U.S. public vehicle records

Mazda MX-5 MIATA recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

339 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

52,910 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 to 2005 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 126 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

1990: 0; 1991: 0; 1992: 0; 1993: 0; 1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2004: 0; 2005: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mazda MX-5 MIATA model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Change in recalls
1990	28	Not available
1991	21	0
1992	22	0
1993	8	0
1994	18	0
1995	30	0
1996	29	0
1997	11	0
1998	1	0
1999	74	0
2000	29	0
2001	22	0
2002	20	0
2003	14	0
2004	8	0
2005	4	0

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

339 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

37.2%Usable mileage126 / 339 records

84.4%Valid incident date286 / 339 records

100.0%Valid filing date339 / 339 records

84.1%Ordered incident and filing dates285 / 339 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Air Bags	838.1% ODI 10610650 · 39,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG CODE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. Look up ODI 10610650 at NHTSA ↗	313.6% ODI 10717588 · 105,000 mi THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN A PEDESTRIAN DARTED OUT INTO A CROSSWALK. THE FIRST CAR SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS. THE CAR BEHIND IT SLAMMED ON THEIR BREAKS, AND I WAS THE CAR BEHIND THE SECOND CAR. I TRIED TO AVOID THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, BUT MY CAR DID NOT STOP IN TIME. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON A SIDE STREET. I HAD MY SEATBELT FASTENED. MY NOSE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND STARTED TO BLEED PROFUSELY. I WENT TO EMERGENCY, AND THEY ADVISED ME TO SEE MY DOCTOR FOR A CHECKUP. THE DOCTOR ORDERED AN X-RAY OF MY NOSE. I HAVE A TINY F… Look up ODI 10717588 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1055.6% ODI 10267939 · 119,000 mi AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE FAILED. BLINKING AIRBAG LIGHT- CODE 12. *TR Look up ODI 10267939 at NHTSA ↗	516.7% ODI 10103385 CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. DRIVER SUSTAINED A THUMB INJURY.*AK Look up ODI 10103385 at NHTSA ↗	1448.3% ODI 10124703 FOIA REQUEST ALL DOCUMENTS TO FROM MAZDA AND OR NHTSA RELATING TO RECALL CAMPAIGN NO 00V004000 RE MAZDA AIRBAG SYSTEMS AND INFO RE INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN 1996 MAZDA MIATA.*NO ANSWER REQUIRED. MR *NM Look up ODI 10124703 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 542836 DURING VEHICLE COLLISION NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG. Look up ODI 542836 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	45.4% ODI 10161679 AVOIDED A DEER HIT A TREE APPROX. 20-25 MPH . SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE AND AIR BAG DIDN'T ACTIVATE.. WHY AS THIS WOULD HAVE SAVE MY BACK HEAD AND LIPS... *NM Look up ODI 10161679 at NHTSA ↗	13.4% ODI 10063257 · 26,000 mi VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, BUT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS. *AK Look up ODI 10063257 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 11067265 · 180,000 mi AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT DRIVER FROM HITTING HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL RESULTING IN SEVERE FACIAL LACERATION. SOLO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON NB HWY 680 APPROACHING BENICIA BRIDGE. CHP DISPATCH LOG #357. Look up ODI 11067265 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10715373 · 75,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE TOW LOT. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. Look up ODI 10715373 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 10019964 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. NLM TS Look up ODI 10019964 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1136.7% ODI 518576 VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED BACK/NECK INJURIES. Look up ODI 518576 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 10281943 · 56,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA MIATA. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V004000, AIR BAGS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000. Look up ODI 10281943 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 854008 VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35-40MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES. *AK Look up ODI 854008 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 8012431 AIRBAGS DEPLOY WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION, AND THERE WAS NO CONTACT WITH A VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 8012431 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.4% ODI 8002469 WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WAS HIT IN REAR BY ANOTHER DRIVER. VEHICLE HIT A MEDUIM STRIP AT 30 MPH. DRIVER WAS INJURED. TWO MINUTES LATER, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. AK JB Look up ODI 8002469 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.0% ODI 10075850 VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MR SC *JB Look up ODI 10075850 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 484660 FRONT BRAKES SQUEAL. *DH Look up ODI 484660 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1114.9% ODI 733825 MY POINT IN WRITING THIS LETTER IS MY CONCERN OVER THE CARS PERFORMANCE ON WET ROADS. MIND YOU, IM NOT TALKING HEAVY RAINS OR ANYTHING CLOSE TO THAT. IM MERELY TALKING ABOUT THE TYPE OF WEATHER WHERE ONE MAY UTILIZE THE INTERMITTENT WIPER. AFTER A PERIOD OF DRIVING IN THIS TYPE OF WEATHER THE BRAKES ARE LACKING. I HAVE EXITED THE HIGHWAY ON OFF RAMPS AND THE BRAKES ARE NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. LUCKILY, I HAD TIME TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC BACKUP AT THE END OF THE RAMP (3 TIMES). WE HAVE EXPERIENCED OTHER SIMILAR OCCURREN… Look up ODI 733825 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 742608 ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL PRODUCED NO BRAKING ACTION FOR 1-2 SECONDS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. DEALER WAS INFORMED AND ATTEMPTED TO REPRODUCE ON A DRY DAY. I KNEW THEY WOULD NOT BE SUCCESSFUL, BUT WANTED TO GO ON RECORD WITH THEM AS HAVING REPORTED THE PROBLEM. OTHER LATE MODEL MIATA OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 742608 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	29.5% ODI 531339 TIMING BELT PULLEY CAME LOOSE AND RUINED THE ENGINE. IN LATER DESIGNS, THE MANUFACTURER BEEFEF UP THE CRANKSHAFT AND ADDED A LARGER BOLT TO HOLD THE PULLEY. Look up ODI 531339 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.3% ODI 523231 NOISY ENGINE VALVE TRAIN. *AK Look up ODI 523231 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.4% ODI 10099973 WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK Look up ODI 10099973 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 10216233 · 61,000 mi RATTLING SOUND FROM ENGINE BAY WITH A CHANGE IN TONE AND/OR PITCH WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED/DISENGAGED. RESULT: CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER CAUSING THE CONNECTING ROD (AMONG OTHER INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS) TO BE DRIVEN DIRECTLY THROUGH THE OIL PAN. RECOMMEND PROCEDURE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $4,600 *CN Look up ODI 10216233 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 10121020 · 92,000 mi CAR STALLS CONSISTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ENGINE SPEED DROPS BELOW 500 RPM AND ALMOST ALWAYS CAUSES A STALL. Look up ODI 10121020 at NHTSA ↗	15.0% ODI 10010000 THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB SCC Look up ODI 10010000 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 10198963 · 8,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MIATA. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000. Look up ODI 10198963 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10171700 · 11,725 mi I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MAZDA MIATA 5-SPEED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 7860 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. I HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN UNTIL OCTOBER 2006. ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD INADEQUATE POWER TO SAFELY DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT (80 MPH). TOP SPEED IS ONLY 82 MPH @ 4200 RPM IN FIFTH GEAR (SHOULD BE 120 MPH PLUS) AND ACCELERATION UP A HILL IS BAD. I MUST DOWNSHIFT AND FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR TO MAINTAIN SPEED UP HILL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD THE SPEED. TRYING TO PASS A SLOW VEHI… Look up ODI 10171700 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	68.1% ODI 10389907 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STUCKING OPENG. FULL BRAKING WITH SKID MARKS SLOWED VEHICLE BUT DID NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE IMPACT. *TR Look up ODI 10389907 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 10227604 TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS. THE VEHICLE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURS WHILE IN FIRST GEAR AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WARMS UP, THE FAILURE DOES NOT OCCUR AS OFTEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 60,400. UPDATED 06/03/08. LJ UPDATED 05/30/08 Look up ODI 10227604 at NHTSA ↗	210.0% ODI 10000355 UPON MORNING STARTS WHILE TURNING ON THE IGNITION THE CAR DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THERE IS A SOUND METAL ROARING AND FEELS AS THOUGH THE EMERGENCY BREAK IS ON BUT IT IS NOT. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN 4 TIMES TO AUTHORIZED REPAIR AT KONA MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND THEY DENY ANY PROBLEMS. THEY SUGGESTED USING SYNTHETIC OIL AND TO WARM UP THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS WHICH I DO ALREADY. THERE ARE WITNESSES TO THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT KONA MAZDA CANNOT DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM IN THEIR SERVICE PROBLEM. TS Look up ODI 10000355 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10369707 · 81,000 mi THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL HAS FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 81,000 MILES. I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT MANUFACTURED AND THAT A NEW DIFFERENTIAL MUST BE INSTALLED. THERE ARE NONE IN STOCK IN THE UNITED STATES AND THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER INDEFINITELY. THERE IS NO TIME ESTIMATE OF ANY KIND TO GET THIS PART IN THE UNITED STATES. MY ONLY OPTION IS TO FIND AND INSTALL AN USED DIFFERENTIAL. *TR Look up ODI 10369707 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10171700 · 11,725 mi I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MAZDA MIATA 5-SPEED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 7860 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. I HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN UNTIL OCTOBER 2006. ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD INADEQUATE POWER TO SAFELY DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT (80 MPH). TOP SPEED IS ONLY 82 MPH @ 4200 RPM IN FIFTH GEAR (SHOULD BE 120 MPH PLUS) AND ACCELERATION UP A HILL IS BAD. I MUST DOWNSHIFT AND FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR TO MAINTAIN SPEED UP HILL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD THE SPEED. TRYING TO PASS A SLOW VEHI… Look up ODI 10171700 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 11257361 · 68,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STARTED AFTER NOT USED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYS CONTINUOUSLY DURING START PERIOD BUT THEN CHANGES TO BLINKING. CONTINUES BLINKING UNTIL CAR IS STOPPED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN CAR IS IMMEDIATELY STARTED AGAIN, LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER INITIAL START PERIOD, AS EXPECTED, BLINKING DOES NOT RE-OCCUR UNTIL CAR HASN'T BEEN RUN FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE BEING STARTED AGAIN. CAR IS NOT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. Look up ODI 11257361 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 11402761 · 80,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON NOW WITH CODE 52. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM DRIVING IT BUT NEED TO KNOW IF A RECALL WILL FIX THIS . Look up ODI 11402761 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 538701 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD AND AUTO WAS DESTROYED. VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THE POINT OF FAILURE. Look up ODI 538701 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.4% ODI 10241741 · 76,000 mi INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF IGNITION "COIL PACK" LEADING TO COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF CAT. CONVERTER, O2 SENSOR, AND COIL PACKS. MFR NEVER COVERED THIS UNDER ANY SORT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON, AND EVIDENTLY BAD PARTS ARE STILL IN THE SYSTEM. MULTIPLE FAILURE DATES. *TR Look up ODI 10241741 at NHTSA ↗	310.3% ODI 10100398 · 38,360 mi 1.ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN POORLY VEHICLE LOST SPEED. 2. HAD TO EXIT FREEWAY AND USE SIDE STREETS TO RETURN HOME 3. TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, SERVICE REPORT INDICATED THAT THE COIL/IGNITER WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF POWER. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE COIL/IGNITER FAILURE IS A PROBLEM ON THE 1999, 2000 MODELS.*JB Look up ODI 10100398 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	315.0% ODI 10150194 · 41,500 mi SPEEDOMETER ON 2002 MAZDA MIATA FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. MAZDA REFUSES TO REPLACE EVEN THOUGH UNDER WARRANTY. *NM Look up ODI 10150194 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10116762 · 650 mi EVERY SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR ON 5/7/03, I HAVE BEEN HAVING HARD STARTS--MORE THAN 24 TIMES. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE CAR WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, ANOTHER DEALER TOLD ME ALL 4 RIMS WERE BENT. I ALSO HAD A RACING ISSUE OCCUR 3 TIMES ON SAT. 3/12. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THE TWO INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. RECENTLY, THEY FIXED THE HARD START BY REPLACING THE BATTERY BUT THEY CHARGED ME FOR IT. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE CHARGED ME IF THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE HARD STARTS SINCE DAY ONE. I TOLD THEM THIS BUT THEY SAID THEY DIDN'… Look up ODI 10116762 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10701578 · 13,737 mi I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT COMBINATION SWITCH, PART NUMBER NC11-66-122 FAIL IN THIS MAZDA MIATA 6 TIMES. AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT I NOTICED ALL THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURES WERE DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE SWITCH AND NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING THE FAILURE. WHEN THE SWITCH FAILS, I TURN IT TO EITHER PARKING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHT POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON UNLESS I PHYSICALLY CONTINUE TURNING THE SWITCH PAST IT'S "ON" POSITION. SOON AS I RELEASE THE SWITCH AND IT FALLS BACK INTO THE "ON" POSITION, THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THE FIRS… Look up ODI 10701578 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 602323 DISTRIBUTOR CAP WIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. Look up ODI 602323 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 966529 CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND ENGINE CUT OFF. TT Look up ODI 966529 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	79.5% ODI 10008245 · 25,000 mi HERE IS A LIKE TO MANY PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MAZDA MIATA 99+. AROUND MILES THE CAR STARTS TO HAVE IGNITION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A FAULTY COIL. *JB Look up ODI 10008245 at NHTSA ↗	13.4% ODI 10106052 · 23,000 mi I PAID A TOTAL OF $835.03 IN REPAIRS DUE TO UNQUALIFIED MAZDA TECHNICIANS AND INFERIOR PARTS (IGNITION COIL) THAT MAZDA KNOWINGLY INSTALLED IN THE 1999 AND 2000 MIATA?S. IN MAY 2004 MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I HAD THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES CHECKED TO DETERMINE IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM AND THEY WERE FINE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND BROUGHT THE MIATA IN FOR SERVICE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THERE WAS A P0300 CODE (RANDOM MISFIRE ) AND THAT THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES NEEDED… Look up ODI 10106052 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	14.8% ODI 11579091 When accelerator was fully depressed to clear potential flooded condition on starting, it got caught in the floor carpet and would not return to idle. Engine immediately redlined and I turned off the ignition. Potentially disastrous if occurred during high passing situation. Look up ODI 11579091 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 768073 MR Look up ODI 768073 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.3% ODI 700225 BOLT IN CONVERTIBLE ROOF HINGE ASSEMBLY IMPALED DRIVERS SKULL. DRIVER WAS BELTED AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. 2 INCH BOLT PIERCED SKULL REQUIRING CRAINIATOMY, 25MPH FRONTAL COLLISION, 1999 MODEL HAS SAME ASSEMBLY WITHOUT THE BOLT. BOLT RESIDES APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES FROM DRIVERS LEFT EAR (5'10 Look up ODI 700225 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 733895 THE THREAD ABOUT TO SEPARATE FROM THE TIRE (TIRESIZE: P185-60R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185-60R14 ) Look up ODI 733895 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.9% ODI 10542383 · 79,500 mi AFTER DRIVING AROUND IN HEATED CONDITIONS (ROUGHLY 80 DEGREES OR MORE) FOR ABOUT 10+ MILES, SOMETIMES LESS, THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT WILL CRANK AND ATTEMPT TO START BUT FAILS TO DO SO. IN ORDER TO GET IT TO START I HAVE TO POP THE HOOD OPEN AND LET IT SIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES. ONCE IT STARTS IT IS VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IF I STOP DRIVING IT FOR THE DAY, THE NEXT MORNING, THE LIGHT WILL BE OFF AND IT WILL DRIVE FINE, UNTIL I DRIVE DURING THE DAY, OR OVER A LONG DISTANCE. THRE HAS ALSO BEEN AN INSTANCE WHEN I WAS DRIVI… Look up ODI 10542383 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 746948 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A DEVELOPING PROBLEM WITH HOT AIR INFILTRATING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE SLOT IN THE CARPET AT THE HANDBRAKE. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER THERE IS NEGATIVE PRESSURE WITHIN THE COMPARTMENT (WINDOWS OPEN OR TOP DOWN), BUT NOT WHEN THERE IS POSITIVE INTERIOR PRESSURE (WINDOWS CLOSED, TOP UP, FAN ON). THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT AIR PASSING THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS BEING DRAWN INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS NOT ONLY MAKES DRIVING THE CAR UNCOM… Look up ODI 746948 at NHTSA ↗	15.0% ODI 10759352 · 59,000 mi ONE OF TWO LATCHES FOR THE CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP CAME UNFASTENED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ONE SIDE OF THE TOP TO LIFT UPWARDS WITH GREAT VIOLENCE AND A VERY LOUD NOISE. NO ACCIDENT THIS TIME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN- E.G. SWERVING OUT OF LANE AND INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, PEDESTRIAN, TREE, ETC. DUE TO 1) THE VIOLENCE AND NOISE AND/OR 2) THE DRIVER ATTEMPTING (ITS IMPOSSIBLE!) TO RE-LATCH AND RE-LOCK THE TOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS A VERY POOR DESIGN OF THE LATCH/LOCK AND THE LOCKS LEVER BEING MADE OF POT METAL. BOTH FACTORS COMBINE IN A SYNE… Look up ODI 10759352 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10877104 · 42,516 mi THE PLASTIC BATTERY TRAY IN THE MAZDA MX5 IS QUITE FRAGILE AND OFTEN BREAKS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL OF THESE TRAYS IN MY 2003 MX5. NOW, WITH YET ANOTHER BROKEN TRAY, I AM TOLD THAT THESE TRAYS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. RECENTLY THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH MY BATTERY MOVED ENOUGH TO MAKE A CONTACT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY POLE AND THE METAL PART THAT HOLDS DOWN THE BATTERY. THIS CONTACT CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE IN THE TRUNK THAT COULD HAVE DESTROYED THE CAR WHILE ALSO CAUSIN… Look up ODI 10877104 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10701578 · 13,737 mi I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT COMBINATION SWITCH, PART NUMBER NC11-66-122 FAIL IN THIS MAZDA MIATA 6 TIMES. AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT I NOTICED ALL THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURES WERE DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE SWITCH AND NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING THE FAILURE. WHEN THE SWITCH FAILS, I TURN IT TO EITHER PARKING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHT POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON UNLESS I PHYSICALLY CONTINUE TURNING THE SWITCH PAST IT'S "ON" POSITION. SOON AS I RELEASE THE SWITCH AND IT FALLS BACK INTO THE "ON" POSITION, THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THE FIRS… Look up ODI 10701578 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	60,000–123,000 mi	75,000 mi	33	ODI 10610650 · 39,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG CODE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. Look up ODI 10610650 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10955121 · 165,000 mi THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND SHOWS THE MODULE HAS FAILED. MODULES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MAZDA MIATAS. Look up ODI 10955121 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10957333 · 88,225 mi IN 2015 THE SRS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND I TOOK THE CAR IN TO JOHN WINE MAZDA FOR REPAIRS. ON 10/28/2015 THEY REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING MODULE FOR $634.45 WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. ON 11/2/2015 THEY REPLACED THE DIAGNOSTIC MODULE OF $485.00 WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND ON 11/13/2015 THE SAID THE BATTERY AND BACKUP BATTERY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE BUT THE MODULE HAD BEEN DISCONTINUED. I RESEARCHED AVAILABILITY AND ONLY USED MODULES WERE AVAILABLE AND JOHN HINE MAZDA S… Look up ODI 10957333 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	Too few reports for a range	56,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10281943 · 56,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA MIATA. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V004000, AIR BAGS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000. Look up ODI 10281943 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	11,100–61,000 mi	11,725 mi	5	ODI 10216233 · 61,000 mi RATTLING SOUND FROM ENGINE BAY WITH A CHANGE IN TONE AND/OR PITCH WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED/DISENGAGED. RESULT: CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER CAUSING THE CONNECTING ROD (AMONG OTHER INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS) TO BE DRIVEN DIRECTLY THROUGH THE OIL PAN. RECOMMEND PROCEDURE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $4,600 CN Look up ODI 10216233 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10121020 · 92,000 mi CAR STALLS CONSISTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ENGINE SPEED DROPS BELOW 500 RPM AND ALMOST ALWAYS CAUSES A STALL. Look up ODI 10121020 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10198963 · 8,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MIATA. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000. Look up ODI 10198963 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	28,750–73,750 mi	52,000 mi	6	ODI 10168563 · 105,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM 5TH GEAR OR REVERSE TO NEUTRAL, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GO INTO REVERSE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE SWING ARM WAS BAD ON THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED. Look up ODI 10168563 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10389907 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STUCKING OPENG. FULL BRAKING WITH SKID MARKS SLOWED VEHICLE BUT DID NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE IMPACT. TR Look up ODI 10389907 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10389908 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STICKING OPEN. FULL BRAKING IMMEDIATE AS SHOWN BY SKID MARKS AND WHILE BRAKES SLOWED VEHICLE UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR OR TURN BEFORE IMPACT. VIDEO AND WITNESSES CONFIRM CAUSE MUST BE OPEN THROTTLE. BOTH BRAKING AND TURNING FAILED TO STOP OR TURN THE CAR. THROTTLE OPEN OR ACCELERATOR JAMMED FULL ON. *TR Look up ODI 10389908 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	33,180–72,000 mi	40,000 mi	11	ODI 11257361 · 68,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STARTED AFTER NOT USED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYS CONTINUOUSLY DURING START PERIOD BUT THEN CHANGES TO BLINKING. CONTINUES BLINKING UNTIL CAR IS STOPPED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN CAR IS IMMEDIATELY STARTED AGAIN, LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER INITIAL START PERIOD, AS EXPECTED, BLINKING DOES NOT RE-OCCUR UNTIL CAR HASN'T BEEN RUN FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE BEING STARTED AGAIN. CAR IS NOT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. Look up ODI 11257361 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11402761 · 80,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON NOW WITH CODE 52. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM DRIVING IT BUT NEED TO KNOW IF A RECALL WILL FIX THIS . Look up ODI 11402761 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10241741 · 76,000 mi INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF IGNITION "COIL PACK" LEADING TO COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF CAT. CONVERTER, O2 SENSOR, AND COIL PACKS. MFR NEVER COVERED THIS UNDER ANY SORT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON, AND EVIDENTLY BAD PARTS ARE STILL IN THE SYSTEM. MULTIPLE FAILURE DATES. *TR Look up ODI 10241741 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	26,250–32,600 mi	30,250 mi	6	ODI 10008245 · 25,000 mi HERE IS A LIKE TO MANY PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MAZDA MIATA 99+. AROUND MILES THE CAR STARTS TO HAVE IGNITION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A FAULTY COIL. JB Look up ODI 10008245 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10018979 · 30,500 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE COIL PACK WOULD CUT OFF, LEAVING THE ENGINE WITH ONLY 2 OPERATING CYLINDERS. THIS WOULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, BUT USUALLY WHEN TRYING TO GAIN SPEED, NECESSITATING PULLING OFF THE ROAD SO AS TO NOT GET HIT FROM BEHIND. NLM Look up ODI 10018979 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10020169 · 30,000 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THE COIL PACK FAILED. *JB Look up ODI 10020169 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	50,758 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10542383 · 79,500 mi AFTER DRIVING AROUND IN HEATED CONDITIONS (ROUGHLY 80 DEGREES OR MORE) FOR ABOUT 10+ MILES, SOMETIMES LESS, THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT WILL CRANK AND ATTEMPT TO START BUT FAILS TO DO SO. IN ORDER TO GET IT TO START I HAVE TO POP THE HOOD OPEN AND LET IT SIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES. ONCE IT STARTS IT IS VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IF I STOP DRIVING IT FOR THE DAY, THE NEXT MORNING, THE LIGHT WILL BE OFF AND IT WILL DRIVE FINE, UNTIL I DRIVE DURING THE DAY, OR OVER A LONG DISTANCE. THRE HAS ALSO BEEN AN INSTANCE WHEN I WAS DRIVI… Look up ODI 10542383 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10759352 · 59,000 mi ONE OF TWO LATCHES FOR THE CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP CAME UNFASTENED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ONE SIDE OF THE TOP TO LIFT UPWARDS WITH GREAT VIOLENCE AND A VERY LOUD NOISE. NO ACCIDENT THIS TIME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN- E.G. SWERVING OUT OF LANE AND INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, PEDESTRIAN, TREE, ETC. DUE TO 1) THE VIOLENCE AND NOISE AND/OR 2) THE DRIVER ATTEMPTING (ITS IMPOSSIBLE!) TO RE-LATCH AND RE-LOCK THE TOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS A VERY POOR DESIGN OF THE LATCH/LOCK AND THE LOCKS LEVER BEING MADE OF POT METAL. BOTH FACTORS COMBINE IN A SYNE… Look up ODI 10759352 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10877104 · 42,516 mi THE PLASTIC BATTERY TRAY IN THE MAZDA MX5 IS QUITE FRAGILE AND OFTEN BREAKS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL OF THESE TRAYS IN MY 2003 MX5. NOW, WITH YET ANOTHER BROKEN TRAY, I AM TOLD THAT THESE TRAYS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. RECENTLY THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH MY BATTERY MOVED ENOUGH TO MAKE A CONTACT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY POLE AND THE METAL PART THAT HOLDS DOWN THE BATTERY. THIS CONTACT CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE IN THE TRUNK THAT COULD HAVE DESTROYED THE CAR WHILE ALSO CAUSIN… Look up ODI 10877104 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	1	None	ODI 11721051 The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a search would be done to find a dealer that had recall repairs. The contact had not re… Look up ODI 11721051 at NHTSA ↗
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2004: 4 complaints · 2005: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2004	2	4	4
2005	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2004	8	0	0
2005	4	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Air Bags:Frontal	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Power Train:Manual Transmission	Electrical System	Electrical System:Ignition	Unknown Or Other
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	2 ODI 10389907 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STUCKING OPENG. FULL BRAKING WITH SKID MARKS SLOWED VEHICLE BUT DID NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE IMPACT. TR Look up ODI 10389907 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10389908 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STICKING OPEN. FULL BRAKING IMMEDIATE AS SHOWN BY SKID MARKS AND WHILE BRAKES SLOWED VEHICLE UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR OR TURN BEFORE IMPACT. VIDEO AND WITNESSES CONFIRM CAUSE MUST BE OPEN THROTTLE. BOTH BRAKING AND TURNING FAILED TO STOP OR TURN THE CAR. THROTTLE OPEN OR ACCELERATOR JAMMED FULL ON. TR Look up ODI 10389908 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11257361 · 68,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STARTED AFTER NOT USED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYS CONTINUOUSLY DURING START PERIOD BUT THEN CHANGES TO BLINKING. CONTINUES BLINKING UNTIL CAR IS STOPPED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN CAR IS IMMEDIATELY STARTED AGAIN, LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER INITIAL START PERIOD, AS EXPECTED, BLINKING DOES NOT RE-OCCUR UNTIL CAR HASN'T BEEN RUN FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE BEING STARTED AGAIN. CAR IS NOT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. Look up ODI 11257361 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11402761 · 80,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON NOW WITH CODE 52. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM DRIVING IT BUT NEED TO KNOW IF A RECALL WILL FIX THIS . Look up ODI 11402761 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10171700 · 11,725 mi I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MAZDA MIATA 5-SPEED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 7860 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. I HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN UNTIL OCTOBER 2006. ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD INADEQUATE POWER TO SAFELY DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT (80 MPH). TOP SPEED IS ONLY 82 MPH @ 4200 RPM IN FIFTH GEAR (SHOULD BE 120 MPH PLUS) AND ACCELERATION UP A HILL IS BAD. I MUST DOWNSHIFT AND FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR TO MAINTAIN SPEED UP HILL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD THE SPEED. TRYING TO PASS A SLOW VEHI… Look up ODI 10171700 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 766912 CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT". DEALER INDICATED 3 WEEKS AGO THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN CYLINDER #3, BUT THEY WILL NOT GET ON WITH THE REPAIR. DEALER HAS CHANGED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PARTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND LAST WEEK SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE. NOW THEY ARE BACKING OFF ON THAT AND PLAYING "TESTING GAMES".*AK Look up ODI 766912 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	2 ODI 10389907 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STUCKING OPENG. FULL BRAKING WITH SKID MARKS SLOWED VEHICLE BUT DID NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE IMPACT. TR Look up ODI 10389907 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10389908 · 52,000 mi BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STICKING OPEN. FULL BRAKING IMMEDIATE AS SHOWN BY SKID MARKS AND WHILE BRAKES SLOWED VEHICLE UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR OR TURN BEFORE IMPACT. VIDEO AND WITNESSES CONFIRM CAUSE MUST BE OPEN THROTTLE. BOTH BRAKING AND TURNING FAILED TO STOP OR TURN THE CAR. THROTTLE OPEN OR ACCELERATOR JAMMED FULL ON. TR Look up ODI 10389908 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10171700 · 11,725 mi I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MAZDA MIATA 5-SPEED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 7860 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. I HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN UNTIL OCTOBER 2006. ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD INADEQUATE POWER TO SAFELY DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT (80 MPH). TOP SPEED IS ONLY 82 MPH @ 4200 RPM IN FIFTH GEAR (SHOULD BE 120 MPH PLUS) AND ACCELERATION UP A HILL IS BAD. I MUST DOWNSHIFT AND FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR TO MAINTAIN SPEED UP HILL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD THE SPEED. TRYING TO PASS A SLOW VEHI… Look up ODI 10171700 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Electrical System	2 ODI 11257361 · 68,000 mi WHEN CAR IS STARTED AFTER NOT USED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYS CONTINUOUSLY DURING START PERIOD BUT THEN CHANGES TO BLINKING. CONTINUES BLINKING UNTIL CAR IS STOPPED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF. WHEN CAR IS IMMEDIATELY STARTED AGAIN, LIGHT TURNS OFF AFTER INITIAL START PERIOD, AS EXPECTED, BLINKING DOES NOT RE-OCCUR UNTIL CAR HASN'T BEEN RUN FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE BEING STARTED AGAIN. CAR IS NOT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. Look up ODI 11257361 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11402761 · 80,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON NOW WITH CODE 52. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 ORIGINAL MILES. I AM DRIVING IT BUT NEED TO KNOW IF A RECALL WILL FIX THIS . Look up ODI 11402761 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 10701578 · 13,737 mi I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT COMBINATION SWITCH, PART NUMBER NC11-66-122 FAIL IN THIS MAZDA MIATA 6 TIMES. AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT I NOTICED ALL THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURES WERE DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE SWITCH AND NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING THE FAILURE. WHEN THE SWITCH FAILS, I TURN IT TO EITHER PARKING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHT POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON UNLESS I PHYSICALLY CONTINUE TURNING THE SWITCH PAST IT'S "ON" POSITION. SOON AS I RELEASE THE SWITCH AND IT FALLS BACK INTO THE "ON" POSITION, THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THE FIRS… Look up ODI 10701578 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	0	1 ODI 766912 CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT". DEALER INDICATED 3 WEEKS AGO THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN CYLINDER #3, BUT THEY WILL NOT GET ON WITH THE REPAIR. DEALER HAS CHANGED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PARTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND LAST WEEK SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE. NOW THEY ARE BACKING OFF ON THAT AND PLAYING "TESTING GAMES".*AK Look up ODI 766912 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10701578 · 13,737 mi I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT COMBINATION SWITCH, PART NUMBER NC11-66-122 FAIL IN THIS MAZDA MIATA 6 TIMES. AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT I NOTICED ALL THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURES WERE DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE SWITCH AND NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING THE FAILURE. WHEN THE SWITCH FAILS, I TURN IT TO EITHER PARKING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHT POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON UNLESS I PHYSICALLY CONTINUE TURNING THE SWITCH PAST IT'S "ON" POSITION. SOON AS I RELEASE THE SWITCH AND IT FALLS BACK INTO THE "ON" POSITION, THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THE FIRS… Look up ODI 10701578 at NHTSA ↗	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

21 mentions · 6.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 53,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 536367

ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROX. 19,000 MILES AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING STRONGLY AND LOST POWER DURING 2ND AND 3RD GEAR, DURING FULL ACCELERTION.

Look up ODI 536367 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10020169 · 30,000 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THE COIL PACK FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10020169 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10046899 · 69,500 mi

ON 11/10/03, MY 1999 MIATA STALLED WHEN CLUTCH IS PUSHED AT IDLE. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 101 AT THAT TIME AND WOULD CREATE A DANGER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE SURROUNDING CARS. AFTER A CAR MECHANIC INSPECTED MY CAR, HE FOUND THAT THE CRANKSHAFT END PLAY WAS APPROXIMATELY .5" WIDE. THE MECHANIC SUSPECTED THAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE THRUST BEARING. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 70,000 MILES. MAZDA INSTALLED IMPROPER THRUST BEARING ON MANY 1999 MIATAS, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL WHEN CLUTCH IS PUSHED AT IDLE. SO FAR, …

Look up ODI 10046899 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

20 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,000 mi (17 usable records).

ODI 10610650 · 39,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG CODE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

Look up ODI 10610650 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10955121 · 165,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND SHOWS THE MODULE HAS FAILED. MODULES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MAZDA MIATAS.

Look up ODI 10955121 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10984406 · 123,000 mi

THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAG WARNING IS ON. THE WARNING LIGHT FLASHES A NUMBER OF TIMES, THEN PAUSES FOR A FEW SECONDS, AND THEN BEGINS AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL MODULE AND THIS PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OR FROM REMANUFACTURERS. THE AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ITEM AND THUS MUST BE OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER, MAZDA, MUST MAKE THIS REPAIR OR MAKE THE PART AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10984406 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

13 mentions · 3.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 22,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 807668

WHEN APPLYING THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES IN WET WEATHER, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 807668 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 741365

WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BRAKES DID NOT SLOW CAR FOR UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER APPLICATION OF BRAKE PEDAL (NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED). ONCE THE BRAKES START WORKING, THEY FEEL NORMAL, BUT IF YOU DON'T USE THEM FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE BRAKES WILL DO THE SAME THING AGAIN, AND AGAIN. IT SEEMS THAT THE HARDER IT RAINS, THE MORE PRONOUNCED THE TEMPORARY LACK OF STOPPING POWER, AND THE LONGER THE DELAY UNTIL THE BRAKES ACHIEVE FRICTION.*AK

Look up ODI 741365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 742474

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN THE RAIN, BRAKES FAILED FOR ABOUT 1-2 SECONDS WHEN APPLIED UNTIL DISC HAD DRIED OR HEATED SUFFICIENTLY. WHEN CONTACTED, THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN REGARDING SUCH FAILURES. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. NO OTHER SYMPTOMS EXIST.*AK

Look up ODI 742474 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

4 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,516 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 753339

HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD GEAR. GEAR WILL SOMETIMES GRIND WHEN SHIFTING OR ENGINE SPEED MUST MUCH BEFORE ENGAGING. VERY STIFF SHIFTER AT NEUTRAL AND CAUSE GEAR HUNTING FROM 5TH TO 4TH. WHEN TRANSMISSION IS WARMED UP, A RATTLING SOUND CAN BE HEARD AT NEUTRAL BUT DISAPPEAR ONCE THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. *AK

Look up ODI 753339 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10251429 · 21,000 mi

PURCHASED A 2001 MAZDA MIATA NEW, TRANSMISSION WAS HARD SHIFTING FROM DAY 1 TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS NUMEROUS TIMES, FINALLY RESULTED IN TRANS. LOCKING IN NEUTRAL AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE RESULTING IN A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING THIS PERIOD AND MAZDA WOULD NOT REPAIR CAR BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AT THIS TIME. CAR WAS FIXING BY INDEPENDENT TRANS. SHOP AND PAID FOR BY ME. *TR

Look up ODI 10251429 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8005676

ON SPEED 50MPH SUDDEN TURNS AND VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL. VEHICLE SYSTEMATICALLY JERKS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. CONTACTED MAZDA. *AK

Look up ODI 8005676 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,794 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10062436 · 29,587 mi

OUR 1995 MAZDA MIATA HAS A RAPID RHYTHMIC PULSING IN THE POWER STEERING HYDRAULICS WHEN PARALLEL PARKING, OR OTHER SIMILAR TIGHT LOW SPEED TURN. THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED MAZDA TECH SERVICE AND DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION UNIT WITH HYDRAULIC PUMP WAS FAULTY. THEY REPLACED THE ORIGINAL UNIT. THE NEW UNIT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SO THEY REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, YET MAZDA HAS STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE A SAFETY HAZARD, THOUGH IT IS NOT PERFORMING CORRECTLY. I WAS TOLD THAT A FEW OTHER VEHICLES AT THIS DEALERSHIP WERE EXPERIEN…

Look up ODI 10062436 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 856414

WHEN DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH, THE RPMS FALL DOWN RAPIDLY, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL, AND POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO FAIL. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 856414 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121020 · 92,000 mi

CAR STALLS CONSISTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ENGINE SPEED DROPS BELOW 500 RPM AND ALMOST ALWAYS CAUSES A STALL.

Look up ODI 10121020 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 44,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11495033

When I filled the gas tank the next day there was the smell of gas inside the vehicle which persisted as I drove. I took it to my Fiat dealership which maintains the vehicle and they have been unable to identify the source of the gas smell. They have been working with Madza for six weeks and no solution can be established. There was a recall on the 1999 models for a similar problem, however my VIN number was not part of the recall.

Look up ODI 11495033 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11045602 · 44,000 mi

THE TRUNK SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. THE CABIN SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. WHILE RESEARCHING ONLINE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A GAS SMELL ON THESE CARS.

Look up ODI 11045602 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 160,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10080155 · 160,000 mi

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND THAT A CONNECTOR WIRE IN THE FUEL TANK MELTED. DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CONNECTOR INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK.*AK

Look up ODI 10080155 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule