Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND reliable?

Our reliability score for the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND is 9/10 (90/100), which puts it as one of the most reliable vehicles in our entire database. RepairPal rates it 4.5/5.

How much does it cost to own a Mazda MX-5 Miata ND per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a Mazda MX-5 Miata ND is approximately $3,415 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $2,405.

What is the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND is 30 MPG, with 26 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND safe?

Our safety score for the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND is 9.5/10 (95/100), which means it is genuinely safe by current data. IIHS rates the crash protection good. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata ND a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The Mazda MX-5 Miata ND misses on at least one of these.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata ND

2016-present · Mazda MX-5 Miata

78out of 100

The most fun reliable car at any price point, and the cheapest car on this list to own at $429/yr maintenance.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

90/ 100Reliability×3.5 72/ 100True Annual Cost×3.0 95/ 100Safety×1.5 27/ 100Practicality×0.5 60/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The ND is the lightest, most balanced Miata ever made. The P5-VPS 2.0L engine is a SkyActiv unit built for longevity, not peak output. The chassis is so well-sorted that power-to-weight matters less than anywhere else.

Why it's on this list

$429/yr maintenance, cheaper than a Honda CR-V. 0.3 unscheduled repair visits per year. 10% severe problem probability. RepairPal 4.0/5.0. Essentially rust-free. The NA/NB/NC rust reputation does not apply to the ND.

The honest trade-offs

Two seats, 4.6 cu ft trunk, 357-mile range. These are not defects. They are the trade for the driving experience. The ND will not carry your family or your gear. It will make driving to work feel like an event.

What to buy and what to avoid

2019+ for the 181hp update and most refined version. RF (Retractable Fastback) if you want a more refined highway experience. Club trim for the Bilstein dampers and LSD. Avoid 2016 launch year for most examples.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)

$1,520 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$429 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$160 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$2,706 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,696 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$3,415 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$2,405 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

30^[5]

MPG city / hwy

26 / 35^[5]

Tank

11.9 gal^[5]

Engine

P5-VPS 2.0L Skyactiv-G

Horsepower

181 hp

Torque

148 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

4.6 cu ft

Cargo max

4.6 cu ft

Ground clearance

5.7"

Stock tires

205/45R17

Body

Convertible

Rear seats

No fold

Safety

NHTSA overall

5/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

8%^[2]

IIHS rating

Good^[4]

ESC standard

Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Minimal

Frame rust risk

Minimal

ND is essentially rust-free. NA/NB/NC have rust issues — ND does not.

Known issues by mileage

0-30,000 Miles (48,000 KM)

Suspension sag one side (some 2016)Moderate

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)

RF power-folding roof mechanismModerate

Best and worst years

Best years

2019181hp update, most refined
2020
2021

Years to avoid

2016Launch year — most complaints

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$429 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

4.5/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.4^[1]

Severe issue probability

6%^[1]

250k-mile survival

55%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Led Assembly

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

6/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist