Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2012 Mazda MX-5 peaked in 2012, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2012 Mazda MX-5
Convertible, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Apr 10, 2012 to Feb 8, 2017.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints5Close to the median 2012 convertible
Severity index20.02012 convertibles average 6.2
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
20% of complaints about the 2012 Mazda MX-5 name airbags
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 2012 Mazda MX-5
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2012 Mazda MX-5
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Feb 8, 2017Failure Oct 1, 2016Mcmurray, PABody
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MZ5 (NA). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint 10950276 - Filed Nov 9, 2016Failure Sep 1, 201680,000 miles256-506-8103, ALEngine, Traction control system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint 10925124 - Filed Jul 9, 2014Failure Sep 15, 2012450 milesNY, NYAir bags
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SAYING THE AIR BAG IS NOT ON. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. MY WIFE WEIGHS 101 LBS. I HAVE CONTACTED MIATA USA TODAY AND MY DEALER (3RD TIME). SO FAR NO SATISFACTION. I'M BRINGING THE CAR IN 08/01/2014 AGAIN. I SPOKE TO MAZDA USA TODAY (07/09/14). IN NOT SO MANY WORDS I WAS TOLD THAT MY WIFE WASN'T POSITIONED PROPERLY IN THE SEAT OR THAT SHE DOESN'T WEIGH ENOUGH. THAT IS AN ABSURD ANSWER. I THEN ASKED WHAT IF A CHILD WAS IN THE SEAT. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT CONJECTURE ON THAT POSSIBILITY. THEY SAID IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER TO FIND A SOLUTION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA complaint 10609242 - Filed Apr 26, 2012Failure Apr 24, 201277 milesSpruce Pine, NCService brakes, HydraulicCrash
I PURCHASED THE NEW MIATA ON 4/23. WHEN GOING OVER THE FUNCTIONS WITH THE SALESMAN, HE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP VERY HARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RELEASED IT WITH BOTH HANDS. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PULLING IT UP TOO FAR & SAID THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY. I USED THE BRAKE A NUMBER OF TIMES AS I DROVE THE CAR WITH HIM AND THERE WAS A DISTINCT SPOT WHERE THE BRAKE WOULD STOP, WHICH I ASSUMED MEANT IT WAS ENGAGED. I ASKED THE SALESMAN FOR ANY FEEDBACK HE HAD ABOUT HOW I WAS DRIVING. HE WAS POSITIVE. THE NEXT DAY, WITH 77 TOTAL MILES ON THE ODOMETER, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE CAR ROLLED FROM A RELATIVELY FLAT AREA WHERE IT WAS PARKED, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, INTO THE WOODS AND THE FRONT END IS DESTROYED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME HE DIDN'T THINK THE BRAKE WAS FULLY ENGAGED, GOT INTO THE CAR & PULLED THE BRAKE INTO THE POSITION AGAIN THAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK EVEN WITH BOTH HANDS. I SHOWED HIM THE POSITION I HAD PUT IT IN. HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM'THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE FARTHER BACK TO GET A GOOD POSITION TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND WITH THE FORWARD SEAT POSITION I USED TO REACH THE CLUTCH, THAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL BACK HARD ENOUGH ON THE BRAKE. I'M 5'3". THIS IS A PROBLEM. I SHOULD ADD THAT THE CAR WAS NOT IN GEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, WHICH I UNDERSTAND NOW IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. HOWEVER, I HAVE TO BELIEVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS DESIGNED TO HOLD A CAR ON A FLAT SURFACE WITHOUT ROLLING, OTHERWISE IT'S NOT MUCH GOOD IN AN EMERGENCY. IF WOMEN WITH THE SEAT IN A FORWARD POSITION ARE NOT ABLE TO SUFFICIENTLY ENGAGE THE BRAKE, I CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. I WISH THE SALE MAN HAD SPENT LESS TIME SHOWING ME HOW THE RADIO WORKS, AND MORE TIME EXPLAINING THE HAZARDS OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10456575 - Filed Apr 10, 2012Failure Feb 26, 2012LOS Angeles, CAVisibility
2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. RESULT IS, THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10454731
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
207 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- SA-041-26a Sep 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket dev… - SA-055-26 Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system. - SA-041-26 Jun 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before p… - SA-029-26 Apr 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle syste… - SA-061-25 Dec 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be … - 07-004-25a Dec 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condens… - SA-039/25 Aug 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can f… - SA-036-25 Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio. - SA-032-25 Jun 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (l… - 07-004-25 Apr 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condens… - SA-058-24 Aug 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. - SA-057-24 Aug 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be … - SA-052-24 Aug 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is s… - 09-038-24 Aug 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal… - SA-011-24b Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perf… - SA-011-24a Jun 7, 2024 · Other
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perf… - SA-008-24 Feb 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. - 09-016-23 Feb 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Speedometer replacement procedure - SA-075-22 Nov 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be … - 02-004-22a Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guid… - SA-008-22a Oct 17, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. - 09-024-22 Jul 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. - 01-006-22 Jun 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer… - 0901316 Feb 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion - 0900916 Feb 17, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HandsFree bluetooth module and/or text messaging troubleshooting procedure - 0100516 Feb 15, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291 - 0100116 Feb 5, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed - 0000216 Feb 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance - 02-004-22 May 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guid… - 01-003/22 Mar 17, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle bat… - SA-014-22 Mar 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. - SA-008-22 Feb 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. - 00-001-22 Feb 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services per… - 05-002-21-3854 Dec 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common… - 01-006-21-3779b Dec 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles … - MT-002-21a Oct 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 1… - MT-002-21 Sep 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 1… - 01-006-21-3779a Aug 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer,… - 09-025-21-3824 Aug 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâ™s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. - SA-040-21 Jun 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. - SA-041-21 Jun 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selec… - MT-003-21 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with a series of flat windows, which act like mirrors, the reflections all converge … - MT-001-21 May 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the c… - MT-001-21 Mar 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the c… - MT-017-17 Nov 2, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices … - 01-006-21-3779 Feb 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer,… - 01-005-21-3778 Feb 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle… - 09-002-21-3770 Jan 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer - 07-001-21-3775 Jan 26, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condens… - 00-001-21-3768 Jan 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perf… - 09-018-17 May 22, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Display shows inaccurate ambient temperature. Some customers may complain that the ambient temperature display is not accurate, or it takes too long for the display to show actual temperature. - MTI_1032 Mar 24, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain about a rattle type noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when driving on rough roads. This may be caused by a loose spare tire jack. - MTI_1031 Mar 24, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain about a blurry rear view monitor display. This may be caused by an aftermarket accessory device. - MTI_1111 Mar 30, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When installing a navigation SD card, confirm that the card is unlocked. Also, Mazda Does Not Recommend swapping navigation system SD cards from one vehicle to another for testing. If swapped, the SD card that is installed into the other vehicle becomes âli… - MTI_1034 Mar 30, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article provides HVAC heater/defroster operating tips using Mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions. - 03-002-16-3179 Mar 17, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear differential when driving. The concern may be caused by improper tooth contact pattern of the rear differential gear from abnormal wear. This abnormal wear is caused by gear tooth lapping compound (use… - 02-009-16-3155 Mar 7, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3" even when driving straight on a flat road. - MT-005-20 Nov 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. Record the vehicle… - 09-036-20-3756 Nov 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and part… - MT-002-20 Aug 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.