Yes. Recall 24V695 updates the air bag control module software on 2016–2023 MX-5 Miatas because the front air bags could deploy with excessive force. It is not a Takata recall.

Are older NA, NB and NC Miatas listed?

No campaign in the DOT recall dataset used here names a 1990–2015 MX-5 directly, so this page lists ND-generation recalls. Run any Miata VIN anyway.

What are the MX-5 generation codes?

Mazda calls them NA (sold from the 1990 model year), NB (1999 model year), NC (launched in 2005, first with a 2.0-liter engine) and ND, the fourth generation, unveiled in the U.S. in 2014.

How do I check an MX-5 for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and on Mazda’s recall page.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.