DecodedCars2013 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Retractabl, 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Soft Top)
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 157.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,524–2,632 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 157 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 92-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,632 lb (2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Retractabl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway), 10% better than the 2013 two seaters average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2013 MX-5 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Retractabl | 157.1 in | 67.7 in | 49.2 in | 91.7 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,632 lb | 59/41 |
| 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Soft Top) | 157.1 in | 67.7 in | 49.2 in | 91.7 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,524 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +10% | $3,400 | 359 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +10% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 377 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2013 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 MINI Roadster | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Mazda MX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Mazda MX-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →