Mazda MX-5: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 12,303 Mazda MX-5 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1989 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 41.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (11.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 6 recalls for this model; 1.8% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mazda MX-5
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.6% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 8.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.6% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 3.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 3% |
| Tyre damaged | 2.8% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 2.3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 1.5% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 1.5% |
Share of 396 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 5.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 12,303 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.8% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1989 to 2026 |
All Mazda MX-5 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-31 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 467 |
| 2025-02-18 | electrical system | serious | 99 |
| 2021-12-30 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,697 |
| 2019-09-26 | bodywork | – | 146 |
| 2019-03-04 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 27 |
| 2018-10-11 | electrical system | – | 456 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mazda MX-5 fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 41.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mazda MX-5?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (11.6%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (8.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (6.6%).
Does the Mazda MX-5 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 6 recalls. 1.8% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mazda models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.