2006 Mazda MX-5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Mazda MX-5, 12% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,050 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This MX-5 has the 5 speed manual transmission. With approximately 1,200 miles on the vehicle, the clutch friction point (the location in pedal travel where the clutch begins to engage) moved from the bottom of the pedal (near the floor) to approximately one inch from the top (pedal normal position -- not depressed). Servicing dealer held the vehicle overnight and stated they all do that . When I requested to drive the vehicle they compared it to, I was told they were too busy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151222, filed 2006-02, 1,200 miles“The contact stated to put the vehicle in reverse, slight downward pressure must be applied to first gear. Since the pressure is so slight, it is not possible to tell if the vehicle is in first gear or reverse until the accelerator pedal is depressed. The dealership has not been alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10151395, filed 2006-02, 2,900 miles“I have a 2006 Mazda mx 5 miata. It is an excellent, solid and great handling car. The brakes are superb. Fit and finish are excellent. There is one problem that could result is accidents: the six-speed manual transmission, it is easy to accidentally engage first gear when reverse is required or to engage reverse when first is required. Driving on highways in stop and go traffic; at stop signs; traffic lights; parallel parking; exiting garage/driveways - it is too easy to engage reverse or first by mistake. First and reverse gears are too close. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151384, filed 2006-02Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10136777Apr 2, 2018Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission…
- 10185949Mar 17, 2016Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear differential when driving. The concern may be caused by improper tooth contact pattern of the rear differential gear from…
- 10101085Mar 17, 2016Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear differential when driving.the concern may be caused by improper tooth contact pattern of the rear differential gear from…
- 10090841Mar 17, 2016Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear differential when driving.the concern may be caused by improper tooth contact pattern of the rear differential gear from…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 40% |
| 2023 | 4 | 57% |
| 2022 | 3 | 60% |
| 2019 | 2 | 18% |
| 2017 | 1 | 9% |
| 2016 | 11 | 32% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2006 Mazda MX-5
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Mazda MX-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology