Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliable?

19992026 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.

94/100
Excellent

Reliability Score

4
Total Recalls
31
Owner Complaints
2
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths

Own a Mazda MX-5 Miata? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability by Year

Model YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliability ScoreRating
2026Not enough data
202510
95
Excellent
202413
92
Excellent
202304
96
Excellent
202206
94
Excellent
202101
99
Excellent
202001
99
Excellent
201917
88
Excellent
201815
90
Excellent
2017042
95
Excellent

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the MX-5 Miata Compares to Similar Vehicles

Mazda MX-5 Miata94/100
Sports Category Average67/100

The MX-5 Miata scores 27 points above the average sports — a strong result.

Known Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

POWER TRAIN
8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4
STEERING
3
STRUCTURE:BODY
2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1

Based on 31 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?+

The Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 94/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 4 recall campaigns and 31 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year MX-5 Miata is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2021 MX-5 Miata achieved the highest reliability score of 99/100 with 0 recalls and 1 complaints.

How many miles does a MX-5 Miata last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Mazda MX-5 Miata owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used MX-5 Miata will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Mazda MX-5 Miata Research

Check a Specific Mazda MX-5 Miata VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

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