DecodedCars2015 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Hard Top), 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Soft Top)
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 157.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,524–2,632 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2015 two seaters (20.8 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 157 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 92-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,632 lb (2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Hard Top)).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2015 two seaters average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 MX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 MX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2015 MX-5 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Hard Top) | 157.1 in | 67.7 in | 49.2 in | 91.7 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,632 lb | 59/41 |
| 2dr Convertible RWD Gx/Gs/GT (Soft Top) | 157.1 in | 67.7 in | 49.2 in | 91.7 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,524 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +15% | $3,400 | 359 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +15% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +11% | $3,550 | 377 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mazda MX-5.
Similar 2015 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 MINI John Cooper Works | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Mazda MX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2015 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mazda MX-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2014 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →