DecodedCars2024 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, Rf 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 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 29 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2024 two seaters (18.9 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 2024 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 29 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 53% better than the 2024 two seaters average of 18.9 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2024
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2023 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2024 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 | 2,348 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 | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +53% | $2,850 | 305 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +53% | $2,850 | 301 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2024 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2024 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2024 Nissan Z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2024 Bugatti Rimac Nevera | 204 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module · May 22, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V336000 · 12,244 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of a TCS or DSC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.
Not every 2024 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2024 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,408 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 2024 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →