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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Convertible · 2010–2026 · MX-5 Miata, MX-5 Miata RF
Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2016Far more serious problems than usual
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.6× usual
Few complaints for any year of this model, so the data can't tell this year apart much. 4 serious complaints of 5, the most about structure (1) and engine (1); 0.6× this model's usual share of all serious complaints about 2012 vehicles.
5 owner complaints · 0 recalls · EPA combined: 23–24 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Every MX-5 Miata year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. NHTSA doesn't publish sales, so only big differences count. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2012
No changes to the main specs and features from 2011.
2012 MX-5 Miata trims
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | MZR 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder | MZR 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder | MZR 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: 167 hp Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: 158 hp Soft Top Automatic: 158 hp | Manual: 167 hp Automatic: 158 hp | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: 167 hp Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: 158 hp Soft Top Automatic: 158 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: — Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: Sport Automatic Soft Top Automatic: Sport Automatic | Manual: — Automatic: Sport Automatic | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: — Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: Sport Automatic Soft Top Automatic: Sport Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | Manual: 5 Automatic: 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual / Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic / Soft Top Manual / Soft Top Automatic | Manual / Automatic | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual / Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic / Soft Top Manual / Soft Top Automatic |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Trunk | 5.3 cu ft | 5.3 cu ft | 5.3 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 4.6 in | 4.6 in | 4.6 in |
| Length | 157.3 in | 157.3 in | 157.3 in |
| Curb weight | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: 2,593 lb Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: 2,619 lb Soft Top Manual: 2,511 lb Soft Top Automatic: 2,542 lb | Manual: — Automatic: 2,542 lb | Power Retractable Hardtop Manual: 2,593 lb Power Retractable Hardtop Automatic: 2,619 lb Soft Top Manual: — Soft Top Automatic: 2,542 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Bose | — | — |
| Speakers | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | Front | — | — |
| Exterior | |||
| Wheels | 17 in | 16 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen + option | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (51)
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance Package $1,145 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Convenience Package | Standard | — | Standard |
| Premium Package $1,390 | Optional | — | — |
| Suspension Package $650 | — | — | — |
| All-Weather Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car-Cover Cable Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Chrome Fuel-Filler Door $100 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Hard Top | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Door Edge Guards $80 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Light Bezels | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Front Air Dam | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Front Mask | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Indoor Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License-Plate Frame | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Skirt | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Lip Spoiler $400 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Side Sill Extensions | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards, Front and Rear | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Touch-Up Paint | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $55 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ashtray | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpet Floor Mats | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Engine Start Switch | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Gearshift Knob | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Interior Lighting Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roadside Assistance Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Windshield Sunscreen | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3.5 mm Audio Cable | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Apple iPod Integration | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bluetooth Car Kit by Motorola | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3-Compatible Changer | — | Optional | — |
| Portable Navigation Device by Garmin | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-Month Trial Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Antitheft Alarm | Optional | — | — |
| Antitheft Alarm with Shock Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Air Vent Bezels | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Doorsill Trim Plates | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Instrument Panel Decorative Trim | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Parking Brake Handle | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Seatback Bar Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Brilliant Black Clearcoat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Copper Red Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Liquid Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Stormy Blue Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| True Red | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | Optional |
| Black Leather | Optional | — | — |
| Dune Beige Leather | Optional | — | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 1 | Power train (1) | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 3 | Exterior lighting (1) | — |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 5 | Electrical system (2) | — |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29–30 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 7 | Power train (4) | — |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29–30 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 5 | Power train (3) | — |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29–30 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 1 | Power train (1) | — |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29–30 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 3 | Air bags (2) | — |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 181 hp manual available | RWD | 29–30 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 11 | Electrical system (3) | — |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 155 hp manual available | RWD | 29 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 3 | Power train (1) | — |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 155 hp manual available | RWD | 29 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 11 | Visibility/wiper (4) | — |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 30 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 34 | Power train (11) | — |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 1 | Service brakes (1) | — |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 6 | Structure (2) | — |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 2 | Vehicle speed control (1) | — |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 5 | Structure (1) | — |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 1 | Exterior lighting (1) | — |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | RWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 4 | Seat belts (1) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Blind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsLeather seatsRemote start
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | MAZDA MX-5 C N/A RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | Standard | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | Standard | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | Standard | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | Optional | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 6 |
| 2013 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 2 |
| 2012 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 5 |
| 2011 | Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | Mazda MX-5/Miata Convertible w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29 |
| 2025 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29 |
| 2024 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29 |
| 2023 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29–30 |
| 2022 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29–30 |
| 2021 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29–30 |
| 2020 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29–30 |
| 2019 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29–30 |
| 2018 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29 |
| 2017 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
29 |
| 2016 | MX-5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
30 |
| 2015 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
| 2014 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
| 2013 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
| 2012 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
| 2011 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
| 2010 | MX-5 | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
23–24 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.