The 2021 Mazda MX-5's single recall pertains to the air bag system, where a software error could lead to excessive deployment force during accidents. Given the peak failure mileage of just 1,000 miles, itโs clear that immediate attention to this system is crucial for safety.
Key Factor:Airbag software issues
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Standard Safety Record
The 2021 MX-5 maintains a standard safety record for MAZDA, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle1.1 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
The airbag system is a critical safety feature in any vehicle, as it directly impacts occupant protection during a collision. The recall related to excessive deployment force raises significant concerns, as this could potentially exacerbate injuries rather than mitigate them. For a sports car like the Mazda MX-5, which often attracts spirited driving enthusiasts, ensuring that safety features function as intended is paramount.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Burn
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.1)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends indicate that while Mazda maintains a reputation for solid engineering, the presence of even minor recalls can alter its perception significantly. This model reflects a concerning trend where technological issues in safety systems could lead to heightened risks compared to previous models known for their reliability.
Safety & Reliability Score
92/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 MAZDA MX-5
Model Year2021
MakeMAZDA
ModelMX-5
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug22
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (100% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.
๐ High
1(100%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
โ๏ธEngineering Insight
The average failure mileage of just 1,000 miles suggests that potential issues related to this vehicle manifest very early in ownership. Owners should be particularly vigilant about addressing any alerts regarding airbag functionality and consider proactive checks within the first year of use.
๐ Mileage data extracted from 1 of 1 complaints (100% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
AIR BAGS
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Air Bags
Issue: Software error may cause excessive airbag deployment.
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Contact your dealer to ensure your airbag software has been updated appropriately.
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Inquire about whether the airbag software update has been completed on the specific vehicle you are considering.
Campaign:21V012
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your MAZDA dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 24V695000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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Summary
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
1 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 MX-5.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Burn100%
Odor100%
Engine/Powertrainโ ๏ธ High
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and a burning odor was detected. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the known reliability issues with the 2021 Mazda MX-5?
The primary issue reported with the 2021 Mazda MX-5 involves its airbag system, where an identified software error can lead to airbags deploying with excessive force. This raises valid concerns regarding passenger safety during accidents and highlights the importance of prompt servicing for affected models.
Can I drive my 2021 Mazda MX-5 if there is an unresolved recall?
In general, while you may still be able to operate your vehicle after receiving notice of a recall, doing so may pose risks depending on what component is affected. In this case involving airbags with deployment issues in crashes, it's advisable not to drive until you have ensured that repairs have been made.
๐Year-over-Year Context
โก๏ธStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
๐งญWhat This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified MAZDA service centerโrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in MAZDA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific MX-5 year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.