2021 Mazda MX-5: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2021 Mazda MX-5 at 29–30 mpg combined across 2 versions. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for this model year.
Safety recalls
1
EPA combined mpg
29–30
NHTSA overall rating
—
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Mazda dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2021 Mazda MX-5 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Mazda MX-5, newest first.
Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module: Software
NHTSA 24V695000Reported Sep 18, 2024
Filed by
Mazda Motor Corp. (manufacturer recall no. 6924I)
Units affected
77,670 (estimate)
Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2021 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2021 Mazda MX-5 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2021 Mazda MX-5 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2021 Mazda MX-5 C RWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
No
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2021 Mazda MX-5 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda MX-5, most recently on Aug 18, 2022. 0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2021 Mazda MX-5 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Power train: Automatic transmission: Internal: Clutches/bands
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
