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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 MX-5 Miata is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

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.

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Loose/rattling heat shield

"At first the problem was not resolved when I took to a dealer, who wanted to replace the catalytic converter. I then took it to an aftermarket muffler repair shop, which removed the loose heat shield at no charge."

Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

""Aug: 2024 Air bag warning light started blinking. Mechanic diagnosis of computer stated driver side air bag needed to be replaced. Mechanic reset that light, but told me it would likely start blinking again. No reoccurrence as of 11 May 25. Due to cost and lack of warning light blinking reoccurrence, air bag was not replaced.""

Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

""Normal manual clutch wear has required 2 clutch kits to be used over the 120,000 miles of usage.""

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

Suspension/Steering

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

Bushings

"i heard a funny noise coming from the left front of my car. The mechanic said it was the bushings,and if one was bad we should change all 4."

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

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"There seems to be some sort of clearcoat peeling on the left side of the hood. I assume it is due to the heat of the engine."

Anonymous A., NC (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Other brakes problem

"I don't really know anything else. I trust my mechanic and do what they say. . .although i often ask questions. At 75, i don't remember details verywell. . .i'm sorry."

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

Noises/Leaks

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

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"There are squeaks in the retractable hardtop latch and on the left side above the windshield that I haven't been able to resolve. There is also a leak in the driver's door that allows water to flow into the speaker resulting in very bad distortion. The problem goes away when the cart dries out after rain."

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

Electrical Accessories

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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Major

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

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Minor

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

Engine Minor

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

Engine Cooling

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

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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