Mazda MX-5
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.
184 hp ND2 — The Sweet Spot for Everything
Get the ND2 (from 2019) with 184 hp and its own gearbox — not the ND1 2.0 saddled with the 1.5's transmission. More torque for motorway and overtaking, still under 1,050 kg. On country roads almost as playful as the 1.5, on the motorway far more relaxed. RF or soft top? Open is better. The safer bet.
Engine Weaknesses 8
PCM software incorrectly controls the hydraulic valve lash adjustment during the transition from cylinder deactivation. The intake valve rocker arm can contact other engine components. Affects CX-5 KF 2017–2019, approximately 58,000 vehicles in Europe.
Symptoms: Misfires, power loss, rough engine running when upshifting out of cylinder deactivation
Isolated hairline cracks in the cylinder head between cylinders 2/3 and above the exhaust manifold. Mileages reported: 53,000–85,000 km. Mazda goodwill coverage of 50–60 % of repair costs has been possible.
Symptoms: Oil seeping from the cylinder head, coolant loss without a visible puddle, misfire under acceleration
From around 150,000 km the PE-VPR's piston rings can start burning oil due to sticking or loss of ring tension. Reports indicate 0.5–1.5 litres per 2,000–3,000 km. Valve stem seals are a secondary possible cause.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level without external leaks, faint blue smoke on cold start or under load, oil consumption above 0.3 litres per 1,000 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
The valve cover gasket and OCV seal on the oil control valve (OCV/VVT) tend to leak from around 80,000 km. Oil seeps at the valve cover edge or the OCV connection flange. All three components (OCV, OCV seal, valve cover gasket) should be renewed together.
Symptoms: Oil trail at the valve cover edge or exhaust manifold, oil smell after driving, oil loss without a visible puddle, faint smoke under full throttle
The SkyActiv-G 2.0 knock sensor can produce false signals due to age, moisture or engine vibration. The ECU retards ignition as a precaution, costing power. Typical on high-mileage vehicles or after overheating.
Symptoms: Check engine light with knock sensor fault code (P0325/P0330), power loss due to ignition timing retard, slight knock at full throttle
Das Faltverdeck des MX-5 ND kann an der Kontaktstelle zum Überrollbügel undicht werden. Fertigungstoleranzen führen dazu, dass Wasser in den Innenraum eindringt, besonders an den hinteren Ecken des Verdecks.
Symptoms: Feuchte Sitzflächen oder Fußraum nach Regen; Geruch nach feuchtem Stoff; sichtbare Wasserränder auf Polster.
Das SkyActiv-MT-Schaltgetriebe des MX-5 ND zeigt bei vielen Fahrzeugen vor allem in den ersten und zweiten Gang ein hakelig-widerstrebiges Schaltgefühl, das besonders bei kaltem Getriebe und bei sportlicher Fahrweise auffällt.
Symptoms: Ruckartiger oder schwergängiger Gangwechsel in 1. und 2. Gang; Verbesserung nach dem Warmlaufen; manche Fahrzeuge bessern sich nach 5.000–10.000 km Einfahrzeit.
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Early MX-5 ND units from 2015/2016 have 2nd and 3rd gear teeth damaged by faulty heat treatment. Failure occurs suddenly. Mazda replaced affected gearboxes under warranty.
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.
The MX-5 ND has virtually no factory cavity protection or wheel arch underseal. Without aftermarket treatment, wheel arches, sills and cavities start to corrode. Vehicles used in winter are particularly at risk.
Seized ND brake calipers generate intense heat in the wheel housing and cause premature wear of the wheel bearing and brake disc. Rhythmic judder at medium speeds is typical. Regular greasing of the guide pins prevents this.
The ND's rear calipers tend to seize on the guide pins due to corrosion, leading to uneven pad wear and severe disc overheating. Without regular lubrication at every tyre change, premature wear after 50,000–75,000 km is likely.
The MX-5 ND's leather seats show cracks and scuffing at low mileage, particularly on the bolsters and seat edges from repeated entry and exit. Leather quality is considered below average.
The MX-5 ND's 12 V battery is overstressed by the stop-start system during short trips or after long periods of inactivity. Winter storage without a trickle charger regularly causes deep discharge.
The ND's dual-pinion EPS develops a noticeable dead zone during extended straight-line driving as the grease migrates away from the neutral position. Steering corrections feel notchy. Full lock-to-lock steering redistributes the grease and temporarily resolves the problem.
Early ND production vehicles had a leaking valve near the right-hand strut that lost refrigerant and caused AC failure. Condenser leaks also occur. Nitrogen or dye testing by a specialist is required.
Reports & Tests
78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2015–2026). Most reported: Powertrain (25), Electrical (12), Other (9).