2006 Mazda MX-5: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Started out as intermittent Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner system warning light about 3 months ago. Over the last 2 weeks, the warning stayed on per the manual and required replacement. I had this service performed on 3/6/2024 at a cost of $811.43 by Sumter Tire and Auto using Preordered Mazda parts invoiced on 3/1/2024.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2024
“When it rains, water leaks into and pools under seats and in the trunk. Just had the top replaced, so it is not due to an old top. Just recently purchased this car.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2018
“Passenger airbag seat sensor not detecting persons in seat. Airbags remain turned off. Passenger airbag off indicated, code 48 flashes on dash. Common problem. Doesn't matter if car is moving or not.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a 2006 mx5 miata and there is a strong fuel smell and cap will not stay tight also getting check engine light. I contacted mazda and they said there is a known defect in the filler neck and cap will come off. Fuel sloshes out and I replaced cap with an updated one. Still comes loose leading the filler neck issue. They will not repair as its not a recall. My concern is that it is a fire hazard and they will not repair a defect that is known to happen. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2014
“The mx-5 has a design flaw in the roof drains on the canvas convertible top. It floods constantly. I am really growing tired of vacuuming up water in this car. It even floods the trunk. Wet feet in standing water makes for a safety issue driving the car until you can get to a wet vac to evacuate standing water. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2014
“Goodyear eagle gt 205 45/r17 88v tires on a mazda mx-5 grand tour, 2006. The tires had about 25000 miles on them with lots of tread left when the incident happened. One tire went flat and it was discovered that all four, including the flat, tires had developed slices or cracks along the entire inter wall of all four tires. It appears like the wall and inner belt have separated and the rubber just becomes stressed and week and cracks. This could have resulted in multiple (possible all four) tires from going flat at the same time. I have pictures and am contacting goodyear through sam's club tires. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2013
“Excessive flooding in cabin on drivers and passenger side as well as trunk. Mazda has since modified their roof drain system as this is a known defect. Once the model is out of factory warranty, they refuse to replace parts with updated parts to fix the problem. The convertible roof itself does not leak. It is the design of the roof drainage system. Mazda needs to be held accountable for fixing all of these cars. The new parts include debris filters and ribbed valves which reduce baffles getting stuck shut in the drain lines. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2011
“The mx-5 has a design flaw in the roof drain on the candace convertible top. It floods your car your floorboards and your truck is filled with water. It is very costly to have this replaced and carpets drained of water and then cleaned. I love my car but if I had known of this defect I would not have purchased it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2011
“It has been well documented that the seat belt retractors in 2006 mazda miatas fail to retract the seat belt. Initial mazda denied the existence of the problem and in my case told me it was normal for a seat belt not to retract. In response mazda finally issued a tsb (08-001/11) in 2008 which recommends washing the seat-belt and replacing the retractor guide - but not replacing the retractor. The solution offered by mazda is inadequate and fails to address the root cause of the defective condition. The result is seat belts that don't retract leaving the seat belt exposed to being damaged by being pinched in door closings. Et cetra. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2010
“I have noticed a "squeak" in the console between the 2 seats, and a huge leak on the driver's side (entire floor carpet was soaked from the front to underneath the driver's seat) of our new miata ms-5 (less than 5,000 miles). *jb”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BOLT ATTACHING THE HORN ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB MAY FAIL DURING A DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 800-222-5500.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2006 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact MX-5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Mazda MX-5. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 2006 Mazda MX-5 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.