DecodedCars2018 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, Rf 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 155 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 35 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 29 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2018 two seaters (19.6 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 2018 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 (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 48% better than the 2018 two seaters average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 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 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2018 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 |
| Rf 2dr Coupe | 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 | 26 / 33 / 29 | +48% | $2,850 | 305 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +48% | $2,850 | 303 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2018 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Fiat 124 Spider | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 RUF Automobile RUF TURBO 12/CTR3 | 18 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · 121,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
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 2018 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,700 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 2018 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →