2016 Mazda MX-5 power train problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 — 32% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“6 speed manual transmission failure at 59,000 miles Started not shifting into 3rd, then shortly after, the transmission locked up in a intersection. Which stalled the vehicle out. Was able to move the vehicle by hand, out of heavy traffic. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual…”
filed Jun 19, 2024
“On December 7, 2023 at approximately 10:30pm, I was traveling west bound on [XXX] . Suddenly, there was a loud thumping noise from under the passenger seat. After about 10 seconds, it escalated to an extremely loud banging and the smell of oil. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I…”
filed Jan 5, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions…Campaign 19V072000 · Feb 1, 2019
Related service bulletins
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the…
01-008-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2026This 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…
SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2026
Power Train problems in other MX-5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 MX-5 | 3 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Mazda MX-5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.