Model year guide

2020 Mazda MX-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Mazda MX-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2020 Mazda MX-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Mazda MX-5 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints3
Combined29–30 mpg

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

2020 Mazda MX-5 recalls 1

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.

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.

2020 Mazda MX-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2020 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 2020 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.

2020 Mazda MX-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Grand Touring
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 181 hp

2020 Mazda MX-5 vehicles on record

Other Mazda MX-5 model years

2020 Mazda MX-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2020 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 2020 Mazda MX-5?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 get?

The 2020 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.