2006 Mazda Miata problems

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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".

2006 Mazda Miata

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Common 2006 Mazda Miata problems

The 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues are mainly related to noises and leaks, steering and suspension, climate system, electrical accessories, brakes, exhaust, engine, and body hardware.

  • Noises and Leaks: One of the most common issues reported by owners is squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks. Some owners have reported water draining into the floor instead of under the car, loose tabs securing the convertible top to the front windshield causing rattling and wind noise, and water coming through the fabric top despite re-waterproofing.
  • Steering and Suspension: Some owners have reported issues with steering and suspension, including a weak spot in the transmission shift forks in the 6-speed model, which may not affect most drivers but could be a concern for those who race their MX-5s.
  • Climate System: Some owners have reported issues with the climate system, including AC compressor failure, which can be a significant problem in warmer climates.
  • Electrical Accessories: Some owners have reported issues with electrical accessories, including airbag lights, thermostat, and cooling fan motor problems.
  • Brakes: Some owners have reported issues with brakes, including a weak brake pedal and brake light switch replacement.
  • Exhaust: Some owners have reported issues with the exhaust system, including exhaust leaks and rattles.
  • Engine: Some owners have reported issues with the engine, including engine stalling, misfiring, and rough idling. These issues may be related to the fuel system or ignition system and may require professional diagnosis and repair.
  • Body Hardware: Some owners have reported issues with body hardware, including loose or broken trim pieces, water leaks, and rust.

In summary, the 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners, including noises and leaks, steering and suspension, climate system, electrical accessories, brakes, exhaust, engine, and body hardware. These issues may require professional diagnosis and repair and may affect the overall reliability and longevity of the vehicle.

2006 Mazda Miata engine

Is 2006 a good year for Miata?

For 2006, the MX-5 Miata receives its first top-to-bottom overhaul. True, the '06 is longer, wider, heavier and roomier inside than before, and it's packing more motor and more amenities. All of this could have deadened that characteristic Miata feel, but it hasn't.

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.

Do Miatas require a lot of maintenance?

Once you have driven your MX-5 Miata for 30,000 miles, you will want to repeat the 15,000-mile maintenance by replacing the engine air filter, cabin air filter, and wiper blades. These simple maintenance items are often overlooked, yet crucial to maintaining your MX-5 Miata and keeping it running like new.

2006 Mazda Miata complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Mazda Miata.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2006 Mazda Miata problems:

2006 NC known issues - MX-5 Miata Forum
2006 NC known issues - MX-5 Miata Forum
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=478252

All kidding aside there are no major problems in any of the years. Some minor quibbles were the top straps tearing (but for most a benign issue ...

My new baby 2006 Miata. Bought this from an older gentleman who ...
My new baby 2006 Miata. Bought this from an older gentleman who ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/ru9rmk/my_new_baby_2006_miata_bought_this_from_an_older/

Jan 2, 2022 ... I continue to have cooling issues though, the fan is not turning on at all. Tires made a huge difference and I've been wondering about ...

Are the NC's known for engine issues? - MX-5 Miata Forum
Are the NC's known for engine issues? - MX-5 Miata Forum
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=551582

Some have speculated that the late '06-early '07 rods had materials or cast issues and are more prone to failure. However, while a number of ...

2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability - Consumer Reports
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2006/reliability/

What Owners Say ... "Water is coming through the fabric top despite re-waterproofing." ... "Water is draining into the floor instead of under the car." ... "Tabs that ...

2006 motor problems - MX-5 Miata Forum
2006 motor problems - MX-5 Miata Forum
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=596753

I have a 2006 with 115,000m that had a loud ticking noise that was first diagnosed from information from the vvt timing actuator issue but ...

Other years of Mazda Miata

mazda miata 2007 photo
Miata 2007
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mazda miata 2008 photo
Miata 2008
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mazda miata 2010 photo
Miata 2010
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mazda miata 2013 photo
Miata 2013
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Miata 2014
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mazda miata 2016 photo
Miata 2016
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2006 Mazda Miata photo