2008 Mazda MX-5 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 22 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mazda MX-5. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown (2) and tires (2). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 201 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 45 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 13 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system2 29%
- Other or unknown2 29%
- Tires2 29%
- Equipment1 14%
- Steering1 14%
- Body and structure1 14%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The contact owns a 2008 Mazda miata. The contact stated that the steering wheel locking mechanism drained the battery of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 1/19/16 ln updated 02/05/16”
NHTSA complaint #10794629, filed 2015-11, 40,000 milesOther or unknown: “When it rains water will pool in passenger side floor board. Mazda deals suggests adding drains and filters that are not part of original vehicle design. (this issue is due to a design flaw and no other reason), this happens regardless if car is moving or stationary. This has been an on-going issue since I purchased the vehicle in 11/2012. . Door seals and window seals are not damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #11269756, filed 2019-10, 40,000 milesTires: “Something is wrong with the tires or wheels. Returned to dealership, said it through a weight. Still have the same problem of feeling wobbly especially between start and 35 MPH. Have told service manager several times, I think tires or wheels need replacing...updated 07/01/14 status update 09/09/14”
NHTSA complaint #10599077, filed 2014-06, 40,000 milesEquipment: “Unfortunately I hired a car from atwest rent a car il lax for a 3 weeks! The convertible car Mazda miata that the company rent me was, that I saw first, covered in scratches, not washed, inside and outside! But this is not the extremely serious matter!! I called many times to report you that this car is a danger!!! After a few days of driving, the balance of the car was massively upset by having used tyres!!!! Each miles I drive, puts myself and others in danger: it is in precisely those areas that I need to act. There is also no liquid tank and the windshield washer damaged!!!!!!!!. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627691, filed 2014-08Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 91,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Mazda MX-5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 27 | 24 | $3,400 |
| MX-5 RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| MX-5 RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 201 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION If 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…
- 11037013Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This 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 recommended…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025Electrical system. If 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…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some 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. If a…
- 11022727Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer…
- 11020039Jun 19, 2025Other or unknown. Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause…
- 11017699Apr 25, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
Other model years of the Mazda MX-5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 14,408 | 1 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 5 | 14,000 | 1 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 11 | 24,110 | 3 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 11 | 8,150 | 2 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 34 | 21,829 | 3 | — | 30 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2014 | 6 | 800 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 5 | 450 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 7 | 40,000 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 17 | 11,876 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 25 | 20,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Mazda MX-5 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Mazda MX-5 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 2.
Has the 2008 Mazda MX-5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda MX-5 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mazda MX-5 (MX-5, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Mazda MX-5 reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 91,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.