2018 Mazda Mx-5 Safety Report

Low complaint volume but significant recalls for airbags, fuel pump, and transmission control module.

3Complaints
3Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mazda Mx-5

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 presents a mixed safety picture. While it has a remarkably low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 3 total complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported, its recall history highlights several significant safety concerns. The vehicle has 3 recalls, addressing issues that could increase the risk of injury or a crash. Notably, NHTSA has not conducted crash tests for the 2018 MX-5, resulting in no official safety ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover performance, which makes a comprehensive assessment of its crashworthiness challenging. The recall history is a primary area of concern. One recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-024) addresses a software error in the air bag control module that could cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force, increasing injury risk. Another recall (NHTSA ID: 20V-121) involves a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller, which could lead to engine stall and increase crash risk. Furthermore, a recall (NHTSA ID: 19V-642) for automatic transmission models points to incorrect Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming that could cause abrupt downshifts and loss of vehicle control, also increasing crash risk. These recalls indicate potential manufacturing or design flaws that could compromise safety. Despite the serious nature of the recalls, the actual complaint data is minimal. The top complaint components are POWER TRAIN (1 complaint), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE (1 complaint), and STRUCTURE (1 complaint). One complaint describes a transmission whirring/whining issue, another mentions the vehicle feeling like it would stall or accelerate erratically, and a third notes creaking and ticking noises. These complaints, while few, align with some of the recall themes, particularly power train issues. The lack of crash test data means that while the vehicle has a low complaint volume, its performance in actual collision scenarios remains unverified by NHTSA.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Mazda Mx-5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Mazda Mx-5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mazda Mx-5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Deployment With Excessive Force
A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury during a crash (NHTSA Recall ID: 23V-024).		 High Common N/A miles
Fuel Pump Failure Leading To Engine Stall
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash (NHTSA Recall ID: 20V-121).		 High Common N/A miles
Abrupt Downshifting In Automatic Transmissions
Incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) can cause abrupt downshifts, leading to loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk (NHTSA Recall ID: 19V-642).		 High Common N/A miles
Transmission Whirring/Whining
One complaint describes transmission whirring/whining in multiple gears, forcing the driver to travel below the speed limit.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Erratic Acceleration/Stalling Feel
One complaint noted the vehicle feeling like it would stall or accelerate erratically when shifting in and out of 'DRIVE'.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mazda Mx-5:

Power Train 33% of complaints

One complaint related to transmission noise/failure, aligning with a recall for automatic transmission control module issues.

Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine 33% of complaints

One complaint mentioned erratic acceleration/stalling feel, which could relate to engine or vehicle speed control systems.

Structure 33% of complaints

One complaint reported creaking and ticking noises from the car's structure during movement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mazda Mx-5

Is the 2018 MAZDA MX-5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 has a very low number of reported complaints (3 total) with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, it has 3 significant recalls concerning airbags, fuel pump, and automatic transmission control, which could pose serious safety risks if not addressed. NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for this model.

What are common problems for the 2018 MAZDA MX-5?

The most reported issues, though few, include power train problems like transmission noise or erratic behavior (1 complaint), electrical system/engine issues (1 complaint), and structural noises (1 complaint). More importantly, there are recalls for airbag deployment, fuel pump failure, and automatic transmission control module programming.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 MAZDA MX-5?

Yes, there are 3 recalls for the 2018 Mazda MX-5. These include recalls for a software error in the air bag control module (23V-024), a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller (20V-121), and incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for automatic transmissions (19V-642).

What are the crash test ratings for the 2018 MAZDA MX-5?

NHTSA has not conducted crash tests for the 2018 Mazda MX-5, so there are no official safety ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover performance.

Should I be concerned about the transmission in the 2018 MAZDA MX-5?

For automatic transmission models, there is a recall (19V-642) due to incorrect TCM programming that can cause abrupt downshifts and loss of control. One complaint also mentioned transmission whirring/whining. If considering an automatic, ensure this recall has been addressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Mazda MX-5 has a low complaint count, prioritize verifying that all 3 open recalls (airbags, fuel pump, transmission control module) have been completed by a Mazda dealership before purchase, especially for automatic transmission models.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mazda Mx-5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mazda Mx-5. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.