Mazda MX-5 Miata Problems by Year
NHTSA has 242 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, across 11 model years (1995–2005). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (74). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Mazda MX-5 Miata years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MX-5 Miata year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 MX-5 Miata: 74 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 MX-5 Miata: 30 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 MX-5 Miata: 29 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1998 MX-5 Miata: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2005 MX-5 Miata: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2004 MX-5 Miata: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mazda MX-5 Miata problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 45 | 9 | 17 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 27 | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 25 | 8 | 0 |
| Power Train | 23 | 7 | 2 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 22 | 10 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 | 7 | 0 |
| Tires | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 | 8 | 0 |
| Suspension | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Steering | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Equipment | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mazda MX-5 Miata model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 MX-5 Miata | 4 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2004 MX-5 Miata | 8 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2003 MX-5 Miata | 14 | 0 | — | Exterior Lighting | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2002 MX-5 Miata | 20 | 0 | — | Structure | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2001 MX-5 Miata | 22 | 0 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 MX-5 Miata | 29 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | More complaints than other years |
| 1999 MX-5 Miata | 74 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 MX-5 Miata | 1 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1997 MX-5 Miata | 11 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1996 MX-5 Miata | 29 | 0 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 1995 MX-5 Miata | 30 | 0 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
More from Mazda: all Mazda models · Mazda VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda MX-5 Miata years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (74) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MX-5 Miata year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Air Bags, with 45 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.