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2018 Mazda

MX-5

Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L

Mazda MX-5: best and worst years
2018 Mazda MX-5 (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2018.

PhotoAlexander-93CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Two SeatersEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
155
Power to weight
0.066 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.87
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,650EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
305 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
6/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
3/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
154 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
49 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
91 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,332 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
3

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20%
  • ENGINE20%
  • POWER TRAIN20%
  • STRUCTURE20%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 5 total.

Mazda MX-5: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

343 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 1, 2026POWER TRAIN01-008-26

    This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-031-26

    DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) using VIN Plate Request Form available on One Mazda. To obtain a replacement vehicle certification label (located on the B􀀀pillar or front door), contact your assigned DSM (District Service Manager) to place the order. If DSM contact informa

  • Apr 21, 2026POWER TRAINSA-029-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services ar

  • Apr 16, 2026ENGINESA-026-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure)

  • Apr 8, 2026AIR BAGS08-001-26

    This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 08-002/25 08/06/25 Some customers may complain that the front passenger seat belt warning light flashes and the seat belt warning beep is activated, even though there is no occupant in the front passenger seat. When a passenger seat occupant sits with a load on the front side for a long time with the seat warmer on, the occupancy sensor becomes dented and sensitive. As a result, the sensor det

  • Mar 11, 2026ENGINESA-014-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Alert is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not. A mechanical seal (A) is used for the water pump. This mechanical seal can seal coo

  • Jan 31, 2026STRUCTURE:BODY09-007-26

    Some vehicles may exhibit the power window(s) not working properly (window does not move or has fallen into the door) and/or making an abnormal noise while operating the power window switch. This may be caused by the cable of the power window motor being damaged from water entry through area (1) of the front beltline molding. Convertible Top: To eliminate this concern, the shape of the door glass has been modified during mass production to prevent water entry to the power window regulator. Retra

  • Jan 26, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-005-26

    There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to accurately cut keys • 5-digit codes CANNOT be provided for 2019 and newer vehicles (the traditional 5-digit code from the key tag or driver's door lock cylinder is not sufficient and will not be issued for key cutting on these models). • Only Mazda-approved key cutting machines can process these 10-digit cod

  • and 335 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.