DecodedCars2021 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, Rf 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 153.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,348–2,465 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 57% better than the average 2021 two seaters (19.1 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 2021 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 2,348 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 57% better than the 2021 two seaters average of 19.1 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2021 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 | 153.9 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,348 lb | 53/47 |
| Rf 2dr Coupe | 153.9 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,465 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 | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +57% | $2,750 | 299 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +52% | $2,850 | 305 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2021 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Ford GT | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2021 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Clutches/Bands — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →