2022 Mazda Mx-5 Safety Report

2022 Mazda MX-5 shows low complaint volume but has an airbag recall and emerging transmission issues.

5Complaints
1Recalls
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train (2)Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train,Electrical System (1)Seats (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Mazda Mx-5

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 exhibits a relatively clean safety record based on the limited NHTSA data available, with only 5 total complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported. This suggests a low incidence of severe safety-related events. However, the vehicle does have one significant recall concerning the air bag control module software, which could cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force, increasing injury risk during a crash. This recall affects a wide range of MX-5 models from 2016-2023, indicating a potentially widespread manufacturing defect that Mazda is addressing. Complaint patterns, though few, point to some specific areas of concern. Two complaints are related to the POWER TRAIN, with one specifically mentioning 'Transmission failure due to bad synchros' and another detailing 'Manual transmission synchronizers fail, causing erratic gear shift operation.' This suggests a potential mechanical weakness in the transmission system. Additionally, one complaint highlights an issue with 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' where the emergency braking system activated without warning, posing a potential hazard. Another complaint mentions a 'SEATS' issue regarding the absence of LATCH system hooks, which is a safety concern for child restraint systems. NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings for the 2022 Mazda MX-5, making it difficult to assess its crashworthiness performance through official government tests. Despite the lack of crash test data, the low number of complaints and absence of reported injuries or fatalities are positive indicators. The primary safety concern identified is the airbag recall and the emerging pattern of transmission issues, which, while not directly linked to crashes in the reported data, could lead to hazardous driving conditions.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Mazda Mx-5 receives a reliability score of 75 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 2022 Mazda Mx-5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Mazda Mx-5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Control Module Software Error
Software error may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force, increasing injury risk. Subject of a recall for 2016-2023 models.		 High Common N/A miles
Manual Transmission Synchronizer Failure
Synchronizers fail, leading to erratic gear shifting and inability to change gears, potentially causing an accident. Reported in multiple complaints.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System False Activation
Emergency braking system activates suddenly and without warning, even on clear roads, posing a hazard.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Missing Latch System Hooks For Child Seats
Vehicle user manual states LATCH system is present, but hooks are missing, preventing proper child car seat installation.		 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 2022 Mazda Mx-5:

Power Train 40% of complaints

Two out of five complaints relate to power train issues, specifically manual transmission synchronizer failure leading to erratic shifting or inability to change gears.

Forward Collision Avoidance 20% of complaints

One complaint details the emergency braking system activating without warning, indicating a potential software or sensor issue.

Seats 20% of complaints

One complaint reports the absence of LATCH system hooks for child car seats, despite being stated in the user manual.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Mazda Mx-5

Is the 2022 Mazda MX-5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 has a very low complaint volume (5 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, there is an active recall for airbag software that could cause excessive deployment force, and a pattern of manual transmission issues has been reported. Official crash test ratings are not available.

What are common problems for the 2022 Mazda MX-5?

The most reported issues, though few, include manual transmission synchronizer failures (2 complaints), false activation of the forward collision avoidance system (1 complaint), and missing LATCH system hooks for child seats (1 complaint). There is also a recall for airbag control module software.

Are there any recalls for the 2022 Mazda MX-5?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2022 Mazda MX-5. It concerns a software error in the air bag control module that may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. This recall affects 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles.

How does the 2022 Mazda MX-5 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings for the 2022 Mazda MX-5, so its crash test performance cannot be assessed through official government data.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Mazda MX-5 has a low complaint count and no reported injuries, potential buyers should ensure the airbag recall has been addressed and be aware of reported manual transmission issues and forward collision avoidance system glitches.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Mazda Mx-5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Mazda Mx-5. The data includes 5 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.