1993 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".
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Common 1993 Mazda Miata problems
The first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, produced between 1990 and 1997, is known for its reliability and fun-to-drive characteristics. However, like any car, it has some common issues that owners may encounter.
- 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 yourself with simple tools on a weekend.
- Failed airbag control module: It's not uncommon to see an airbag light illuminated in the gauge cluster, which is the result of a failed airbag control module. It sits under the dash and costs around $100 to replace.
- General maintenance items: As the Miata ages, it's essential to inspect more general maintenance items like rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and electrical connections, as those can wear out and fail, causing headaches down the road. Thankfully, because Mazda built so many NAs, replacement parts remain cheap and easy to source.
- Seatbelt problems: Over time, the seatbelts can become harder to pull out and may not retract fully. This is simply a case of dirt building up, and the solution is to remove the seatbelts from the vehicle, clean them with hot, soapy water and a brush, and allow them to dry fully before reinstalling them.
- Fuel pipe problems: The car can develop a fault that makes the tank extremely slow to fill. The solution is to replace the fuel tank, the fuel filler pipe, and the breather pipe. This procedure has been covered in great detail in the Haynes Miata manual.
- Shock absorber problems: If the shock absorbers lose their oil, the handling of the car will be compromised. Replacement is the key to resolving this issue.
- Heater core hoses: The heater core hoses sit right next to the exhaust manifold and can get hot. If the cast O-ring is leaking, it can possibly leak oil onto the heater core hoses, causing them to fail. Take a look at those heater core hoses if they look bad or old, and replace them if necessary.
- Heater core leaks: Some earlier model Miatas may experience leaks in the heater core, which can cause coolant to drip into the interior and damage the carpet. If the driver's side carpet is wet, the heater core might be leaking.
While these common issues can be a concern for potential buyers, it's important to note that the Miata community is vast and supportive, with numerous forums, clubs, and resources available for owners. Mazda itself is also deeply committed to driving the Miata fanbase forward, hosting large-scale national events where owners from around the country come together to celebrate the car and its rich history.
Is the 93 Miata reliable?
Very fun to drive and very reliable.
Basically keep your oil changed and keep up with the routine maintenance and you'll have no problems hitting 300,000 miles on this car. Lots of performance upgrades if your into that sort of thing. Lots of other Miata owners around to if you ever need advice.
What is the common problem with Miata?
Common problems found in the Mazda Miata include A/C compressor failure, convertible top problems, and fuel filler piper issues.
What year is the best Miata engine?
Ideally, you'll want one of the 1994-1997 models, which got the more powerful and more easily modified 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. But the 1.6 will still be fun, and it can be easily replaced with the later 1.8. Also, the Miata is a great starting point if you're looking to modify a car.
What is the best year to buy a Mazda Miata?
The Most Reliable Mazda MX-5 Miata Years To Buy, Ranked
- 8 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 76/100. ...
- 7 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 79/100. ...
- 6 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 83/100. ...
- 5 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 85/100. ...
- 4 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 85/100. ...
- 3 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 86/100. ...
- 2 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 86/100. ...
- 1 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 86/100.
1993 Mazda Miata car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Miata problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Mazda Miata vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Mazda Miata complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Mazda Miata.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
- 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN TIGHTENING ITSELF OVER CONSUMER'S BODY.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: JM1BG2825P0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV BOOTS/JOINTS REPLACED 3 TIMES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: JM1BFG2825P
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
1993 Mazda Miata recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Mazda Miata.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: A HARDTOP HOIST ACCESSORY KIT WAS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE MIATA WITH A HARDTOP. THE PLASTIC BUCKLES USED TO ADJUST STRAP TENSION CAN BREAK AFTER THE HARDTOP HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BY THE HOIST.
- Consequence: THE BUCKLES ON THE HARDTOP HOIST CAN BREAK AND RESULT INTHE HARDTOP FALLING FROM THE HOIST, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY TO ANYONE STANDINGBENEATH OR NEAR THE HARDTOP WHEN IT FALLS.
- Remedy: MAZDA WILL REPLACE ALL HOISTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Mazda Miata problems:
Most common problems for a '93 ? - Miata Forumz - Mazda Miata ...
Aug 27, 2014 ... The '94 and up cars have larger brakes, stronger rear differentials (the '90-'93 diffs fail at stock power levels), more sophisticated engine ...
1993 Mazda Miata Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 1993 Mazda Miata Problems · Ticking Noise From Valve Lash Adjusters Due to Infrequent Oil Changes. 53 people have reported this · Clutch Slave Cylinder May ...
Common Issues with 90-97 Miatas [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum
Water damage to ECU -- floor-mounted ECUs in 90-93 models prone to water damage. "Heavy keys syndrome" -- Having a heavy set of keys hang on ...
What are common Mazda MX-5 Miata issues and problems? - Quora
Nov 28, 2015 ... You are taller than about 6′4″ (1.9m) · You often need more than two seats · You think driving should be boring · You are rich enough to buy a ...
Common problems with 90-91? - MX-5 Miata Forum
long story short, i am looking two miata, one is 90 and the other one is 91. what are the common problems with them? I want to check it out ...
Other years of Mazda Miata
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