2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Ratings, Prices - Consumer Reports
2016
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Unlock Ratings
Since 1990, Mazda took the idea of the charmingly eccentric British roadster and infused it with Japanese reliability. By remaining true to its nature of fun and affordable performance, the Miata has thrilled and inspired hundreds of thousands of buyers, from money-conscious workaday drivers to weekend racers.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 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.
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.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
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.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

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
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
2021
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.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
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
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
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?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS standard from 2006. Side air bags standard from 2006. ESC standard from 2012. FCW, AEB, and BSW standard from 2020.
Road Test

Since 1990, Mazda took the idea of the charmingly eccentric British roadster and infused it with Japanese reliability. By remaining true to its nature of fun and affordable performance, the Miata has thrilled and inspired hundreds of thousands of buyers, from money-conscious workaday drivers to weekend racers. With its handling agility, revvy four-cylinder engine, easy-to-fold manual top, and precise manual shifter, it's the quintessential modern roadster.

Mazda's cheeky, lithe, and zoomy Miata convertible is the epitome of the expression, "It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."

Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

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
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 (155 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

"The straps inside the top that help the framework move when the top is being closed from a previous open position came loose."

Keith D., TX (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Premature wear marks, would of eventually worn through. Replaced free under warranty"

Dave C., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Head liner drooped down and obscured rear view"

John L., NV (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The tension straps have broken and are scheduled for a dealer TSB fix. There has been a couple rattles from the top as well"

Jonathan E., MO (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"A strap inside the that makes the top frame move with the top when opening broke where it is attached"

Keith D., TX (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Broken staps Noice"

Cheryl J., FL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Broken straps. Dealer had no experiences with this kind of repair, broke 3 other things while doing the roof repair: a stud deep in the body, infotainment button, latch of convertible top"

Anonymous, PA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Interior roof lining came down, blocking view via the rear view mirror through rear window. This happened twice, requiring two different repairs"

Kevin P., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"straps were broken upon delivery. Took 2 months to get the parts to fix it. Didn't affect operation, but required three trips to the dealer to fix it"

Dave J., GA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Missing clips after brought in for service. Was not sealing properly around back glass window"

Steve M., FL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The convertible top was poorly made. It started rattle since the car was only three months old. Now it started to become rusty recently. Dealer would not fix it."

Tsang L., WA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The roof liner repeatedly came loose just above the rear window. The liner hung down to cover part of the rear window and partially obstruct the rear view mirror. After repeated attempts to correct the problem, the dealer replaced the convertible top under warranty."

Jim O., MO (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

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 freezes up

"Problem was fixed with a software update"

Gary M., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Screen goes blank as it tries to recycle and correct the GPS problem"

Anonymous, NC (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Dealer said he had to "re-set" the system and the problem was solved"

Harry F., MS (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen goes blank

"Problem was fixed with a software update"

Gary M., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Unit would not activate"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The SD card for the navigation went bad and was replaced and the problem was resolved."

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The built in GPS/Information doesn't work at startup the car. It recycles often trying to work correctly but it stops the radio and or Bluetooth connection during this process. It most likely needs a new SIM card which are expensive"

Anonymous, NC (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"GPS stopped working"

Anonymous, GA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Related to earlier problem of system "freeze-up"

Harry F., MS (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Bluetooth pairing is inconsistent. Applied firmware update to rectify"

Jonathan E., MO (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Software update fixes

"Dash warning light intermittently on - Mazda replaced sensor."

Anonymous, CT (2016 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

Air or water leaks

"Car is a convertible. Roof split. Hole was crescent shaped with radius of about 8 inches. Whole roof had to be replaced. Total cost about $2,000. Replacement roof is coming apart and leaking a lot (standing water puddles in car) after 14 months. Dealer that did the repairs has not returned my call"

Anonymous, (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Same as other problem mentioned. Had to replace the entire roof, which only lasted about 14-15 months. Leaks leave standing water puddles inside. Has ruined the experience with this car"

Anonymous, (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Air leak noise"

J G., NY (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"Convertible top rattle. Mazda identified the problem and made the repair. No problem since the repair."

Anonymous, NC (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The volume controls in the steering wheel started to rattle. The dealer replaced these controls and the problem was resolved."

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Convertible top had an annoying rattle"

Anonymous, NC (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"noticeable squeak in the soft top mechanical linkage"

Anonymous, MD (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"soft top missing spacer that caused excessive rattling. Other mechanical parts of the soft top needed to be tightened."

Anonymous, MD (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Wind noise

"In comparison to the other two Miatas I've owned, I've experienced inordinate wind noise, which ended up being an issue with the seal. Even after repair the noise is more prevalent than my other Miatas"

Teresa G., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"I detailed my experience in my previous comments. I would add that the failed seals in the compressor had not be identified as a known issue as far as I could determine. It seemed curious that it would fail at the same time as other seals in the system, an issue that was a known problem."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Air conditioning went out three times; once under warranty and the other two immediately out of warranty. I was very dissatisfied that having bought the car new it was not handled under warranty completely."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The A/C compressor needed replacement of a part, which was ordered and replaced. It was covered by warranty."

Jack P., MI (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Automatic climate control

"I've had two failures of the air conditioning: one about six months after purchase, and the other, a "catastrophic" failure for which Mazda had to replace the whole system, after one year"

Teresa G., CA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"The air conditioning system stopped working and an inspection determined it was leaking from several areas due to failed seals, including in the compressor. The repair involved replacing the seals, a metal tubing component and the entire compressor. The initial estimate was $1800 and the car was out of warranty. I discovered Mazda had identified at least some of the issues in a technical service bulletin as early as the fall of 2015. After a conversation with a Mazda customer service rep the company agreed to cover approximately half the cost of the repair. Still, I was disappointed that a car which is generally considered very reliable would have such an expensive repair when it was only four years old and had been driven relatively little (about 27,000 miles) in that time."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"poor cooling. covered under a TSB by warranty"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"leak in low pressure line, replaced. leak in high pressure line, replaced, out of warranty repair"

C F., NJ (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The AC was not cooling sufficiently so I mentioned it to the Service manager when I took the car in for normal service. Apparently the system was leaking coolant. The mechanic tested for leaks and then tightened all connections. So far I have had no problems and the AC is working normally."

John H., FL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"After 9500 miles the clutch is worn and smells of burning, will have to be replaced soon. Most miles are city but thats still too few for a $2500 clutch replacement"

John H., MD (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

"shifting from 1st to 2nd. notchey shifting/grind once in a while. factory service letter on this. replaced tranny under warranty."

Richard R., FL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Several gears broke"

Anonymous, MA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Original design had a flaw where gears were failing. Mazda has redesigned the weak components and completely replaced the transmission. They said they have received a service bulletin about this problem with the 2016 6 speed manual transmission"

Anonymous, VA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Grinding between ist and 2nd gear"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Top windshield surround flew off while driving on highway."

Anonymous, IL (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"The plastic trim under the A/C vent became loose and causing rattles. Dealer fixed it under warranty"

Tsang L., WA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"This car's paint chips too easily."

Jerry B., OH (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"System switched itself off when driven on narrow country roads with close roadside trees and other objects. System would not reset until car turned off and on, or perhaps after being driven for 20-30 minutes on an open road."

Anonymous, VA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Passenger airbag disengaged light came on when rider was sitting there. Normally this light comes on when the seat is empty or there's less than 80 lbs of weight on the seat indicating a child is sitting there. The sensor had gone bad and was replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 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

"Several gears broke while shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, leaving car disabled"

Anonymous, MA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission computer

"Recall"

Ronald W., (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 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

Wheel bearings

"At about 11,000 miles, the wheel bearings in the rear driver-side wheel needed replacement. Then, again, at 22,000 miles, the same replacement was required. I expect to do this again at 33,000 miles. :-("

Anonymous, GA (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

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

What Owners Say

Stability control (ESC)

"Failure of a proximity switch caused error lights to illuminate on ABS, Stability Control and Tire Pressure Warning systems."

Kevin J., OH (2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

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

Engine Cooling

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

Engine Major

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

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

Engine Minor

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

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.

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.

Change Vehicle