2016 Mazda MX-5 problems
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Skyactiv-G. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault.
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2016 Mazda MX-5 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 5 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.93 faults
- Gearbox7.11 fault
- Suspension8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system7.11 fault
- Headlights and lights8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2015 Mazda MX-5
- Score: 7.4 → 7.1
- No longer affected by: underbody protective panel coming away on the first vehicles built in 2015 (rest of the car)
- Starts to be affected by: unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault (rest of the car)
Skyactiv-G engine in the 2016 Mazda MX-5
Names: 1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
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1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)
75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP
gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents no relevant engine failures on the Mazda2 or Mazda3 with this engine; the occasional oil consumption on the Mazda3 BM/BN is the only point to watch.[3][4]
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2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)
155 hp · PE-VPS
According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[5][6][7]
Faults that affect 2016 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsIntake shut-off valve software issue and engine stallingOn Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018, incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve to the point of suddenly stalling the engine; Mazda fixed it with a software update.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionSome Mazda3 BM/BN with the Skyactiv-G engine use more oil than expected between changes; the manufacturer itself considers up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km normal, but gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends not ignoring higher figures and checking the level regularly.
Faults outside the engine in the 2016 Mazda MX-5
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchUnintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software faultA 2019 recall affects MX-5 ND models with the automatic gearbox built between October 2016 and November 2018: faulty software could make the gearbox downshift without the driver asking it to and lock the rear wheels. It is corrected by reprogramming the gearbox control unit.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemDC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fireA 2018 Safety Gate alert covers MX-5 ND models built between August 2014 and April 2017: the DC converter control unit could fail, cause a short circuit and damage the converter, with a risk of fire. It is a precautionary recall; check the chassis number at the official service centre.
Buying a 2016 Mazda MX-5?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Skyactiv-G. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault.
Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 better than the 2015?
Our score goes from 7.4 in 2015 to 7.1 in 2016. No longer affected by: underbody protective panel coming away on the first vehicles built in 2015 (rest of the car). Starts to be affected by: unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Mazda MX-5?
According to our score, the best are 2026, 2022 and 2021 (9.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2017 (6.9/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have?
The most important ones documented for 2016 cars are: unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault (gearbox and clutch, critical severity), dC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fire (electrical system, critical severity), intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling (Skyactiv-G, medium severity), carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors (Skyactiv-G, low severity) and higher-than-normal oil consumption (Skyactiv-G, low severity).
Own a 2016 Mazda MX-5? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Mazda MX-5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German