2011 Mazda Mx-5 problems

General information about Mazda-Mx-5
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster (マツダ・ロードスター, Matsuda Rōdosutā) or Eunos Roadster (ユーノス・ロードスター, Yūnosu Rōdosutā) in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata (/miˈɑːtə/) in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as Miata.

Manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima plant, the MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was conceived and executed under a tightly focused design credo, Jinba ittai (人馬一体), meaning "oneness of horse and rider". Widely noted for its small, light, technologically modern, dynamically balanced and minimally complex design, the MX-5 has frequently been called a spiritual successor to 1950s and '60s Italian and British roadster sports cars. The Lotus Elan was used as a design benchmark.

Generations were internally designated with a two-letter code, beginning with the first generation, the NA. The second generation (NB) launched in 1998 for MY 1999; followed by the third generation (NC) in 2005 for MY 2006, and the fourth generation (ND) in 2015 for MY 2016.

As the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history, the MX-5 has been marketed globally, with production exceeding one million, as of early 2016. The name miata derives from Old High German for "reward".

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Common 2011 Mazda Mx-5 problems

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is generally considered a reliable vehicle, but there are some common problems that owners have reported. One issue is a strange buzzing noise from near the gearlever when the car is accelerating. Mazda has stated that this is nothing to worry about, but it can still be an annoyance for some drivers.

Another issue is related to the roof-folding mechanism. In both the roadster and Coupe Cabriolet versions, it's important to check for any signs of leaks, tears, or damage in the roof-folding mechanism. The Coupe Cabriolet's roof can stick half open due to faulty position sensors, and careless owners may leave the roof down in poor weather, leading to damp patches and water marks on seats and carpets.

In terms of the drivetrain, some owners have reported a loud whining noise from the rear differential and a squealing noise when moving away from rest quickly. The fuelling system has also caused an annoying stutter when the car is slowing down. These issues can be more than a bit annoying, especially when enjoying a favorite road.

Lastly, if the MX-5 is used rarely, the brake calipers can seize up. This is a car that is at its best and most reliable when being driven often. You'll know if your car's brake calipers have begun to seize up because the car will likely pull to one side when you hit the brakes, and when you pull over at the end of a drive, you'll notice that one of the front brakes (and often wheels) will be much hotter than the other. The only solution is to jack up the car, set it on axle stands, remove the wheels, then strip down and clean up the brakes, before reassembling the lot.

In conclusion, while the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is generally considered a reliable vehicle, there are some common problems that owners have reported. These include a strange buzzing noise from near the gearlever, issues with the roof-folding mechanism, drivetrain noises, and brake caliper seizing. It's important to be aware of these issues and check for them when considering a purchase or maintaining the vehicle.

What is the most common problem with the Mazda MX-5?

Rust. This is by far the miata's. Biggest enemy especially the older ones the most common places where rust may form are in the rocker panels. And fender arches. Front frame rail rust may also be

Is 2011 Miata reliable?

This car has been fantastic! We love the Miata so much that we have owned 3 through the years. It is affordable, dependable, sporty and so much fun. The automatic hard top is great if you get caught in the rain.

Is the Mazda MX-5 a reliable car?

Is a used Mazda MX-5 sports reliable? In our 2023 used car reliability survey, the Mazda MX-5 was 10th out of 15 cars in the most reliable used sports car class. It scored 89.7%, a little down on its performance the year before. Mazda performed well in our manufacturer table, too.

How long do MX-5 engines last?

Cambelt is none interference so isn't terminal if it goes. Engines in mx5s are pretty reliable. Mines on a relatively low 105k or so. Far more likely to kill one is the body work rotting away before your eyes.

2011 Mazda Mx-5 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mx-5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Mazda Mx-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Mazda Mx-5 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Mazda Mx-5.

2011-07-12

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-03-31
VIN: JM1NC2PF6B0
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TOOK POSSESSION OF NEW CAR 3/31/2001. DROVE IT THAT NIGHT AND SUCCEEDING NIGHTS ON THE TWO LANE ROAD AROUND THE AREA WHERE I LIVE. I ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WHERE THE ONCOMING AUTO WOULD FLASH THEIR BRIGHT LIGHTS AT ME, BUT MY LIGHTS WERE ALREADY IN THE DIM MODE. I CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE HEADLIGHT BEAM LOWER. I CONTACTED MAZDA USA THREE TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAT TO THE DEALER WHERE I TOLD THEM THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE LIGHT BEAM IS SET AT THE FACTORY. ON A SUBSEQUENT TRIP TO CARLSBAD, NM WE DECIDED TO TAKE A COUNT OF THE NUMBER OF ONCOMING CARS PASSING US, AND THE NUMBER OF TIMES THEY FLASHED THEIR BRIGHT AT US (OUR LIGHTS WERE ON DIM). WE MET A TOTAL OF 1,232 VEHICLE. OF THOSE, 471 FLASHED THEIR HIGH BEAMS AT US; THAT'S 38&. I KEEP BEING TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MY LIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BRIGHT. I AGREE, BUT THE SHOULD NOT BLIND THE DRIVER IN THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. I HAVE TO APPLY TAPE OVER THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM AND NOW I GET ZERO BRIGHT BEAM FLASHES FROM ONCOMING CARS. OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS OFFER THE SAME TYPE OF LIGHTING FOR THEIR PRODUCE, BUT THEY ALSO INSTALL A DIAL THAT IS USED TO ADJUST THE LIGHT BEAMS UP AND DOWN. THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE SUCH A DEVICE. AFFIXING AN UGLY PIECE OF TAPE TO MY CAT IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED WHEN I PAID $ 34,000 FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE , AND I CANNOT GET ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO HELP ME FIND A REASONABLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND HONOR THE 3-YEAR WARRANTY FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE SITUATION CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS, AND IT TENDS TOWARD INVITING A HEAD-ON-COLLISION; A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY THAT IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. IT IS EITHER TAPE, OR I AM LIMITED TO NO DRIVING THIS CAR AT NIGHT, BOTH ARE WHICH NOT ACCEPTABLE. ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS ASK THEMSELVES, "WOULD I WANT TO BE DRIVING THIS CAR AT NIGHT LIKE IT IS? UPDATED 07/28/11*BF

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Mazda Mx-5 problems:

2011 Reliability issues? - MX-5 Miata Forum

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=716470

The reported issues with body hardware could be a reflection of problems with the NC's tops, particularly the PRHT (perusing the NC tops ...

2011 MAZDA MX-5 Miata Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/mazda/mx-5-miata/2011/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2011 MAZDA MX-5 Miata? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

What are common Mazda MX-5 Miata issues and problems? - Quora

https://www.quora.com/What-are-common-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-issues-and-problems

Nov 28, 2015 ... You are taller than about 6′4″ (1.9m) · You often need more than two seats · You think driving should be boring · You are rich enough to buy a ...