2001 Mazda Miata problems

General information about Mazda-Miata
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2001 Mazda Miata problems

The Mazda Miata 2001, also known as the MX-5 Miata, is a popular roadster known for its handling and fun driving experience. However, like any car, it has some common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Rain Rail Leaking into the Trunk: Some owners have reported water leaking into the trunk, which is often caused by a faulty rain rail or a blocked drain filter.

Ignition System Issues: The ignition system, including coil packs and wires, can fail over time, leading to problems with spark and power.

Sensors Failure: Sensors such as the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) and Camshaft Angle Sensor (CAS) can fail, causing issues with power and stuttering or shutting off.

Leaks: Valve cover leaks, air pressure/vacuum leaks in the exhaust system, and Dirty MAF are common issues that can lead to emissions problems.

Power Window Failures: The power windows can fail due to wiring issues or physical blockages, making it difficult to operate them.

Transmission Issues: The 5-speed transmission can have a "gear roll over" rattle, which can be fixed with a 50/50 mix of Redline MT90 & 75W-140NS trans fluid.

Idle Dip on Hot Days at a Stop: Some owners have reported that the car's idle can dip on hot days, which may be related to a fuel map issue that gets worse over time.

Clutch Shuddering: Some owners have reported clutch shuddering in lower gears, which can make the car difficult to drive.

Broken Spring Retainers: The flip-up cup holders can have broken spring retainers, which is a common problem.

It's important to note that these issues are not necessarily widespread, and many owners of the Mazda Miata 2001 have reported having a positive ownership experience. However, if you are considering purchasing a used Miata, it's a good idea to be aware of these potential issues and have them checked by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.

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.

How many miles can a 2001 Miata last?

A typical Mazda Miata will provide a solid 200,000 miles on the road, which is a high number for a sports car. It's vital to remember that repairs for this convertible can be a little pricier, so ensure you double-check with a test drive that any used Miata is in decent condition before buying.

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.

Are Mazda Miatas reliable?

True enough, the Mazda Miata has been lauded for its long-term reliability, and they remained popular because you don't have to be precious with them. According to RepairPal, the Miata MX-5 has above-average reliability with a 4.0 out of 5 ratings, ranking 8th out of 21 subcompact vehicles.

2001 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:

Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Mazda Miata vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Mazda Miata complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Mazda Miata.

2004-08-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-08-15
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

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2001 Mazda Miata recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Mazda Miata.

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.

2003-06-05

Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
Summary: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Mazda Miata problems:

Common Issues with NB 1998-2005 Miatas - MX-5 Miata Forum

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=552185

- No up: motor wiring gets caught/bunched and eventually frays. - No Down: door stop comes out of it's hole and creates a physical blockage.

2001 Mazda Miata Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-mazda-miata/problems

Top 2001 Mazda Miata Problems · Ticking Noise From Valve Lash Adjusters Due to Infrequent Oil Changes · Check Engine Light Due to Restricted EGR System · Clutch ...