Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 MX-5.
The 2021 Mazda MX‑5 continues the lightweight, rear‑wheel‑drive roadster lineage on its long‑running ND platform, pairing a naturally aspirated four‑cylinder engine with Mazda’s six‑speed automatic (S6) to deliver an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and a combined 30 mpg. Its efficiency and the smooth, compact transmission stand out in a segment where simplicity and driver engagement are prized, while the model records only a single owner complaint—focused on the power‑train—and just one recall to date. Within the broader 2011‑2026 MX‑5 reliability record, 2021 sits near the low‑complaint end of the spectrum, mirroring the inaugural year’s minimal issues and far below the 2016 peak of 34 complaints, indicating a consistently dependable generation for researchers.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Overall length | 153.9 in |
| Overall width | 68.1 in |
| Overall height | 48.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 90.9 in |
| Curb weight | 2348 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.4 / 59.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 53/47 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 26 / 35 / 30 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 stands out as an exceptionally clean year within the ND generation. The federal data shows a clear trend: the generation launched in 2016 with a spike of 34 complaints and 3 recalls, then saw fluctuating but generally declining numbers through 2020, before reaching a low point in 2021 with just 1 complaint (related to the power train) and 1 recall. This is the lowest complaint count in the entire 2011–2026 dataset, and the recall count matches the minimal level seen in subsequent years. The sharp drop in TSBs from 521 in 2016 to 212 in 2021 further indicates that early-generation teething issues were largely resolved by this model year. With no crash or fire complaints and a nearly spotless record, the 2021 MX-5 represents a mature, trouble-free point in the generation’s lifecycle, making it an excellent used purchase.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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…
Showing 5 of 212 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-041-26 | 2026-06-18 | Electrical System | This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in… |
| 09-020-26 | 2026-06-17 | Structure | DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit scratches (1) on the rear of the seat back bar… |
| SA-027-26a | 2026-06-16 | Electrical System | This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted… |
| SA-031-26 | 2026-04-30 | Structure | DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle… |
| SA-029-26 | 2026-04-21 | Power Train | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
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Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 26 city / 35 highway / 30 combined mpg.