Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Seat Belts
520.0%
Median failure at 180,000 miles
Airbags
520.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 82,500 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
312.0%
Electrical System
312.0%
Median failure at 68,000 miles
Tires
28.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,370 mi
Other & Unspecified
14.0%
Equipment & Accessories
14.0%
Wheels
14.0%
Lights
14.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 105,000 mi
Body & Structure
14.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 105,000 mi
Brakes
14.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
333.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
333.3%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1995peak 3Sep 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 97,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY 1992 MAZDA MIATA'S AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE DASH, AND THERE IS A SOFT BEEP HEARD,WHICH IS INTERMITTENT. THE FLASHING STARTS AS SOON AS THE CAR IS STARTED, AND IT CONTINUES WHILE IN MOTION. THERE IS A PAUSE BETWEEN A SERIES OF AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES. THE BEEP IS SOFT AND STARTED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. I THOUGHT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING; HOWEVER, NOW THE BEEPING IS HEARD ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG FLASHING LIGHT. THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. IT IS KEPT GARAGED. IT WAS IN A SLIGHT ACCIDENT WHEN TWO CARS IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I TRIED TO TURN AROUND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THAT CAR TURNED AROUND THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME. I HIT THE CAR WITH MY RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT EMPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11122874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, ILCrash
TIRES:SIDEWALL
CONSUMER STATES WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ALONG ABOUT 45-50 MPH DUNLAP TIRE S/P SPORT A2 SIZE 185 60 14 COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SIDEWALL ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. THIS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL, AND RUN INTO A SMALL DITCH. HE STATED THAT THESE TIRES WERE JUST PURCHASED A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, AND HAVE ONLY ABOUT 7500 MILES ON THEM. THIS WAS A DEFECT, BUT THE PLACE WHERE HE PURCHASED THE TIRES CHARGED HIM TO REPLACE THIS TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10026524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 68,000 milesSherborn, MA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11257361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesSherborn, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11257361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY 1992 MAZDA MIATA'S AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE DASH, AND THERE IS A SOFT BEEP HEARD,WHICH IS INTERMITTENT. THE FLASHING STARTS AS SOON AS THE CAR IS STARTED, AND IT CONTINUES WHILE IN MOTION. THERE IS A PAUSE BETWEEN A SERIES OF AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES. THE BEEP IS SOFT AND STARTED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. I THOUGHT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING; HOWEVER, NOW THE BEEPING IS HEARD ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG FLASHING LIGHT. THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. IT IS KEPT GARAGED. IT WAS IN A SLIGHT ACCIDENT WHEN TWO CARS IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I TRIED TO TURN AROUND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THAT CAR TURNED AROUND THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME. I HIT THE CAR WITH MY RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT EMPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11122874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSanta Barbara, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 FRACTURE AND CONTUSION, WHICH LED TO TWO VERY BLACK EYES AND SWELLING. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO MY FACE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10717588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesNEW Milford, CT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THEM SOON. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - REPLACEMENT BELT SOLVED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10168221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesJamaica, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING [6 FLASHES] SINCE EARLY 2003. FOUR REQUESTS AT DEALER REPAIR SHOPS HAVE FAILED TO ADDRESS/REPAIR. 1992 MAZDA MX-5 [MIATA].
NHTSA complaint #10131638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, ILCrash
TIRES:SIDEWALL
CONSUMER STATES WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ALONG ABOUT 45-50 MPH DUNLAP TIRE S/P SPORT A2 SIZE 185 60 14 COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SIDEWALL ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. THIS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL, AND RUN INTO A SMALL DITCH. HE STATED THAT THESE TIRES WERE JUST PURCHASED A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, AND HAVE ONLY ABOUT 7500 MILES ON THEM. THIS WAS A DEFECT, BUT THE PLACE WHERE HE PURCHASED THE TIRES CHARGED HIM TO REPLACE THIS TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10026524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,370 milesGlenview, IL
TIRES:SIDEWALL
ON JUNE 28, 2003 A FRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING TO LAKE GENEVA ILL. WHEN MY LEFT REAR TIRE INSIDE WALL SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE COMPLETELY. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD THE TIRE WHEN IT BLEW OUT MADE ME LOSE CONTROL AND I WENT INTO A SMALL DITCH.*AK I CHANGED TO THE MINI SPARE AND WENT HOME. I CONTACTED DUNLOP ABOUT THE TIRE AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE TIRE HAD A PATCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE THAT THE SIDE WALL SEPERATED BECAUSE OF THE PATCH, THE PATCH IS LOCATED ON THE TREAD AREA ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. I CONTACTED THE PERSON THAT SOLD ME THE TIRES AND HE SAID THAT MANUFACTURES PUT PATCHS IN TIRES SO THEY WILL HAVE BETTER BALANCE. DUNLOP SAID THAT THEY WILL GIVE ME A NEW TIRE IF I PAY THE STORE $33.00 PLUS MOUNTING AND BALANCING. I TOLD THEM THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE IT AT NO COST TO ME, THEY SAID THATS THE ONLY OFFER THAT THEY WILL GIVE TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. MY CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN IN THE SUMMER TIME, AND IS PUT AWAY IN THE WINTER ON BLOCKS AND UNDER A COVER. THE MILES ON THIS 92 MIATA ARE ONLY 39,000 MILES, THE MILES ON THE TIRES ARE ABOUT 7,000 MILES. I FEEL THAT I'M ENTITLED TO A REPLACEMENT AT NO CHARGE, BECAUSE THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10025323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamaica, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MR
NHTSA complaint #768073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hallandale, FL
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY CAME OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTED THAT A METAL WASHER OR MOUNTING WAS RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE MIRROR TO COME OFF. NLM
NHTSA complaint #558347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
CONSUMERS HEARD A WHINNING SOUND. TOOK OFF AT LIGHT IN 1ST GEAR & IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, LIKE GRINDING METAL. DEALER DETERMINED DIFFERENTIALS WENT OUT IN THE REAR END.
NHTSA complaint #866778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carinth, MS
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
BACK WINDOW WASTURNING BROWN. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW. TOO VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID WINDOW HAD DARKENED BECAUSE OF THE SUN.
NHTSA complaint #856130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carinth, MS
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
REAR WINDOW HAS TURNED BROWN, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW, AND FELT THAT IT WAS VERY UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING UNDER SUCH CONDITION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THAT THE DARKNESS WAS COMING FROM THE SUN.
NHTSA complaint #856131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FL
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER HAS A DIFFICULT TIME FASTENING SEAT BELT., ALSO, AT TIMES SEAT BELTS COME UNDONE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON.
NHTSA complaint #850662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, TN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
AIR BAG SENSOR CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #528821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT GETS VERY TIGHT, MAKING IT VERY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE ANY TYPE OF MOVEMENT WHEN DRIVING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #824175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manorville, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DISTRIBUTOR CAP WIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY.
NHTSA complaint #602323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, VA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING,THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BELT BUCKLE.
NHTSA complaint #802207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKES SQUEAL.
NHTSA complaint #484660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
EXCESSIVE FORCE REQUIRED TO REMOVE SHOP INSTALLED LOCKING LUG NUT, CAUSING IT TO BREAK. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #484413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport Beac, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SPARK PLUG WIRES BLEW OUT AT 30,300 MILES. TT
NHTSA complaint #972075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlantic B, FL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #486494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. TT
NHTSA complaint #967985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.