The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 3 recalls, with two tied as the most serious: airbags that can inflate with excessive force in a crash, and an automatic transmission that can suddenly downshift and cause the rear wheels to lock up, destabilizing the car.
The airbag issue stems from a software problem that causes both the driver and passenger front airbags to deploy harder than intended, raising the risk of injury even in a survivable crash. On the transmission side, the unexpected downshift can abruptly slow the rear wheels mid-drive, which can lead to a loss of control. A third recall covers a structural concern: a metal bracket for the underbody cover may not be properly welded and can break free while driving, becoming a hazard for other vehicles on the road.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the front airbags to inflate with excessive force during certain crashes.
What the fix does
Mazda will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for an airbag control module software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A metal bracket that holds the underside cover in place may not be properly welded, which could cause it to detach while you drive.
What the fix does
Mazda will mail you instructions to take your car to a dealer to replace the underside cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission may downshift suddenly, causing the rear wheels to slow abruptly and reducing vehicle stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control module software to prevent unexpected downshifts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
