left-most lane of a three-lane highway, I pressed the accelerator to maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle suddenly began revving between 4,000–5,000 RPM without increasing speed. When I attempted to accelerate again, the RPM remained around 3,000, and I immediately received multiple warning messages on the dashboard, including: “Skyactiv Partially Disabled” warning Engine Malfunction warning ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) warning light Simultaneously, the vehicle rapidly decelerated from 65 MPH to approximately 55 MPH, creating an extremely hazardous situation and nearly resulting in a collision. I had to carefully maneuver across lanes to reach the shoulder. After shutting the vehicle off and restarting it, the warning lights temporarily cleared; however, the vehicle appeared to be operating in limp mode. I had the car towed home via AAA. After this near-fatal incident, I scanned the vehicle using an OBD2 reader and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes P0780 and P0761, indicating Shift Malfunction and Shift Solenoid 3 Performance issues. To address the issue proactively, I had my mechanic perform two full transmission fluid and filter exchanges on Monday, February 16, 2026, and again on February 18, 2026. Both services included a pan drop, replacement of the transmission filter, use of Mazda OEM transmission fluid (0000A7115QT and FZ01-21-500), and a complete transmission relearn procedure after each service. Despite these efforts, the same codes (P0761 and P0780) reappeared when scanned with a professional-grade diagnostic tool. The battery has been tested and confirmed fully charged. Additionally, my mechanic identified oil leaking from the timing chain cover.

The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk because it affects a system intended to improve visibility during night driving and around curves, creating uncertainty about headlight performance under low-visibility conditions. The issue has been confirmed by an authorized Mazda dealer, which recorded fault logs related to the headlight system. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times. Repairs performed include replacement of the headlamp wiring harness and replacement of the entire headlamp assembly, but the malfunction continues and has increased in frequency over time. The problem first appeared intermittently over a year ago, progressed to weekly, and now occurs daily. The failure occurs under normal driving conditions, including at very low speeds (approximately 5 mph) while exiting a parking lot. One documented instance occurred with the engine still cold (blue low-engine-temperature indicator illuminated), indicating no aggressive driving. Several additional occurrences happened below 35 mph with no harsh steering or acceleration. Suggestions that this is related to “spirited driving” are contradicted by observed conditions and video evidence.

Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was replaced.

I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed. I avoided major collision and possible saved my wife's life and mine by going into the grassy center median at 70mph. I had to pull the emergency brake handle to slow the vehicle down enough to stall the engine to come to a complete stop.

My current vehicle has a headlight malfunction issue that has plagued the car since 2k. Under turning the swivel in the headlight will break or become off track.The headlight if it becomes off track the adaptive headlight will stick in place causing a lost of field of view at night. Mazda has warranty the drive side headlight due this issue. Their new headlight house was redesigned for 2024 year. It continues to be an issue. When getting the vehicle inspected they say it because of spirited drive and yet to fix the issue with programming or other means. This is common issue with refresh Miatas.In the forums many owners of the refresh are complaining about it. Mazda is aware of the issue but has not come out with a solution and dealer support not really there.