Rear Sill and Arch Corrosion
SeriousBodywork & RustRoad salt and trapped moisture cause the metal to rot from the inside out.
Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,500
Reliability GuideCommon Problems with the
Common Problems with the
2009 Mazda MX-5 (NC)
The 2009 NC2 facelift brought a higher engine redline, improved suspension geometry, and more refined styling. This is the most desirable version of the NC MX-5.
What changed for 2009
- •NC2 facelift with higher redline
- •Improved suspension geometry
- •Revised styling and interior updates
- •All early issues addressed
Common MOT watch-outs
- !Rear sill and arch corrosion still a concern
- !Bose amplifier water damage
- !Clutch slave cylinder failure
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor
All Known Issues
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Misfire
ModerateEngineThe NC MX-5 is prone to misfires caused by deterioration of the thin wiring to the ignition coils, which leads to coil failure. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation under acceleration and the engine management light. The fix is typically new coils and plugs.
Est. Repair Cost: £150–£350
Soft-Top Window Hazing and Water Ingress
ModerateBodywork & RustThe plastic rear window on the soft-top can haze or craze with age, reducing rear visibility. More seriously, the roof seals and rain rails can fail, letting water into the cabin and accelerating sill corrosion from the inside.
Est. Repair Cost: £0–£400
Hydraulic Valve Lifter Tick
MinorEngineA loud ticking noise from the engine, especially when cold, is often caused by sticking hydraulic valve lash adjusters. This is more common on higher-mileage cars or those that have not had regular oil changes. Replacing the adjusters resolves the noise.
Est. Repair Cost: £200–£500
Buying Tips for 2009 Mazda MX-5 (NC)
- ✓Check the chassis rails and rear wheel arches for rust. This is the #1 killer of NCs.
- ✓Ensure the drains are clear (water in the footwells usually means clogged drains).
- ✓Check the oil level frequently; the 1.8 engine is known to consume oil if driven hard.