2019 Mazda Mx-5 Safety Report

2019 Mazda MX-5: Low complaint volume, but two significant safety recalls for airbags and fuel pump issues.

11Complaints
2Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Fuel System, Gasoline (2)Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Steering,Electrical System (1)Vehicle Speed Control (1)Seat Belts (1)Wheels (1)Electrical System,Structure,Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Air Bags,Engine (1)Structure (1)Power Train (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Mazda Mx-5

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a limited number of complaints but significant recall activity. With only 11 total NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, and 2 injuries, the raw complaint volume is low. However, the vehicle has been subject to two safety recalls, one concerning the 'AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE' (affecting 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata) which could lead to excessive force during deployment, increasing injury risk. The second recall, 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP' (affecting 2018-2019 MX-5 and other models), addresses a potential engine stall due to fuel pump failure, increasing crash risk. Several complaints directly reference the fuel pump recall, indicating delays in repair availability. Common complaint patterns, despite the low overall count, include issues with the 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE' (2 complaints), 'STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (2 complaints), and 'SERVICE BRAKES' (2 complaints, one combined with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM'). Specific incidents describe loss of power steering control and momentary electrical system shutdowns, as well as ABS/brake light illumination linked to a 'Steering Angle Sensor'. There's also a complaint regarding seat belt retraction failure and another about excessive paint chipping, though these are less directly safety-critical. NHTSA crash test performance data for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 is not available, meaning there are no official ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover safety. This lack of data makes it challenging to assess its structural crashworthiness. The presence of two significant recalls, particularly the one related to airbags and another to potential engine stalls, suggests that while the complaint volume is low, there have been identified safety defects that could impact occupant protection and vehicle control.

Reliability Score

The 2019 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 2019 Mazda Mx-5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Mazda Mx-5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure
Impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing an engine stall and increasing crash risk. Subject of NHTSA recall 21V875000.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Airbag Control Module Software Error
Software error may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force, increasing injury risk. Subject of NHTSA recall 23V798000.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Steering/Electrical System Malfunctions
Reported incidents of loss of power steering control, momentary electrical system shutdowns, and ABS/brake light illumination linked to steering angle sensor.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Seat Belt Retraction Failure
Seat belts fail to retract or tighten properly, requiring manual feeding.		 Low Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Mazda Mx-5:

Fuel System, Gasoline 18% of complaints

Two complaints related to the fuel system, including issues with recall part availability and loss of power.

Steering, Electrical System 18% of complaints

Two complaints detailing loss of power steering, electrical system shutdowns, and steering angle sensor issues.

Service Brakes 18% of complaints

Two complaints mentioning ABS/brake light illumination and potential issues with stability control.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

One complaint referencing the airbag recall, though not detailing a specific failure.

Power Train 18% of complaints

Two complaints, one referencing a TCM recall and another about engine revving/howling.

Structure 18% of complaints

Two complaints, one about excessive paint chipping and another combined with electrical system/service brakes.

Seat Belts 9% of complaints

One complaint regarding seat belts failing to retract or tighten properly.

Wheels 9% of complaints

One complaint about premature tire cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Mazda Mx-5

Is the 2019 Mazda MX-5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 has a low number of complaints (11 total) but has been subject to two significant safety recalls: one for airbag deployment issues and another for potential fuel pump failure leading to engine stalls. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this model year, making a full assessment of its crashworthiness difficult.

What are common problems with the 2019 Mazda MX-5?

The most reported issues, based on the limited complaint data, are related to the Fuel System, Gasoline (2 complaints), Steering and Electrical System (2 complaints), and Service Brakes (2 complaints). Specific problems include fuel pump failures, loss of power steering, electrical shutdowns, and issues with brake warning lights.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Mazda MX-5?

Yes, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 has two active recalls. One (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V798000) addresses a software error in the air bag control module that could cause excessive deployment force. The second (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V875000) concerns a low-pressure fuel pump impeller that may fail, leading to an engine stall.

How does the 2019 Mazda MX-5 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2019 Mazda MX-5. Therefore, its performance in these areas cannot be assessed based on official government data.

What should I do if I own a 2019 Mazda MX-5?

If you own a 2019 Mazda MX-5, ensure that both active recalls (airbag control module and fuel pump) have been addressed by a Mazda dealership. Check for any open recalls using your VIN on the NHTSA website. Be vigilant for symptoms like loss of power, electrical malfunctions, or warning lights related to brakes or steering.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but two critical safety recalls, potential buyers should verify that all recall repairs have been completed and be aware of reported steering/electrical issues. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings means structural safety is unverified by government tests.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Mazda Mx-5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Mazda Mx-5. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, 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.