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    2012
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Mazda MX-5 Miata Change Vehicle

    The Miata is a fun-to-drive, low-slung little roadster, with pinpoint handling, instant power delivery, and a crisp manual gearbox. Excellent fuel economy is an extra bonus. While it remains very tight, the cabin has grown a little more livable over the years. The ride is surprisingly tolerable, but cabin noise can grow wearying on long cruises.
    2012
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Mazda MX-5 Miata

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    NA
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    NA
    2005
    NA
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    NA
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    NA
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    NA
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    NA
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS available, standard from 2006. Side air bags standard from 2006. ESC available from 2006, standard from 2012.
    Road Test

    The Miata is a fun-to-drive, low-slung little roadster, with pinpoint handling, instant power delivery, and a crisp manual gearbox. Excellent fuel economy is an extra bonus. While it remains very tight, the cabin has grown a little more livable over the years. The ride is surprisingly tolerable, but cabin noise can grow wearying on long cruises. The retractable powered hardtop operates easily but adds additioanl expense and does little to reduce noise.

    Seating
    2 front
    Drive Wheels
    Rear
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    convertible
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed Automatic
    • 5-speed Manual
    • 6-speed Manual
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 (167 hp)
    • 2-liter 4 (158 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    “Problem was intermittent”

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    “On a random basis the display screen for the stereo would go blank”

    David T., KS (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    CD player

    “On fall pre-storage prep the 6 CD changer would not eject 4 of the discs. In the spring Mazda removed the player, but could not repair locally. Am awaiting return of the repaired unit while the dash has a gaping hole where the player used to be”

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    “Screen display on radio (station, volume, time, etc.) goes blank at times. Dealer said car is out of warranty and it would cost me $1,200.00 to replace the unit. I then contacted Mazda and told them this should not happen after only 18,000 miles even though the car is 5 years old. They claimed this is not an issue they have a history of and denied my request for a free or reduced cost replacement”

    Todd L., FL (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Load more

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    “Squecks around retractable hard top”

    Patti B., TX (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    “This has the retractable hard top. When closed, it makes some clunks that are not present when top is down. Also odd clicks that seem to be around the dash. Mildly annoying”

    Michael G., CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    “AT 40MPH I HEAR WHISTLING FROM LEFT FRONT WINDOW”

    Marshall C., ME (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    “Power supply for the advanced headlight system failed and needed to be replaced (under warrantee)”

    Elliott-Pam G., VT (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Warning lights

    “Hand brake light comes on intermittently. Hand brake is not engaged!”

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    “Emergency brake warning light illuminates intermittently and the AM radio reception shorts out. Short in cable bundle behind the dash is suspected”

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    “Rear wheels would hop around corner on a bump. Shock/struts were weak and needed replacement”

    Steven L., NJ (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    What Owners Say

    Ignition switch

    “Car would not start the day after I bought it Had it towed to my local repair shop and a major fuse had blown Cost about $100 Dealer said he would remburse me but it would take a while so I get an oil change and pin stripping on the Miata Looks cool”

    J O., FL (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    “shfting improper and clutch assembly change upon inspection”

    Michel B., QC (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaking

    “After four times having the car serviced to repair the brake squeaking, we have just learned to live with it”

    Barbara L., CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Convertible top

    “Cracks holes needs replacement”

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Change Vehicle