2017 Mazda MX-5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 4 of 11 complaints (36%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 34 in 2016 to 11 in 2017.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | vs. 2017 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,250–3,350 | 2,600 | 2,650 | 2,650 | 2,600–2,650 | |
| Combined MPG | 23–24 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–22 / 27 | 26–27 / 34–36 | 26 / 33–35 | 26 / 33–35 | 26 / 34–35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 359–377 | 298–303 | 301–305 | 303–305 | 299–305 | |
| Complaints filed | 1 | 34 | 11 | 3 | 11 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2017 Mazda MX-5?
Visibility & Lighting: 4 of 11 NHTSA complaints (36%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 get?
EPA rates it 29 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Mazda MX-5?
EPA estimates $2,650 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 26 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | $2,650 | 305 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 26 mpg | 35 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | $2,650 | 301 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · Campaign 24V695000 · Sep 19, 2024
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."
Consequence: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · Campaign 19V072000 · Feb 8, 2019
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Consequence: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.