2009 Mazda MX-5

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags2
2. Electrical system1
3. Latches/locks/linkages1

Latest complaints

• May 29, 2020MS90,000 miCrash2 injuries
  Air bags
  TL* the contact owned a 2009 mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph a deer hit the front passenger side tire causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. During the crash the vehicle went airborne before crashing to the ground. The contact stated that no air…

  TL* the contact owned a 2009 mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph a deer hit the front passenger side tire causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. During the crash the vehicle went airborne before crashing to the ground. The contact stated that no air bags deployed during the incident and the driver and front passenger side belts were engaged. the driver and passenger sustained soreness and scratches however no medical attention was required. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 90,000.

• May 11, 2020MS90,000 miCrash2 injuries
  Air bags

  On april 2,2020 me and a passenger were in an accident where we flipped upside down in the MX 5 and no airbags deployed for the driver side or passenger side and we were hurt very bad and should not have made it alfa insurance IS holding the car for an investigation. This happened on hwy. *tr

• Aug 4, 2014FL50,000 mi
  Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages

  TL* the contact owns a 2009 mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while parked, the doors locked and unlocked independently. The failure was recurring. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 11007019If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10244679If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10237216If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
• 10226924If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Cell phone charger/accessory in 12V socket (engine no start or unable to turn off) 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay/ Android Auto will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location)
• 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10225724Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
• 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10213430Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion
• 10213427HandsFree bluetooth module and/or text messaging troubleshooting procedure
• 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
• 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
• 10213329Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed
• 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
• 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
• 10208567Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10208556Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10206002Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmission when it is operating.
• 10205994Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10202695Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V.
• 10201777Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V. What if a customer puts E85 in there Mazda vehicle? Symptoms include: Rough Running, Lean Codes, Misfires and/or misfire codes, Lack of power, Poor fuel economy, Spark knock, Mechanical engine damage.
• 10200933This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
• 10198691Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10198689Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. Accessories E-catalog For models prior to 2016: Accessory Parts and Installation Instructions
• 10198574Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with a series of flat windows, which act like mirrors, the reflections all converge at one point, focusing and concentrating the light onto the street below.
• 10194657If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed.
• 10189797If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed.
• 10188488If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.

Every Mazda MX-5 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.