Buyer Research

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $18,000–$27,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

The fourth-generation Miata returned the car to its light, simple roots and is widely considered one of the best-driving cars at any price. Skyactiv-durable and cheap to run. Still new enough to be less rusty, so the checks are track abuse, modification, and clutch — plus early-build engine notes.

What we checked

Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 34 owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND), across 3 recall campaigns.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 32% of them are about one thing — the transmission and drivetrain. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

3 recall campaigns cover this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Looked at and set aside: airbags (5) — 5 airbag complaints on file, almost always a recall matter rather than a repair bill; have a dealer check this VIN for open airbag campaigns and confirm any were performed.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Track and autocross abuseMedium

A beloved track toy; verify track history and inspect brakes, tires, clutch, and for oil-starvation on tracked cars.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (11), steering (2).

Early 155hp vs later 181hp engineLow

The 2016-2018 has 155hp; the 2019+ got 181hp and a higher redline. Not a defect, but it affects value and desirability.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (2).

Rust in salt states (still applies)Medium

Newer, but salt-state cars can still corrode underneath; inspect.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the body and structure (4).

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Heavy track history with worn parts
✗A questionable modified build
✗Salt-belt underbody corrosion
✗Salvage title

Good Signs

✓Light, documented use
✓Healthy clutch and brakes
✓The 2019+ higher-output engine if available

Found a specific Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

Get My Verdict — $7.99

No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.

Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.