2018 Mazda Mx-5 problems

General information about Mazda-Mx-5
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls 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 2018 Mazda Mx-5 problems

The Mazda MX-5 2018 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. One of the issues is related to the automatic gearbox, particularly in models built between 5 October 2016 and 22 November 2018. These vehicles might downshift into a lower gear when the driver didn't ask for it, which can be a significant safety concern. A technician at a local Mazda dealer can update the software for the gearbox to prevent this from happening if the car is affected by this recall.

Another problem concerns the start/stop (i-ELOOP) system, which could lead to overheating and, in extreme circumstances, catch fire in vehicles manufactured between 15 May 2015 and 13 April 2017. Owners should ask a Mazda dealer to check whether their car is affected and have the software updated by a technician and the whole system inspected if necessary.

Some MX-5 owners have reported issues with the bodywork, non-engine electrics, and interior trim. According to the What Car? Reliability Survey, the MX-5 came eighth out of 15 cars in the coupé and convertibles class, with owners citing issues in these areas.

Additionally, a few cars built between May 2015 and April 2017 had a problem with their i-ELOOP stop start systems. If the car falls into that production window, owners should check that any remedial works have been carried out.

Furthermore, engine mounts can fail on harder-driven cars, and a few faulty throttle body modules have been reported. If you find one of the rare automatic models and the car in question was built between October 2016 and November 2018, make sure it doesn't downchange into a lower gear when you're not expecting it. If that happens, it's a sign of the need for a software update.

Lastly, some owners have reported issues with the rearview mirrors, roof liner above the rear window coming loose, window switches failing, leaking air con seals, and loose door sills. If you're looking at the folding metal roof RF model, you should check the workings of the retractable panels.

These issues are based on the complaints and problems reported by Mazda MX-5 2018 owners. It is essential to thoroughly inspect any potential vehicle purchase and address any concerns with the seller or a certified Mazda dealership.

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 2018 Miata reliable?

Reliable and outrageously fun to drive

Miata RF - GT is a beautiful, reliable car that is a joy to drive. I'm 6'1 and I fit in the car comfortably. The handling and performance of this car is better than cars with a higher price-tag.

What is the transmission problem on the 2018 Miata?

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.

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.

2018 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
Electrical system problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Engine problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Mazda Mx-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Mazda Mx-5 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Mazda Mx-5.

2024-06-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
VIN: JM1NDAC75J0
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 Club Sport, manual transmission Heading home from a friends house that evening, transmission started whirring/whining in 6th gear, then 5th, and so on through 2nd - 1st gear seems to be unaffected. I was forced to apply hazard flashers and travel well below the speed limit in the right lane of the PA turnpike until I made my way to local roads. As I got closer to home, there was also a slight crunch between gears. All of the symptoms above got worse until arriving home, where the vehicle was parked to await diagnosis/repair. 2016+ Mazda Miata MX-5 manual transmissions are infamous for being fragile, but I never expected my transmission to fail before I reached 20,000 miles on the odometer. Mazda also refused to refund it due to my car being just months out of warranty. I am now out $2000+ from sourcing a new transmission and having it installed on a relatively new car, which is unheard of.

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2020-12-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-07-01
VIN: JM1NDAB71J0
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Summary: I'VE OWNED MY 2018 MAZDA MX-5 FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEMS SLOW STARTED ARISING. AT FIRST I HADN'T NOTICED, BUT WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF 'DRIVE' THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS EITHER GOING TO STALL OR ACCELERATE. I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT WAS BECAUSE IT'S A 'SPORTS CAR.' IN AUGUST OF 2020 THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2020, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS MALFUNCTION AS WELL. I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AS TO WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT'S ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. I'VE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE OCTOBER OF 2018. INTERNET FORUMS SUGGESTED FAULTS WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. I'VE INFORMED THE MAZDA OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THESE ISSUES AND INFORMED THEM OF THE INCONVENIENCE. MAKE NOTE I HAVE ONLY MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILING. I'VE PROVIDED THEM WITH MY VIN AND YET TO HEAR FROM THEM SINCE. IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME TO DO RESEARCH ON MY VIN, SO I DID AND MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN AFTER APOLOGIZING FOR POSSIBLY BEING RUDE, I FIND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A SERIOUS RECALL SINCE FEBRUARY 01ST OF 2019. A YEAR AND 10 MONTHS AND NO RECALL NOTICE WHAT SO EVER! SHOULDN'T THE DEALERSHIP KNOW OF THE PROBLEMS! SERIOUSLY I COULD HAVE DIED! I QUOTE, DIRECTLY FROM NHTSA, 'THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DOWNSHIFT WHILE DRIVING MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.' THIS IS INCREDIBLY DEPRESSING, SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. THEY HAD CLOSE TO 2 YEARS TO INFORM ME OF THIS RECALL AND I HAD TO FIND OUT MYSELF.

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2019-11-22

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
VIN: JM1NDAD71J0
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: STARTED FROM CREAK NOISE AS CAR START TO MOVE, ACCELERATE OR STOP. NOW IT DEVELOPED TO SOME TICKING NOISE EVERY TIME CAR ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE. THE CAR IS ONLY AT ABOUT 9700 MI WENT TO SPREEN MAZDA LOMA LINDA CA TO INSPECT THE CAR. THEY SAID IT IS NORMAL AND COME BACK WHEN IT GETS WORSE

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2018 Mazda Mx-5 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 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.

2021-11-12

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

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 2018 Mazda Mx-5 problems:

RF issues and leaks - MX-5 Miata Forum

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=735307

I watched this Scotty Kilmer video where he talked about convertibles. ... Are leaks really common over time in RF or ST? Does the retractable top ...

Q&A: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring - Common Problems ...

https://www.justanswer.com/mazda/iba33-2018-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand-touring-replaced-car.html

Dec 13, 2021 ... Sorry to hear that. The key system might have been triggered when you replaced the battery. I'd recommend disconnecting the battery for 10 min ...

MK4/ND Problems - MX-5 Chat - MX-5 Owners Club Forum

https://forum.mx5oc.co.uk/t/mk4-nd-problems/96823

Jul 9, 2018 ... 9 July 2018 13:24 2. Hi I'm new to this but had 5 mx5 cars in last ten years and just bought a mk4 . ... Gearbox was replaced by Mazda but that ...