Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activate
The 2012 MX-5 Miata is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
""Aug: 2024 Air bag warning light started blinking. Mechanic diagnosis of computer stated driver side air bag needed to be replaced. Mechanic reset that light, but told me it would likely start blinking again. No reoccurrence as of 11 May 25. Due to cost and lack of warning light blinking reoccurrence, air bag was not replaced.""
Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
""Normal manual clutch wear has required 2 clutch kits to be used over the 120,000 miles of usage.""
Anonymous A., MS (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
"i heard a funny noise coming from the left front of my car. The mechanic said it was the bushings,and if one was bad we should change all 4."
Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"There seems to be some sort of clearcoat peeling on the left side of the hood. I assume it is due to the heat of the engine."
Anonymous A., NC (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"I don't really know anything else. I trust my mechanic and do what they say. . .although i often ask questions. At 75, i don't remember details verywell. . .i'm sorry."
Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"There are squeaks in the retractable hardtop latch and on the left side above the windshield that I haven't been able to resolve. There is also a leak in the driver's door that allows water to flow into the speaker resulting in very bad distortion. The problem goes away when the cart dries out after rain."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"At first the problem was not resolved when I took to a dealer, who wanted to replace the catalytic converter. I then took it to an aftermarket muffler repair shop, which removed the loose heat shield at no charge."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)