2004 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 2004 Mazda Miata problems
The 2004 Mazda Miata, known as the MX-5 Miata in some markets, is generally considered a reliable and robust sports car. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that owners may encounter. Here are some of the common problems reported by 2004 Mazda Miata owners:
- Rust: Rust is a significant concern for the 2004 Mazda Miata, particularly in the rocker panels, fender arches, and front frame rails.
- Ignition System: The ignition system, including coil packs and wires, can fail and cause issues with spark and power.
- Leaks: Various leaks can occur in the 2004 Miata, including Valve Cover/Valve Cover Gasket leaks, Air Pressure/Vacuum leaks in the exhaust system, Dirty MAF, IAC Valve Gasket leaks, Intake Manifold Gaskets/Studs, and PCV Valve Grommet issues. These leaks can lead to performance and emissions problems.
- Power Window Failures: Power window failures can occur due to motor wiring getting caught or bunched, causing the window to stop working in the up position, or the door stop coming out of its hole, preventing the window from going down.
- Transmission Issues: The 5-speed transmission in the 2004 Miata can have a "gear roll over" rattle, which can be addressed by using a 50/50 mixture of Redline MT90 and 75W-140NS transmission fluid.
- Clutch Shuddering and Sticky Shifts: Some owners have reported clutch shuddering in lower gears and sticky shifts between 1st and 2nd gear.
It's important to note that these issues may not be widespread or affect all 2004 Mazda Miatas. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address many of these problems. Additionally, the 2004 Miata is known for its robust and reliable engine, making it a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts.
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.
Are miatas cheap to maintain?
The average annual repair cost for a Mazda is $462, which means it has above average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Mazda reliability include an average of 0.4 visits to a repair shop per year and a 10% probability of a repair being severe.
2004 Mazda Miata complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Mazda Miata.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Mazda Miata problems:
Common Issues with NB 1998-2005 Miatas - MX-5 Miata Forum
- 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.
2004 Mazda Miata Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 2004 Mazda Miata Problems · Ticking Noise From Valve Lash Adjusters Due to Infrequent Oil Changes. 53 people have reported this. 25 · Clutch Slave Cylinder ...
Mazdaspeed Miata common issues... - MX-5 Miata Forum
Oh, and a fuel filter when I got a bad tank of gas. That's it. 2004 VR MSM Too much fun! Amazed it's not illegal.
What's wrong with the Mazdaspeed Miata?| Grassroots Motorsports ...
So many factory small issues. The intake tube would balloon, the BOV would leak, the shifting was a little bulky compared to the 5 speed, the ...
2004 MAZDA MX-5 Miata Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2004 MAZDA MX-5 Miata? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Mazda Miata
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