Mazda MX-5 reliability
The Mazda MX-5 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 31.6% of 69,088 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
9 DVSA recalls for the Mazda MX-5
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Fuel Pipe Concern
On affected vehicles The brackets used to secure the fuel pipes to the engine may not be tightened sufficiently. If the engine is repeatedly operated at high speed such as during circuit driving vibrations may cause the fuel pipe to resonate potentially causing the pipe to leak. The fuel leakage may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Replace the fuel pipe with a modified part.
Recalled models: MX5 · 6,013 vehicles
MX-5 Traction/Stability Light May Fail to Illuminate
On affected vehicles the Traction Control System (TCS)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may not illuminate when abnormal yaw rate characteristics are detected due to a software diagnostic programming error. This issue does not affect vehicle drivability or braking performance.
Fix: Replace the DSC Hydraulic Unit/Control Module (HU/CM) with a modified part that includes improved software.
Recalled models: MX5 · 1,914 vehicles
MX-5 Parking Assist Unit Reprogramming
On affected vehicles when reversing obstructions may not be detected correctly due to inappropriate software in the parking assist unit which may increase the risk of an accident.
Fix: Reprogram the parking assist unit.
Recalled models: MX5 · 720 vehicles
Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed
The impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump may become deformed causing fuel pump failure.
Fix: Replace the low-pressure fuel pump with an improved part.
Recalled models: MX5 · 26,974 vehicles
Undershield metal bracket may separate from vehicle
The metal bracket used to secure an under shield may separate from the vehicle.
Fix: Replacement of the front under shield with a modified part
Recalled models: MX5 · 968 vehicles
Models fitted with automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift
Automatic Transmission may unexpectedly downshift.
Fix: Reprogram of the software contained within the Transmission Control Module.
Recalled models: MX5 · 697 vehicles
Control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert electrical power away from capacitor in the event of a fault
On the subject vehicles the control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. This can cause a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire. The fault is accompanied by the �i-ELOOP� warning light being illuminated on the instrument cluster along with the �i-Stop� warning light flashing The engine may in some circumstances stall and fail to restart. In extreme cases the DCDC converter could overheat and cause a fire
Fix: Reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. If error code �U3000: 49-DCDC� is stored � the DCDC Converter must also be replaced.
Recalled models: MX5 · 965 vehicles
Fog lamp security concern.
Repeated thermal expansion and shrinkage in use may cause the front fog light socket holder to become detached from the fog light case. As a consequence an exposed hot bulb may come into contact with part of the vehicle body or fittings.
Fix: Attach a spring to the rear of the fog light to prevent the socket holder detaching from the fog light case.
Recalled models: MX5 · 28,339 vehicles
Drivers floor mat may interfere with throttle pedal
The floor mat fitted in the driver's footwell may interfere with the throttle pedal and cause the throttle to stick open. This may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace mat with modified type.
Recalled models: MX5 · 167 vehicles
Checking a Mazda MX-5 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.