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2021 Mazda MX-5
Limited data — few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven — not endorsed — and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
1 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 1 owner complaint on file for this exact model year — too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Mazda MX-5, plotted where owners report it happening.
Transmission & drivetrain
100%1 complaints
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and a burning odor was detected. The f…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Air Bags · 24V695000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
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A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Mazda MX-5 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every MX-5 model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.