IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Mazda MX-5 (ND)

The 2019 ND2 update brought a strengthened gearbox and a significantly improved 184hp engine with higher redline. This is the most desirable version of the ND MX-5.

What changed for 2019

  • •ND2 update with strengthened gearbox
  • •Improved 184hp engine with higher redline
  • •All early issues addressed
  • •Strong used values reflecting desirability

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Roof drains clogging with leaves
  • !Paint thinness showing stone chips
  • !Clutch wear on hard-driven cars
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Suspension Hub Carrier Spherical Bushing Play and Clunking

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The multi-link rear suspension on the ND MX-5 uses spherical bearing pillow-ball bushings within the aluminium rear hub carriers (knuckles) to control wheel geometry. Over UK roads, moisture, road salt and grit penetrate the rubber dust seals, causing the internal spherical joints to corrode and develop excessive play. This produces a noticeable rear-end knocking noise over bumps, vague high-speed stability, and an automatic UK MOT failure for excessive play in a suspension pin, bush or joint. Mazda does not supply replacement bushes separately, quoting £900–£1,600 to replace complete hub assemblies; however, independent specialists fit aftermarket polyurethane or spherical replacement bush kits (such as Polybush or Powerflex) on the car.

Est. Repair Cost: £280–£650
Warning Signs:

Metallic clunking or knocking from rear suspension over bumps, Nervous, twitchy handling or rear-wheel steering sensation in corners, Noticeable free play when rocking rear road wheels while raised, UK MOT failure for excessive play in rear suspension bush or joint

What to Inspect:
  • Jack up the rear of the car and firmly rock each wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions to detect play in the hub carrier
  • Listen for dull thuds or clunking from the rear axle on bumpy test-drive surfaces
  • Inspect the rear hub spherical bush boots for splits, grease leaks or perishing
  • Check MOT test history for previous advisories on rear suspension pins or bushes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Soft Top Fabric Contact on Roll Hoop Covers and Premature Fraying

ModerateBodywork & Rust

On soft-top ND models, the folding roof frame geometry and tight clearances allow the canvas fabric to rub directly against the sharp edges of the plastic headrest roll hoop covers (seat-back bar garnishes) as the roof is lowered or raised. Repeated friction abrades the outer cloth fibres, creating visible whitening, scuffing and eventual through-holes in the fabric just behind the front edge. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin 09-023-19 to address roof contact, modifying link stoppers and clearances under warranty. On used cars out of warranty, fitting aftermarket clearance spacers, protective felt tape or replacing damaged hood sections is necessary.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£850
Warning Signs:

Whitened scuff marks or thread fraying on convertible top fabric, Sharp plastic hoop garnishes catching the canvas when lowering the roof, Through-holes developing in the hood fabric near the roll bar arches, Water seeping through worn fold creases in wet weather

What to Inspect:
  • Lower and raise the soft top from inside the car and observe clearance between the fabric and plastic roll hoops
  • Inspect the canvas above the B-pillar area for visible chafing, wear marks or thinning
  • Check whether modified spacer clips or protective film have been fitted to the hoop covers
  • Feel the underside of the canvas for moisture penetration or previous glue repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Roof Drain Trombone Filter Blockage and Cabin Water Ingress

ModerateInterior & Trim

The ND MX-5 utilizes rainwater collection basins with integrated one-way flap valves and removable debris filters located behind each seat belt tower. In the UK climate, pine needles, pollen, road grit and tree leaves easily bypass the grills and clog the narrow plastic drain tubes. When blocked, rainwater cannot drain under the car and overflows down into the cabin, accumulating under the rear parcel shelf insulation and soaking the front footwell carpets. Standing water can submerge the audio wiring loom and the sensitive Bose audio amplifier or control modules mounted under the seat, creating severe electrical corrosion and musty damp odors.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£450
Warning Signs:

Damp, squelching carpets in the passenger footwell or behind seats, Musty, stagnant smell inside the cabin after heavy rain or car washing, Condensation and heavy misting on the inside of the windscreen, Intermittent electrical issues or Bose amplifier audio failure from water exposure

What to Inspect:
  • Lift the carpets in both footwells and behind the seats to feel for underlying moisture
  • Pour a cup of water down the soft-top drainage channels behind the seats and check for immediate run-off under the car
  • Inspect the drain intake baskets behind the seats for accumulated leaves or sludge
  • Check under the seat for corrosion on amplifier plugs or wet sound-deadening foam
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2019 Mazda MX-5 (ND)

  • Early 2.0 manual cars are the ones to scrutinise most closely for gearbox noise or previous replacement.
  • Ensure the roof doesn't rub on the roll hoop covers when folded, as the fabric can wear on neglected cars.
  • 2018-on ND2 cars are the easiest recommendation, but still check for clutch and gearbox smoothness from cold.
20182020–2023
Check a 2019 Mazda MX-5 (ND) by Registration