Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Mazda MX-5 MIATA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

29 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

40,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 29 complaints (10.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior620.7%
Engine operation413.8%
Electrical and battery issues310.3%
Transmission and shifting26.9%
Fuel system concerns26.9%
Steering behavior13.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
2
Suspension
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Air Bags
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc2
Suspension2
Unknown Or Other2
Air Bags1

Electrical System: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc: 2; Suspension: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
7
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9997
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000
1
2001
13
2002
3
2004
2
2005
2
2008
1
2009
1
2013
1
2014
2
2015
2
2017
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20001
200113
20023
20042
20052
20081
20091
20131
20142
20152
20171

2000: 1; 2001: 13; 2002: 3; 2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2017: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10063257 · 2004-03-16 (March 16, 2004)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10063257 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100398 · 2004-11-23 (November 23, 2004)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 38,360 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100398 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10106052 · 2005-01-10 (January 10, 2005)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10106052 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10125923 · 2005-06-20 (June 20, 2005)

DT: CONSUMER PURCHASED A USED 2000 MAZADA MIATA, THE FRONT LEFT FOG LIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE, NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH FOG LIGHT. WHEN THE FOG LIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER TRIM, MARKER LIGHT, AND THE WIRING HARNESS, CONSUMER HAD TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISH TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 38,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10125923 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10216233 · 2008-01-28 (January 28, 2008)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10216233 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10297262 · 2009-12-28 (December 28, 2009)

1999 TO 2000 MAZDA MIATA THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE LOW/HIGH BEAM HAS BEEN SHOWN TO GENERATE HIGH TEMPERATURES AND ON ONE OCCASION, CAUSE A FIRE. I PERSONALLY HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WITH MY 1999 MIATA WHICH PROMPTED ME TO REPLACE THE FORWARD SECTION OF THE H4 HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS. OTHERS ON THE MIATA.NET FORUM ( SEE HTTP://FORUM.MIATA.NET/VB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=360101 HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, AND ONE MEMBER WHO STARTED THE THREAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND DAMAGE. ) I URGE THE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER WITH MAZDA USA. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10297262 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10542383 · 2013-09-07 (September 7, 2013)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 79,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10542383 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10567825 · 2014-03-07 (March 7, 2014)

AREA OF THE FRONT FRAME SUPPORT RAILS (CORE SUPPORT IS OFFICIAL NAME) RUSTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE CONSTRUCTION METHOD IS A SANDWICHED MATERIAL WITH SOME SORT OF TARPAPER IN THE MIDDLE WHICH TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH, IN TURN, HASTENS FRAME RUSTING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 1999 - 2005 YEARS AND USUALLY NOT EASILY IDENTIFIED UNTIL THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. A GOOGLE SEARCH OF THE ISSUE RETURNS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. ONCE THE FRAME RUSTS THROUGH IT CAUSES A REAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE OCCUPANTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 131,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10567825 at NHTSA ↗

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

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

37.9%Usable mileage11 / 29 records
75.9%Valid incident date22 / 29 records
100.0%Valid filing date29 / 29 records
75.9%Ordered incident and filing dates22 / 29 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
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

TL*THE 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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range40,000 mi3 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10596434 · 40,000 mi

1999>2000 MAZDA MIATAS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE HAD A BAD BATCH OF COIL PACKS PUT IN THEM, RESULTING IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, (HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES), NOT WHILE DRIVING, BUT UPON RESTARTING AFTER A BRIEF STOP, LIKE AT A STORE, WHEREVER. ANYWAY THE CODE SAYS, RANDOM MISS FIRING, WHICH RESULTS IN A VERY LEAN UNBURNED MIXTURE OF FUEL, WITH MANY OWNERS HAVING THEIR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND/OR 02 SENSORS GET BURNT OUT AS A RESULT. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE ENGINE RUNS VERY VERY ROUGH, AND COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE WRONG SITUATION,…

Look up ODI 10596434 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10764038 · 40,000 mi

ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING BADLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO MAZDA DEALER SHOP AND WAS TOLD A SPARK PLUG WIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND BURNED UP. IN ACTUALITY, THE IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION WIRES, AND COIL. TWO MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE POOR RUNNING DURING THE TIME WHEN THE IGNITION COIL HAD BEEN MISFIRING. SO THE DEFECTIVE COIL CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE,…

Look up ODI 10764038 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range61,000 mi1 (sparse)
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 ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range88,600 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10567825 · 131,000 mi

AREA OF THE FRONT FRAME SUPPORT RAILS (CORE SUPPORT IS OFFICIAL NAME) RUSTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE CONSTRUCTION METHOD IS A SANDWICHED MATERIAL WITH SOME SORT OF TARPAPER IN THE MIDDLE WHICH TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH, IN TURN, HASTENS FRAME RUSTING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 1999 - 2005 YEARS AND USUALLY NOT EASILY IDENTIFIED UNTIL THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. A GOOGLE SEARCH OF THE ISSUE RETURNS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. ONCE THE FRAME RUSTS THROUGH IT CAUSES A REAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE OCCUPANTS. *TR

Look up ODI 10567825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10761937 · 46,200 mi

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT. I RECEIVED THE COMPLETE SERVICE RECORD, AND IT HAD BEEN MAINTAINED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND THROUGH A PRIVATE GARAGE AND BODY SHOP ON A REGULAR BASIS AND THOROUGHLY INSPECTED ON EVERY SERVICE AND BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. NO MENTION HAD EVER BEEN MADE OF RUST IN THE FRONT FRAME RAILS. I PULLED THE FRONT WHEELS TO CLEAN UP RUST AND ALL CONNECTIONS AND FOUND PATCHES OF RUST ON BOTH FRAME RAILS BETWEEN THE SWAY BAR BRACKET AND STRUT BRACKETS. I CAN PUNCH A SCREWDRIVER THROUGH THE RUST ON THE …

Look up ODI 10761937 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range79,500 mi1 (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 ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range26,000 mi1 (sparse)
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 ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2004: 4 complaints · 2005: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004244
2005011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2004800
2005400

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
ComponentElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:DiscSuspensionUnknown Or OtherAir Bags
Electrical System—0000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0—0000
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
Power Train:Automatic Transmission00—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip000—0000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc0000—000
Suspension00000—00
Unknown Or Other0
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 ↗

0000—0
Air Bags0000000—

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.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 13.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 742979

BRAKES FAIL TO STOP THE CAR WHEN WET, MUST PUMP TO DRY IN ORDER TO SLOW THE CAR, THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 742979 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 745074

BRAKES FAIL IN THE RAIN! WHEN IT IS RAINING THE BRAKE SURFACES GET COVERED IN WATER AND THE PADS ARE TO SMALL TO SUFFICIENTLY SQUEEZE THE WATER OFF AND OUT TO ALLOW IMMEDIATE BRAKING. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE OFFERED FIX IS DIFFERENT BRAKE SHIELDS, BUT THE CORRECT FIX IS WHAT MAZDA IS PUTTING ON THE CURRENT MIATAS...BIGGER BRAKES AND PADS! IF YOU LOOK ON THE MIATA SITES IN THE FORUMS YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED AND IS ACTUALLY QUITE PREVELANT. THANK YOU FOR CHECK…

Look up ODI 745074 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 13.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (3 usable records).

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 ↗

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 10596434 · 40,000 mi

1999>2000 MAZDA MIATAS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE HAD A BAD BATCH OF COIL PACKS PUT IN THEM, RESULTING IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, (HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES), NOT WHILE DRIVING, BUT UPON RESTARTING AFTER A BRIEF STOP, LIKE AT A STORE, WHEREVER. ANYWAY THE CODE SAYS, RANDOM MISS FIRING, WHICH RESULTS IN A VERY LEAN UNBURNED MIXTURE OF FUEL, WITH MANY OWNERS HAVING THEIR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND/OR 02 SENSORS GET BURNT OUT AS A RESULT. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE ENGINE RUNS VERY VERY ROUGH, AND COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE WRONG SITUATION,…

Look up ODI 10596434 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 13.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (3 usable records).

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 10596434 · 40,000 mi

1999>2000 MAZDA MIATAS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE HAD A BAD BATCH OF COIL PACKS PUT IN THEM, RESULTING IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, (HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES), NOT WHILE DRIVING, BUT UPON RESTARTING AFTER A BRIEF STOP, LIKE AT A STORE, WHEREVER. ANYWAY THE CODE SAYS, RANDOM MISS FIRING, WHICH RESULTS IN A VERY LEAN UNBURNED MIXTURE OF FUEL, WITH MANY OWNERS HAVING THEIR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND/OR 02 SENSORS GET BURNT OUT AS A RESULT. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE ENGINE RUNS VERY VERY ROUGH, AND COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE WRONG SITUATION,…

Look up ODI 10596434 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10764038 · 40,000 mi

ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING BADLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO MAZDA DEALER SHOP AND WAS TOLD A SPARK PLUG WIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND BURNED UP. IN ACTUALITY, THE IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION WIRES, AND COIL. TWO MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE POOR RUNNING DURING THE TIME WHEN THE IGNITION COIL HAD BEEN MISFIRING. SO THE DEFECTIVE COIL CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE,…

Look up ODI 10764038 at NHTSA ↗

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

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

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 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 ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b