2021 Mazda Mx-5 Safety Report
2021 Mazda MX-5 Power Train Reliability Concerns
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Mazda Mx-5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Mazda Mx-5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (1) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
2021 Mazda Mx-5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Mazda Mx-5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mazda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mazda Mx-5
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mazda Mx-5 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2021 Mazda Mx-5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mazda Mx-5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train Failure Drivers have reported a loss of motive power and a burning odor, indicating potential power train issues. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Software Recall Mazda is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 models due to a software issue in the air bag restraint control module. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mazda Mx-5:
23% of reported issues are related to the power train.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mazda Mx-5
Has the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 have?
The 2021 MAZDA MX-5 has 1 complaint filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
The 2021 MAZDA MX-5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 involve power train (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5.
Should I buy a 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 1 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 are: 1. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
Be aware of potential power train issues and check for recalls related to the air bag restraint control module. The 2021 MAZDA MX-5 has 1 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
The 2021 MAZDA MX-5 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Train Failure and Air Bag Software Recall.
What are the known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MX-5?
Known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MX-5 include: Power Train Failure, Air Bag Software Recall. These are based on patterns found across 1 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Mazda MX-5?
Yes, Mazda is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 models due to a software issue in the air bag restraint control module.
What are the symptoms of power train issues in the 2021 Mazda MX-5?
Drivers have reported a loss of motive power and a burning odor.
How can I check for recalls on my 2021 Mazda MX-5?
Visit the official Mazda website or contact your local dealership to check for recalls.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential power train issues and check for recalls related to the air bag restraint control module.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mazda Mx-5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mazda Mx-5. The data includes 1 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16