Does the Mazda MX-5 have any known issues?
Even though the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 (codenamed ND) is now in its 11th year, its silhouette hasn’t aged a bit. It looks contemporary, and its charm is immediately apparent the moment you get behind the wheel. Naturally, The Car Guide ranks it among the best buys in the sports car category, even though it isn’t as spacious or as powerful as many others.
Prices for a brand-new model are still quite reasonable as well, starting at $38,590 including fees (MX-5 manual with soft top). You can also take advantage of a $3,000 manufacturer discount on a cash purchase right now.
When it comes to the used car market, used MX-5s generally hold their value quite well. Demand remains strong, and the car’s reliability is one of the reasons why. That said, does Mazda’s little convertible have any known issues? Just to be clear, we’re not talking about the limited space, the modest power under the hood, or other things like that.
As for the current generation (2016–2026), the seat upholstery wears out rather quickly and shows signs of wear, and the fabric roof can become damaged after years of contact with the roll bars. By the way, as with any convertible, it’s important to thoroughly check the condition of the roof and the operation of the mechanism to make sure everything is in order, since repairs here could be expensive.
Some owners have complained of knocking noises from the rear suspension when driving over large bumps. Also, early in the model run, many vehicles experienced problems with gear shifts, particularly in second and third gears. Mazda subsequently fixed these transmission issues.
Another point: the paint, specifically the famous Crystal Red Metallic, which has become Mazda’s visual signature, if not its trademark. Its lack of durability has been criticized by many: too thin to properly absorb the sun’s rays, it tended to chip easily at one time. If you’re considering buying a 2016–2018 MX-5 in this color, seriously consider having a clear protective film applied to a large portion of the front end. For the rest of the car, plan on having a specialist touch up the paint in the long run.
Looking back at the third generation (2005–2015), cases of internal damage to the throttle body were reported, resulting in hesitation or jerky movement. Only a specific mechanical inspection would be able to detect this. In addition, the coolant reservoir could crack and fail due to engine heat, posing a risk of overheating. This component is easier to inspect and replace if necessary.
As for rust, a problem with several older Mazda models, the first and second generations did indeed cause headaches for their owners, but that issue has largely been resolved since then.
More generally, the MX-5 is a car that doesn’t get driven much (as confirmed by a study from iSeeCars, which identified it as the vehicle with the lowest average annual mileage), which is, at first glance, good news for buyers, but can also be a pitfall. For example, brakes that aren’t used enough can lead to a buildup of dirt and rust on the rotors, caliper seizure, and brake pad glazing. This is something to watch out for.
That pretty much covers it. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have any real concerns about buying a used MX-5, since its reliability record is quite impressive compared to other sports cars. Do your usual due diligence as a savvy consumer, and you’ll be able to drive with peace of mind.
