2018 Mazda MX-5 problems
The 2018 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, one documented fault affects 2018 cars, such as unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault.
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2018 Mazda MX-5 score: good reliability
Calculated using only 6 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.55 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 system10.0No documented faults
- 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 2017 Mazda MX-5
- Score: 6.9 → 7.5
- No longer affected by: dC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fire (rest of the car)
Skyactiv-G engine in the 2018 Mazda MX-5
Names: 1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
- Buy
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]
- Buy
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 2018 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.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelMicro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerBetween October 2017 and May 2020, Mazda built Mazda3 and CX-5 units with a fuel pump whose impeller can crack, swell and end up cutting off the fuel supply with the engine running; the manufacturer recalled the affected cars.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)On the CX-5 II built between 2017 and 2019, and the 2019 Mazda3 IV, incorrect engine ECU programming can cause loss of power or the engine to stall; Mazda fixes it with a software update acknowledged by Germany's KBA.
- 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 2018 Mazda MX-5
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
The 2018 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, one documented fault affects 2018 cars, such as unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault.
Is the 2018 Mazda MX-5 better than the 2017?
Our score goes from 6.9 in 2017 to 7.5 in 2018. No longer affected by: dC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fire (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 2018 Mazda MX-5 have?
The most important ones documented for 2018 cars are: unintended downshift of the automatic gearbox caused by a transmission control unit software fault (gearbox and clutch, critical severity), intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling (Skyactiv-G, medium severity), micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G, medium severity), eCU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G, medium severity) and carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors (Skyactiv-G, low severity).
Own a 2018 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