2016 Mazda MX-5 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Mazda MX-5, 6% of the 34 complaints for this model year.
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.
“2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets “stuck/sticky” and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it’s becoming more of a issues the more people drive”
NHTSA complaint #11734925, filed 2026-04Related service bulletins
- 11026350Nov 8, 2025Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three…
- 10210902Apr 5, 2022Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3ð even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 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…
- 10186699Jan 26, 2021Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3ð even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 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…
- 10170814Jan 23, 2020Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3ð even when driving straight on a flat road. Customers having this concern should have their…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda MX-5
11 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mazda MX-5
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology