Mazda Miata problems
The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster (マツダ・ロードスター, Matsuda Rōdosutā) or Eunos Roadster (ユーノス・ロードスター, Yūnosu Rōdosutā) in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata (/miˈɑːtə/) in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as Miata.
Manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima plant, the MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was conceived and executed under a tightly focused design credo, Jinba ittai (人馬一体), meaning "oneness of horse and rider". Widely noted for its small, light, technologically modern, dynamically balanced and minimally complex design, the MX-5 has frequently been called a spiritual successor to 1950s and '60s Italian and British roadster sports cars. The Lotus Elan was used as a design benchmark.
Generations were internally designated with a two-letter code, beginning with the first generation, the NA. The second generation (NB) launched in 1998 for MY 1999; followed by the third generation (NC) in 2005 for MY 2006, and the fourth generation (ND) in 2015 for MY 2016.
As the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history, the MX-5 has been marketed globally, with production exceeding one million, as of early 2016. The name miata derives from Old High German for "reward".
Social links
Mazda Miata model years
Common Mazda Miata problems
The Mazda Miata, also known as the Mazda MX-5, is a popular roadster known for its reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints:
- A/C Compressor Failure: The A/C compressor in the 2012 Miata has been reported to struggle, causing the climate system to stop working and resulting in uncomfortable commutes.
- Soft Convertible Top: The soft convertible top in the Miata is another weak spot, especially with negligent use. Many owners have reported that the vinyl top falls apart even with rare use, and the frame that pressures the top can crack or tear. Mazda has not issued any recalls for this issue.
- Hydraulic Valve Lifter Noise: Many Miata owners have reported hearing loud ticking noises coming from the engine, especially when the engine is cold. This issue generally affects high-mileage Miatas and is caused by sticking valve lash adjusters. Regular oil changes can help prevent this issue.
- Defects in Crankshafts: Some first- and second-year Miatas suffered from defects in the crankshafts that could negatively affect timing, eventually grenading the motor. Most of these engines have been repaired or replaced by now, but it's still something to watch out for.
- Plastic Windows in Vinyl Soft Tops: The plastic windows in the vinyl soft tops dry out over time, blurring transparency and developing cracks. Fortunately, it's not too difficult to replace them with simple tools on a weekend.
- Failed Airbag Control Module: An airbag light illuminated in the gauge cluster is often the result of a failed airbag control module. This component sits under the dash and costs around $100 to replace.
- General Maintenance Items: As Miata models age, it's essential to inspect more general maintenance items, such as rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and electrical connections, as these can wear out and cause headaches down the road.
In summary, while the Mazda Miata is generally reliable, it has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues range from rust buildup and A/C compressor failure to soft convertible tops and hydraulic valve lifter noise. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these problems, ensuring a long and enjoyable life for your Miata.
Are Mazda Miatas reliable?
The 2023 Mazda Miata has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Do Mazda MX-5 have problems?
In our 2023 used car reliability survey, the Mazda MX-5 was 10th out of 15 cars in the most reliable used sports car class. It scored 89.7%, a little down on its performance the year before. Mazda performed well in our manufacturer table, too.
Are Miatas high maintenance?
Mazda MX-5 Miata Maintenance Costs
A Mazda MX-5 Miata will cost about $5,761 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular convertible models by $1,529. There is also a 16.77% chance that a MX-5 Miata will require a major repair during that time.
What is the average lifespan of a Mazda Miata?
According to motorbiscuit.com, the Mazda Miata is predicted to last around 200,000 miles. Some have even made it past this point with little issue. Of course, you and other factors play a role in the years your Mazda Miata will get on the road.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Miata years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Miata cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Miata model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Miata model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Miata years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Miata car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Miata , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Miata vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Miata model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Miata model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Miata . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Miata vehicles.
List of Mazda Miata complaints
Mazda Miata 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2004-10-18
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THE FILLER NECK TUBE HAS RUSTED. AS A RESULT FUEL VAPORS SEEPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A RECALL FOR THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK HAS BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Mazda Miata 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-08-26
- VIN: 1YVGF22C015
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PARKED THE CAR IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR TO LEAVE, STARTED THE CAR, BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND LEAVE. WHEN I DID, THE CAR KEPT GOING IN REVERSE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, PARK, 2ND AND OVERDRIVE ALL WHICH THE CAR KEPT GOING IN REVERSE. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS NOT CLOSE ENOUGH NOR WERE THERE PEOPLE SURROUNDING THE CAR IMMEDIATELY THAT I COULD HAVE HIT BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I LET THE CAR ROLL BACK IN TO A SPOT AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I DID THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I LEFT THE CAR THERE UNTIL I GOT THE CAR TOWED THE NEXT MORNING. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT THE CAR DID NOT ROLL AWAY OR SOMEONE STOLE IT BECAUSE WHILE IT WAS IN PARK, THE CAR COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN PUSHED AS HE DEMONSTRATED TO ME AND THE MECHANIC. THIS IS A 2001 CAR AND I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. I HATE TO THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBLITY THAT I COULD HAVE STARTED TO DRIVE FORWARD ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR GO IN REVERSE AND HIT A PERSON OR CHILD. THIS FAULTY DEFECTY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING DOES GET HURT. SINCE THEN, THE MECHANICE HAS FIXED IT AND WAS A FAULTY SHIFT CABLE THAT HE REPLACED AND FOR ME VERY COSTLY BUT NOT AS COSTLY AS THE INJURY TO SOMEONE IF THIS CAR WOULD HAVE BACKED IN TO THEM.*AK
Mazda Miata 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-06-19
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1997 626 IS HAVING A SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY 60000 MILES ON IT. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILES ON THIS ISSUE, I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MAZDA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT (RECALL OR BETTER GO OUT OF BUSINESS). *NLM
Mazda Miata 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-06-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5226L0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: NAR 6-03-2003 *MR GLASS FROM THE VEHICLE SHATTERED AND PROPULSED INTO THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER EYES CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. *CB
Mazda Miata 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-11
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE RECALLED 00T005 FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15), THE DEALER GAVE HIM A DATE AND SAID THAT THE TIRES COULD BE REPLACED AT THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER WENT TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED ON THE APPOINTMENT DAY AND THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE TIRES WOULD HAVE TO BE EXCHANGED AT FIRESTONE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE RECALLED TIRES BE REPLACED. *SLC
Mazda Miata 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-11-06
- VIN: 1YVGE22C3T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH NO SIGNS OR PROBLEMS, JUST STOP AND COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE.
Mazda Miata 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-08
- VIN: JM1BG2242P0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE PIPE THAT YOU PUT GASOLINE IN FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT CARRIES THE GASOLINE TO THE GAS TANK CORRODED AND RUSTED AT 36,000 MILES WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN MARCH 1995. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS NOW CORRODED AND RUSTED. HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AND MET WITH FACTORY REP AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. ALL AGREE THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OCCURING BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. RECOMMENDED THAT I CONTACT YOU TO SEE IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF A RECALL IS INSTITUTED, THEY WILL THEN FIX THE PROBLEM. AT THE TIME OF MY MEETING WITH THE FACTORY REP, THERE HAPPENED TO BE ANOTHER PROTEGE (1990) IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM AND IT ALSO HAS A CORRODED/RUSTED FUEL LINE. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF THE CORROSION/RUST AFFECTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE METAL AND THEREFORE BE A FIRE HAZARD WHEN GASOLINE IS PUT INTO THE CAR? MYSELF AND FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CARS OVER THE YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE OR HAD THIS PROBLEM. MANY MECHANICS CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM AND AGREE THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OCCURING AND IT COULD VERY WELL BE A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS A HAZARD TO THE ENGINE IF A PIECE OF THE CORROSION BREAKS OFF AND TRAVELS INTO THE ENGINE. WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PROTEGE'S HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IF SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT? FEEL IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ONCE, MUCH LESS A SECOND TIME. FEEL THE QUALITY OF THE METAL PIPE USED IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND THEREFORE COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN IF THE INGEGRITY OF THE METAL BECOMES INVOLVED WHEN ENOUGH CORROSION/RUST DEVELOPS.
Mazda Miata 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-19
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN TIGHTENING ITSELF OVER CONSUMER'S BODY.
Mazda Miata 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-22
- VIN: 4F4CR16UOTT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VACUUM HOSE FAILED CAUSING TRUCK TO HESITATE.
Mazda Miata 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-20
- Date Complaint: 1997-08-19
- VIN: JMZUF3138L0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING BED LINER BROKE FREE FROM PICKUP TRUCK, CAUSING COLLISION WITH FOLLOWING VEHICLE.
Mazda Miata 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-10-18
- VIN: JM1BFG2825P
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
Mazda Miata 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-10-18
- VIN: JM1BG2825P0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV BOOTS/JOINTS REPLACED 3 TIMES.
Mazda Miata 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-15
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-17
- VIN: 4F4CR1ZA8TT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: HEADRESTS DO NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO PROTECT DRIVER FROM INJURY. *DSH
Mazda Miata 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-13
- Date Complaint: 1995-03-13
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER/ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD
Mazda Miata 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-07
- Date Complaint: 1995-01-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY REPLACED, DUE TO VEHICLE PERFORMING SLUGGISHLY. *SKD
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Miata
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 24 recalls for different components of the Mazda Miata.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Miata 1998
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Model: Mazda Miata 1997
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Model: Mazda Miata 1991
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Model: Mazda Miata 1990
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Model: Mazda Miata 2000
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Are you having problems with your Mazda Miata?
