2021 Mazda Mx-5 Safety Report

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 exhibits a very limited safety data footprint, with only 1 total complaint reported to NHTSA, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This low complaint volume makes it challenging to identify widespread safety trends. The single complaint points to a POWER TRAIN issue involving a melted clutch and loss of motive power, which is a significant mechanical failure but not necessarily a safety defect in itself unless it leads to uncontrollable vehicle behavior. Given the extremely low complaint count, this specific incident appears isolated rather than indicative of a systemic problem. Recall history for the 2021 MX-5 includes one significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V460000) concerning the AIR BAGS system. This recall addresses a software error in the air bag control module that could cause front air bags to deploy with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. This is a critical safety concern, and owners should ensure this recall has been addressed. Despite this recall, the vehicle has not received any official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), making it impossible to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios based on government data. In summary, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 has a remarkably clean record in terms of reported complaints, suggesting a generally reliable vehicle from a safety perspective, aside from the single power train issue. However, the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings means its structural safety performance in collisions is unverified by this agency. The air bag recall is a notable safety concern that owners must address to mitigate potential injury risks.

Our recommendation: Given the extremely low complaint volume, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 appears generally reliable, but ensure the airbag recall (23V460000) has been completed and be aware of the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings.