DecodedCars2016 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 153.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,333 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2016 two seaters (20.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 154 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,333 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 49% better than the 2016 two seaters average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 3.2 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 30
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 MX-5 configurations; 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 | 153.9 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,333 lb | 53/47 |
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 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +49% | $2,750 | 303 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 30 | +49% | $2,750 | 298 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2016 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Sep 18, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V695000 · 77,670 vehicles
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Structure › Frame And Members › Underbody Shields · Jun 27, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V496000 · 2,476 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
- Risk
- Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Feb 1, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V072000 · 14,370 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
- Risk
- If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.
Not every 2016 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →