2016 Mazda Mx-5 problems
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 2016 Mazda Mx-5 problems
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, introduced in 2016, is a popular two-seat roadster known for its reliability and performance. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
- Under Shield Bracket: Some examples built between 26 May and 6 July 2015 could have an issue with a metal bracket used to keep the under shield in place failing. A dealer will be able to check if your car is affected by this and arrange to have a replacement bracket installed free of charge.
- Automatic Gearbox: If your MX-5 has an automatic gearbox and was built between 5 October 2016 and 22 November 2018, it might downshift into a lower gear when you didn't ask it to. A technician at your local Mazda dealer will need to update the software for the gearbox if it is affected by this recall to prevent this from happening.
- Stop/Start (i-ELOOP): In issue with the start/stop (called i-ELOOP) of vehicles manufactured between 15 May 2015 and 13 April 2017 could lead to the system overheating and in extreme circumstances, catch fire. Ask a Mazda dealer to check whether or not your car is affected; if it is, it'll need to have the software updated by a technician and the whole system inspected because certain parts may need to be replaced.
- Climate System: Some owners have reported issues with the climate system, including AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage. These issues can lead to blowing warm air or other climate control malfunctions.
- Paint and Trim: Some owners have reported issues with paint and trim, including chipping, fading, or other cosmetic damage. This can be a concern for those looking for a well-maintained vehicle, especially if the car is out of warranty.
- Noises and Leaks: Some owners have reported noises and leaks, which can be a sign of a more significant issue with the vehicle's mechanical components. These issues can range from minor leaks to more significant problems with the engine or transmission.
- In-car Electronics: Some owners have reported issues with in-car electronics, including malfunctions with the infotainment system, navigation, and other electronic features. These issues can be a concern for those looking for a modern and reliable vehicle with up-to-date technology features.
In summary, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata is known for its reliability and performance, there are some common problems that owners have reported. These include issues with the under shield bracket, automatic gearbox, stop/start system, climate system, paint and trim, noises and leaks, and in-car electronics. It is essential to be aware of these issues and have them checked by a qualified Mazda dealer or mechanic to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
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 the 2016 MX-5 a good car?
It's not just hype, either, as the Miata is as good as advertised. Like every MX-5 before it, the 2016 model is best when the road turns twisty. It zips around turns with an enthusiasm few other cars can match, while the efficient four-cylinder engine makes enough power and sound to keep the good times rolling.
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.
Is the Miata MX-5 reliable?
Quality and Reliability 76.0/100
The 2023 Mazda Miata has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
2016 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:
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Mazda Mx-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Mazda Mx-5
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Mazda Mx-5. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Mazda Mx-5 vehicles.
2024-09-24
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- VIN: JM1NDAC73G0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-06-19
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-15
- VIN: JM1NDAC73G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 6 speed manual transmission failure at 59,000 miles Started not shifting into 3rd, then shortly after, the transmission locked up in a intersection. Which stalled the vehicle out. Was able to move the vehicle by hand, out of heavy traffic. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual transmissions. I dropped and changed it for a used one. While I rebuild the original. As I am also outside of warranty.
2024-01-05
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-07
- VIN: JM1NDAD70G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: On December 7, 2023 at approximately 10:30pm, I was traveling west bound on [XXX] . Suddenly, there was a loud thumping noise from under the passenger seat. After about 10 seconds, it escalated to an extremely loud banging and the smell of oil. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I immediately attempted to pull off the road. This area is in the middle of a mesa with no streetlights and a speed of a 65mph road. I immediately put on my hazard lights and was stranded. The dangerousness of this situation was insurmountable. I was in a 2 seated convertible, partially on the road with no streetlights as cars and trucks flew by me at speeds above 65mph. Had I been hit from behind; I would have been killed instantaneously. I contacted AAA for emergency towing. The tow truck was deployed. In the meantime, I sat there helplessly. A passerby stopped to try to help but was unable to get the car to roll to a safe area off the road. Time passed. About an hour later, I called AAA again stating the dire need for assistance and the call was elevated to emergency. At this time a police officer drove by. I explained the situation and he parked behind me with lights on, potentially stopping a fatal situation. The tow truck finally arrived, and my car was towed to the address on my warranty above. I contacted Southern Automotive in Rio Rancho and was placed on a wait list for the car to be seen. I contacted CareGuard and they stated I could take the car to any automotive place for repair that was qualified to work on a Mazda. I confirmed this with Southern Automotive. They are AAA qualified, and service qualified for Mazda. They were not able to get the car in until 12/18/23. The car sat in my garage. On 12/18/23, Southern Automotive sent a tow truck to pick up the car. On Tuesday, 12/19/23, I received a call from Cody at Southern Automotive. The car had had a “catastrophic event in the rear differential” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023-07-18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-01
- VIN: JM1NDAD72G0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I recently bought a used 2016 Mazda Miata convertible, and when the convertible top is up, the inner liner droops down and obscures about 1/4 to 1/3 of the rear window. I looked online for this problem and found that there are lots of 2016 Mazda Convertible Owners with the same problem. There are some fixes posted online about the problem, but many of the folks doing the fixes report that the problem reoccurs after the fix. Is there a NTSB bulleting about this problem? The rear window in a 2016 Mazda convertible is small enough to start with, let alone having a goodly portion of it obscured by the drooping headliner.
2023-04-10
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-10
- VIN: JM1NDAC79G0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering: At 55+ MPH I feel a slight bind when I make a steering change. It then releases only after I've put in too much steering correction. This occurs when in a steady direction, or whether I'm in a steady, high speed turn. It feels like a snapping rubber band. You can read about other Miata drivers who have the same issue at: miata.net in the forum. The link: https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=714849&highlight=steering+stick
2022-08-11
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-07
- VIN: Jm1ndac77g0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The top windshield trim piece popped off while on the highway. The windshield has never been replaced and this trim piece has never been removed. All but one of the clips failed.
2022-05-16
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1NDAC74G0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was in an accident on May 1st 2022. I was traveling south when another car hit me. The airbags didn't deploy at all none of them did you can see from the pics and video I have attached and hear the audio from my dash cam saying the airbag deployment was detected but no airbags came out. (Dash cam video won't upload but I can email or text it if needed) the car is currently at the Ken garff Honda body shop in Riverdale Utah.
2021-12-09
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-09
- VIN: JM1NDAC71G0
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Since 2019 there have been several instances with my vehicle where someone has been able to knock the power offline thereby disabling it. It happened in five locations - a storage location in Olive BranchN MS, a former address in Memphis, TN (4330 Angarath Dr), a restaurant (Sonic) in Greenville, MS and twice in Greenville, MS both at a local park (Hardee Park). I never received any recall notices during this time regarding my vehicle ref a problem with the internal lighting for the odometer / gas meter, for the alarm system, for the battery, chasis - the frame shakes - I even reported feeling something when I first bought it back in Nov of 2015, and the door locks on the driver side stated losing the notification of being locked so I have to walk back to check and have found out that some additional delay is happening causing it not to lock properly so I open and close it to get it to lock. I have received any notifications for issues with locks, power, or the suspension (chasis). My car has been stole from the dealership in Memphis near the Germantown TN area, from storage and then from the parking lot of my current address in Greenville MS. I reported all of this to local management and I told the prior people that had the dealership that something had happened to my car and they joked around trying to make a joke out of it. I called the prior service manager and a Mazda dealer in Atlanta when it was knocked offline in 2019 and was told it was an issue they could not resolve over the phone but told me to try a couple of things to see it would start. I finally heard back from the one in Memphis who agreed and I got it to start after sitting in that park almost stranded. They did it again yesterday but it would not start even after I know I spent almost $200 on a new battery after it shutdown at a local restaurant and it would not start after an electrical spark hut the car and shocked my leg. The car is only 5 years old; it shouldn't have these problems.
2021-05-11
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-23
- VIN: JM1NDAD72G0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO CHECK AND SAW THAT THE UPPER MOLDING PART OF THE CAR HAD BROKEN OFF.
2021-01-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-01
- VIN: JM1NDAD79G0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPIDER CRACKING ON CENTER DISPLAY MAZDA SERVICE BULLETIN R018/18. SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY WILL NOT REPAIR EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A NOTED MFG DEFECT. SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS SCREEN WILL BECOME ON READABLE AND SAFETY IS A 5 YR WARRANTY ADV NO. MAZDA SHOULD OF NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE DID NOT.
2020-10-24
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-01
- VIN: JM1NDAD7XG0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING. AC COMPRESSOR HOSE CRACKED. SHOP SAID THIS IS HAPPENING SO MUCH, TO THIS YEAR/ MODEL, THAT THEY KEEP THE PART IN STOCK.
2020-10-24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: JM1NDAD7XG0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING, MOST OF THE TIME THE BLIND SPOT SENSOR DOES NOT TURN ON (SOUND AND LIGHT). IT CAN GO DAYS WITHOUT TURNING ON AT ALL THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WORKS 1 OR 2 TIMES.
2020-10-21
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-05
- VIN: JM1NDAB71G0
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: SUN VISORS ON FIRST GENERATION ND MX-5 SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, LEADING TO DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. I WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FAILED ON MY CAR. THE VISOR WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN POSITION. IT JUST HUNG AT THE BOTTOMMOST POSITION. AS A TALL DRIVER I FIRST SCRUNCHED DOWN IN THE SEAT IN ORDER TO SEE PROPERLY OUT THE WINDSHIELD. EVENTUALLY I HELD THE SAGGING VISOR UP WITH MY LEFT HAND AND STEERED/SHIFTED WITH MY RIGHT HAND. NOT IDEAL AND DEFINITELY NOT PERFECTLY SAFE. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH FIRST GENERATION NDS.THOUGH THE SUN VISORS IN MY 2016 ND HAVE BEEN USED SPARINGLY, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VISORS HAVE FAILED IN THE SAME PLACE: AT THE HINGE NEAR THE DOME LIGHT. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS NEARLY $300, NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THE PART WAS QUICKLY REDESIGNED BY MAZDA BUT OWNERS OF EARLY VINS ARE OUT OF LUCK.
2020-04-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-16
- VIN: JM1NDAD78G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE STATIONARY AND DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR AND YOU SOMETIMES MUST SHOVE IT IN, INTERMITTENT ISSUE. ALSO A TON OF GEAR WHINE UNDER MODERATE THROTTLE IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. FAILURE MILEAGE IS 41,118 MILES. FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AT SPEED COULD RESULT IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF FORWARD PROPULSION. MAZDA HAS RELEASED A TSB ON THIS REF IS R083/16B AND 05-007/16 YET ARE BASICALLY TELLING ME IT'S UP TO THE NHTSA TO RECALL IT OR THERE'S NOTHING THEY WILL DO UNTIL IT COMPLETELY GRENADES AND POTENTIALLY CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT A SMALL ISSUE AFFECTING A SMALL BATCH OF CARS, THIS IS A FAIRLY WIDESPREAD ISSUE AFFECTING A LARGE SPAN IN PRODUCTION. FROM INTERNAL SOURCES I'VE LEARNED MAZDA IS ON THE FOURTH SEPARATE REVISION OF THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN THE 4TH GENERATION MX-5 AND EVEN SOME 3RD REVISION TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SHOWN WEAKNESS. IN SHORT, THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE 2.0L ENGINE IN THE U.S MODEL, INSTEAD WAS ONLY INTENDED TO BE USED WITH THE LESS TORQUEY 1.5L IN THE EUROPEAN AND JAPANESE MODEL. MAZDA USA PUSHED FOR THE 2.0L LAST MINUTE IN PRODUCTION FOR MORE POWER IN THE U.S MARKET DESPITE NOT HAVING A SUITABLE MANUAL TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE. THE DIFFERENCE IN MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES HAS LED TO SEVERAL INSTANCES OF COMPLETE GEAR FAILURE IN STOCK COMPLETELY UNMODIFIED CARS AND IS AN ACCEPTED DESIGN FLAW BY MAZDA AND WHY THEY HAVE HAD SO MANY COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULS IN A SHORT SPAN. IN SHORT EVERY MANUAL MX-5 THAT WAS PRODUCED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6TH 2016 HAS A TRANSMISSION THAT'S A TICKING TIME BOMB. MINE IS SEPTEMBER 2015 PRODUCTION DATE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS TSB SHOULD BE REFERENCED AND THESE TRANSMISSION RECALLED. A WEIRD COINCIDENCE IS THIS VERY CAR ALSO HAD AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL. I HAVE ATTACHED THE REFERENCED TSB BELOW. PLEASE RECALL. *TR
2020-03-02
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-29
- VIN: JM1NDAD72G0
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THESE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT CAME ON MY CAR WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016. WHEN I WAS ROTATING THESE TIRES FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 6138 MILES I NOTICED THAT THESE TIRES WERE SPLITTING OPEN IN THE GROOVES THAT RUN AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF A BLOWOUT IN ONE OR MORE TIRES. THESE BRIGESTONE POTENZA S001 TIRES SHOULD BE WATCHED CLOSELY IF THEY ARE SPLITTING OPEN WITH ONLY 6138 MILES AND 3 1/2 YEARS OF USE. I FEEL THAT THESE ARE VERY UNSAFE TIRES.
2019-12-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1NDAB76G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ACROSS AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING ACROSS THE INTERSECTION COLIDED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 2019643494 WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
2019-12-07
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-12
- VIN: JM1NDAD70G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON A PUBLIC 2-LANE ROAD AND UPSHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR AT ABOUT 6,500 RPM MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED FROM ABOUT 65 MPH AND COASTED TO A STOP. I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WAS A JUST ADEQUATE SHOULDER, AND I WAS ABLE TO AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED BY FASTER TRAFFIC. I PULLED AS FAR TO THE RIGHT AS I COULD, STILL WITHING 4 FEET OF THE PAVEMENT. I DETERMINED THAT I COULD STILL DRIVE IN 1ST GEAR AND, DRIVING ONLY ON THE SHOULDER, DROVE THE CAR TO A WIDER, SAFER SPOT. A FRIEND CAME BY LATER WITH HIS TRUCK AND TRAILER TO TAKE MY CAR TO MY HOME. I THEREUPON HAD IT TOWED TO A MAZDA DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE, 3RD GEAR SPECIFICALLY, AND TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY THE GEARBOX DIDN'T SIEZE AND CAUSE A LACK OF CONTROL. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST TO ME.
2019-05-26
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-07
- VIN: JM1NDAD79G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I OWN THE 2016 MX-5 ND GT WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS ABOUT 35,000 ISH MILES ON IT, BUT IT'S STARTING TO HAVE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS. 1) THE CAR HAS ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION DELAY FROM GEAR 1 & 2, THE TORQUE, HP, NONE OF IT FEEL THE SAME AS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. 2) THE CAR WILL START HAVING RATTLING NOISE ISSUES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, I SUSPECT FROM THE HEAT SHIELD WHICH IS MADE FROM THIN ALUMINUM MATERIAL. ALSO RATTLING FROM INSIDE, ALL THE PLASTIC PARTS FROM WITHIN THE CABIN, SEAT, DASHBOARD, ETC 3) THE GEAR BOX IS NOT SMOOTH AND SOMETIMES WOULD HAVE HARD TIME SHIFTING. IN MY CASE, I HAVE ISSUES FROM 5 TO 6. I LITERALLY HAVE TO GIVE IT 1 OR 2 SEC DELAY AFTER SHIFTING HALF WAY SO THAT IT WILL EASE ITSELF IN. ALSO SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION JERKS 4.) WHEN MOVING OR TURNING FROM STATIONARY, THE CAR MAKES GRINDING NOISE FROM UNDER THE CAR
2019-05-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-14
- VIN: JM1NDAD77G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS MADE OF WEAK GRADE MATERIALS AND RUNNING AT HIGH TEMPS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. I AM ON MY SECOND TRANSMISSION AND MAZDA FAILS TO HELP OR ADDRESS THE CONCERN. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PROVEN BY MANY SHOPS AT THIS POINT AND MOST IMPORTANTLY BY A MAZDA ENGINEER ON A YOUTUBE VIDEO. THIS MAZDA ENGINEER SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT WEAK TOLERANCES ARE CAUSING MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS TO SHEAR TEETH UNDER LOAD. BOTH TIMES MY TRANSMISSIONS PARTS EXPLODED I WAS AT SPEED. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON A CITY STREET, THE SECOND TIME WAS ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. THE FIRST TIME, NO GEARS WERE USABLE AND I HAD TO BE TOWED HOME AFTER COASTING MY CAR TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL. THE SECOND TIME I COULD ONLY USE 4TH GEAR AND HAD TO LIMP HOME.
2019-05-07
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-03
- VIN: JM1NDAD71G0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY JUMPS OUT OF 4TH GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AT HIGHWAYS SPEED. THIS WILL TYPICALLY HAPPEN ON A MODERATELY STEEP DOWNWARD GRADE (E.G. CALIFORNIA HIGHYWAY 17 BETWEEN SUGARLOAF ROAD AND GLENWOOD CUTOFF HEADING TOWARDS SAN JOSE, OR THE CURVE KNOWN AS THE "VALLEY SURPRISE" JUST PAST SUMMIT ROAD AND HIGHWAY 17 INTERSECTION) AS THE VEHICLE SLOWS AND ENGINE BRAKING KICKS IN. STEPS TO REPRODUCE: PLACE VEHICLE IN 4TH GEAR. DRIVE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR. ON DOWNHILL GRADE BACK OFF ACCELERATOR AS ENGINE BRAKING BEGINS THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY JUMPS INTO NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY AND REPRODUCIBLY. VEHICLE IS UNDER MAZDA WARRANTY. DATE IS JUST AN INDICATION. THE FAULT OCCURS DAILY.
2018-12-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-01
- VIN: JM1NDAD7XG0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS SHAKE. MIRROR COVERS ON VISORS BROKE, NEVER EVEN USED MIRRORS. BURNS OIL.
2018-06-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: JM1NDAC70G0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR WAS IN MOTION, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE RED KEY LIGHT ON THE ENGINE START BUTTON STARTED FLASHING. WHEN WE GOT HOME THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ALSO COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR. FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO TURN OFF AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR DEALERSHIP FOUND SEVERAL CODES STORED, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH RED WARNING LIGHTS START FLASHING WHEN DRIVING, CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND WE COULD NOT SHIFT THE CAR.
2017-10-27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-21
- VIN: JM1NDAD74G0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM WOULD DISENGAGE ( COME OFF) WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING WHILE ANOTHER VEHICLE IS WITHIN RANGE ( CLOSE ON YOUR LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE. NO LIGHT INDICATES ON DASH THAT THE SYSTEM IS OFF NOR ANY WARNING OR BEEPS IS HEARD IF YOU ACTIVATE YOU CHANGE LANE SIGNALS. THIS HAS HAPPEN RANDOMLY AT LEAST THREE TIMES ALL SIMILAR. EVEN IF YOU DEPRESS AND RELEASE THE SWITCH FOR THIS FEATURE WHILE DRIVING ( TO TURN IT OFF OR ON) IT DOES NOT REACTIVATE THIS FEATURE NOR IS THEIR ANY INDICATION IN THE DASHBOARD. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTING THE CAR THEN THIS FEATURE IS ACTIVATED.. SO FAR THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH A BUSY CITY HIGHWAY AND SECONDARY ROADS.WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS MATTER HAS BEEN REPORTED TO MAZDA USA AND THE DEALER GARDEN CITY MAZDA IN NY STATE.LAST INSTANT WAS 10/21/17.
2017-10-26
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-23
- VIN: JM1NDAC73G0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: OWNERS MANUAL (ATTACHED) DOES NOT MENTION THE FOAM FILTERS LOCATED BENEATH THE PLASTIC FILTERS (PHOTO ATTACHED). COMPLAINT IS THAT THE FOAM FILTERS DO NOT DRY, AND BECOME CAKED WITH BLACK MOLD. IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, THE FOAM FILTERS HAVE BEEN SOAKED WITH BLEACH TO KILL THE MOLD, AND WASHED TO CLEAN OUT THE MOLD "SCALE". IN ADDITION TO THE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE, CLOGGED WITH MOLD FILTERS CAN PREVENT PROPER OPERATION OF THE DRAINS, RESULTING IN FLOODING OF THE CAR INTERIOR, AND RUST. WATER EXPOSURE CAN BE FROM CAR WASHING AS WELL A RAIN, BOTH BEING ROUTINE EXPOSURES.
2017-04-15
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-12
- VIN: JM1NDAB70G0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY MIATA IS FULL OF CHIPS AND I HAVE ONLY 941 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE OWNED 6 CARS PRIOR TO THIS ONE, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE AND THIS MIATA IS MY SECOND CAR USED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2016 Mazda Mx-5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Mazda Mx-5.
2024-09-18
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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 are expected to be mailed November 17, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
- Consequence: Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.
2019-02-01
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Mazda Mx-5 problems:
Question about the MX-5 (2016, ND) Transmission Issues : r/Miata
https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/riq3g1/question_about_the_mx5_2016_nd_transmission_issues/
Dec 17, 2021 ... Question about the MX-5 (2016, ND) Transmission Issues · I've seen extremely, extremely few examples of anyone whose transmission failed during ...
Common faults with the ND? - MX-5 Chat - MX-5 Owners Club Forum
https://forum.mx5oc.co.uk/t/common-faults-with-the-nd/89298
Nov 18, 2016 ... Reports of dealers addressing the issue by installing spacers were made. I'd like to know if Mazda have amended their manufacturing processes to ...
Common issues to look for before purchase (ND, 2016) : r/Miata
https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/pkw1di/common_issues_to_look_for_before_purchase_nd_2016/
Sep 9, 2021 ... There is also an issue with the glue of the infotainment screen letting go on the inside of the screen in early models, which shows as white ...
Known Mx-5 Nd issues. - MX-5 Miata Forum
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=598576
The real problem with the "So Many Problems" was that it was populated mostly with non issues. Wrinkled soft tops,squeaking door hinges, wind ...
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2016/reliability/
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Climate System · Paint And Trim · Noises And Leaks · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Body Hardware · Steering And ...
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