Model year guide

2019 Mazda mx-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2019 Mazda mx-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2019 Mazda mx-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2019 Mazda mx-5 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints11
Combined29–30 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2019 Mazda mx-5 recalls 3

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software NHTSA Campaign #24V695000 · manufacturer #6924I · 18/09/2024

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."

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 NHTSA Campaign #21V875000 · manufacturer #5321K · 12/11/2021

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.

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) NHTSA Campaign #19V072000 · manufacturer #3019A · 01/02/2019

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2019 Mazda mx-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2019 Mazda mx-5 MPG & running costs

Combined29–30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2019 Mazda mx-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Fuel only$14,000
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2019 Mazda mx-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Grand Touring (Hard Top)
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 181 hp

2019 Mazda mx-5 vehicles on record

Other Mazda mx-5 model years

2019 Mazda mx-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Mazda mx-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Mazda mx-5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mazda mx-5?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Mazda mx-5 get?

The 2019 Mazda mx-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 29–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.