Mazda MX-5 ND
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The ND is the most focused production MX-5: under a ton, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated, six-speed manual. Mazda reversed nearly every criticism of the NC with the ND — lighter, shorter, more direct. It became the benchmark for affordable sports cars and remained on Car and Driver's 10Best list through the full ND production run.
Two engines, same SkyActiv-G architecture. The P5-VPR 1.5L (97–105 kW depending on market) is the purist choice: lighter, revvier, better fuel economy, under 1,000 kg in base trim. The PE-VPR 2.0L (118–135 kW) delivers more torque and a better soundtrack at higher speeds — the choice for anyone who occasionally uses motorways or occasionally carries a passenger without apologizing. Both are interference engines with timing chains (not belts) — no scheduled chain replacement required under normal use.
The transmission is the ND's only real reliability story. Early 2016–2018 cars had 2nd and 3rd gear wheels with insufficient heat treatment — teeth could chip under hard use. Mazda covered replacements under Recall 19V-072 (powertrain warranty) and updated production from serial No. 6TJ0701679. The vast majority of affected cars should already have the revised gearbox; verify before buying. Symptoms: sudden inability to select 2nd or 3rd, metallic crunch on engagement.
The early ND1 (2016–2018) EPS had a known on-center dead zone — noticeable at motorway speeds and in warm weather. Mazda recalibrated for ND2 (2019+) and redesigned the steering rack entirely for ND3 (2024+). If straight-line feel matters, buy ND2 or later.
Soft-top rubbing against the roll hoop brackets is a known production tolerance issue across all ND years — most develop chafing marks before 30,000 km. Mazda dealers can add spacers to lift the hood clear. Check the fabric at the rear corners before buying. The drain channels that run from the top to the rear also block with leaves — clear them annually or face water in the boot and floor.
Corrosion protection is minimal from the factory: no wax injection, minimal cavity treatment. Quarter-window frames on pre-2017 cars rust first. UK and northern cars benefit enormously from professional Dinitrol or Waxoyl treatment within the first two years of ownership.
The battery is undersized for the stop-start system. Short-trip owners report batteries failing below 30,000 km. Keep a CTEK trickle charger connected over winter.
Test-drive checklist: Shift briskly through all six gears — any notchiness in 2nd or 3rd on an early car? Check the serial number sticker on the gearbox housing (visible from below). Open and close the soft top — any rubbing or squeaking at the rear corners? Rear caliper: check for uneven pad wear or a dragging sensation from one corner. On ND1: highway test for the EPS dead zone.
2026 market: 1.5L ND1 from $12,000 / £9,000. 2.0L ND2 (2019+) from $18,000 / £14,000. RF (retractable fastback) commands a $3,000–5,000 premium over the soft-top. Insider pick: 2019–2023 2.0L PE-VPR manual soft-top — the ND2 EPS fix, post-recall gearbox, and pre-ND3 price point make it the sweet spot of the entire ND run.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mazda MX-5 ND is available with 2 engine variants — from 131 to 184 hp.
The 1.5 SkyActiv-G is the light-footed naturally aspirated direct-injection engine of the small roadster — around 131 hp in a very light car that lives on revs. More playful and rev-happy in character than the 2.0, but with less torque. Technically solid; the topics are limited: the direct injection deposits carbon on the intake valves from around 100,000 km, the electronic coolant control valve can stick, and a recall covers a fuel pipe prone to cracking under sustained high revs. On track the oil level and oil supply are critical — short change intervals and an eye on the sump. The manual gearbox is among the best in its class: short, precise throws. Oil change every 10,000 km.
- !! Recall: fuel pipe cracking at high revs
Resonance-induced cracking in the fuel pipe of the 1.5-litre ND engine during sustained operation above 6,800 rpm (motorsport use). Fuel leak and fire risk possible. KBA recall affects ND build years 2015–2018.
Symptoms: Fuel smell in the engine bay, fuel puddle under the vehicle, engine failure during motorsport use above 6,800 rpm - !! Oil starvation on track — spun rod bearing
The stock oil pan cannot keep oil at the pickup under sustained cornering above 1 g; the pickup draws air, the rod bearing runs dry and spins. A whole aftermarket (baffles, Accusump, deep sumps) exists to prevent it. A pure track risk, harmless in normal driving.
Symptoms: Oil-pressure warning in long corners, then rod-bearing knock, in the worst case sudden engine failure on track. - !! Recall: fuel pump impeller cracks
The impeller of the low-pressure fuel pump can crack or deform (NHTSA 21V-875, model years 2018-2019). The result is a no-start or stalling while driving. Mazda replaces the pump free of charge.
Symptoms: Hard start, hesitation, engine stalling while driving.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0 litre SkyActiv-G, 160-184 hp — the stronger ND engine. ND1 (160 hp) shared the 1.5's gearbox and was suboptimally geared. The ND2 (from 2019, 184 hp) with its own gearbox and revised engine is the sweet spot: more mid-range torque, better throttle response. Piston ring oil consumption is a known SkyActiv issue from around 80,000 km — check regularly. Carbon deposits from direct injection. Knock sensor is sensitive to poor fuel. Oil change every 10,000 km. The 2.0 is the better ND for motorway and long-distance. The 1.5 is for country-road purists.
- !! Oil starvation on track — spun rod bearing
The stock oil pan cannot keep oil at the pickup under sustained cornering above 1 g; the pickup draws air, the rod bearing runs dry and spins. A whole aftermarket (baffles, Accusump, deep sumps) exists to prevent it. A pure track risk, harmless in normal driving.
Symptoms: Oil-pressure warning in long corners, then rod-bearing knock, in the worst case sudden engine failure on track. - !! Recall: fuel pump impeller cracks
The impeller of the low-pressure fuel pump can crack or deform (NHTSA 21V-875, model years 2018-2019). The result is a no-start or stalling while driving. Mazda replaces the pump free of charge.
Symptoms: Hard start, hesitation, engine stalling while driving. - ! Intake valve carbon build-up from 100,000 km
Pure direct injection without port injection — intake valves are never washed by fuel. Carbon deposits form from around 80,000–120,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires on cold start, slight power loss and sluggish throttle response
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Hood chafes due to manufacturing tolerances The MX-5 ND's soft top chafes against the mechanism arms on many cars and damages the fabric. The cause is excessive manufacturing tolerances. Repair by shimming the arm forward with spacers is possible. Symptoms: Chafing marks on the hood, fabric worn through, squeaking or rubbing when operating, possible water ingress from 30,000 km | Medium | |
| Soft top leaks — water ingress into the cabin The folding roof can leak where it meets the roll bar. Manufacturing tolerances let water into the cabin, especially at the rear corners of the top. Symptoms: Damp seats or footwell after rain, smell of wet fabric, visible water marks on the upholstery. from 60,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
The current MX-5 ND continues its strong inspection record: barely any defects, solid suspension, reliable engineering.
2025-11Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
All Mazda models Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda MX-5 ND (2015–2026) — 13 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Rust, Gearbox, Interior.
MX-5 (P5-VPR, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Recall: fuel pipe cracking at high revs, Oil starvation on track — spun rod bearing, Recall: fuel pump impeller cracks. Power: 131–132 PS.
MX-5 (PE-VPR, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Oil starvation on track — spun rod bearing, Recall: fuel pump impeller cracks, Intake valve carbon build-up. Power: 160 PS.
MX-5 (PE-VPR, 2018–2026) — Be Careful: Oil starvation on track — spun rod bearing, Recall: fuel pump impeller cracks, Intake valve carbon build-up. Power: 184 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mazda MX-5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda MX-5 ND have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee