Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata with NHTSA between 1995 and 2015.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 56
Against the median year of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
63.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1995 compares with every other Mazda MX-5 Miata
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
1361.9%
Door
29.5%
Rear Compartment/Trunk
14.8%
Back UP Lights
14.8%
Roof AND Pillars
14.8%
Column
14.8%
Engine
14.8%
Horn
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
125.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
125.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
250.0%
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.
Jul 1995peak 3Nov 2015
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,000 milesChicago, ILFire2 injured
STEERING:COLUMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS AS A RESULT AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10587846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,800 milesPollock Pines, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA MIATA. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY AFTER DRIVING OVER A ROCK. CONSEQUENTLY THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TO FRACTURE. SOME FRAGMENTS OF GLASS CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO HIS HAND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,800. UPDATED 1/11/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE DEFECT. HOWEVER, MAZDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. UPDATED 01/14/10
NHTSA complaint #10295824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. DRIVER SUSTAINED A THUMB INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #10103385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groveland, MACrash
TIRES
NOT SURE IF TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE BLEW ON PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT RESULTING IN CAR GOING INTO SPIN AND EVENTUALLY ROLLING. HAVE ALL TIRES AND RIMS. ALSO HAVE PICTURE OF VEHICLE AFTER ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF REPAIRING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: H46KCCA444 TIRESIZE: P195 50R15)
NHTSA complaint #745395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT JUNE 30, 2000. I HIT A RED-LIGHT RUNNER IN A T-BONE FASHION. MY FRONT HIT HIS PASSENGER DOOR. HE WAS DRIVING A 1993 CHEVROLET S10 TRUCK. HE WAS ACCELERATING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND I WAS BRAKING AFTER BEING HIT.
NHTSA complaint #725280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
FALSE DEPOLYMENT OF AIR BAG WHILE DRIVING, UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE PRESENT BUT NO IMPACT WAS INVOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #544241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Laurel, MS
TIRES
DOUGLAS TIRE I GOT TO REPLACE THE ONE THAT HAD A BOLT MOLDED IN THE SIDEWALL. THIS ONE HAD A LARGE FLAT SPOT ON HALF OF THE CONTACT PATCH. IT WAS EASY TO SEE WITH BY EYE AND WOULD NOT EVEN SIT CORRECTLY. I NEVER MOUNTED IT CAUSE IT WAS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. TIRE LABEL WAS PLACED DIRECTLY OVER THE DEFECTIVE AREA LEADING ME TO BELIEVE SOMEONE WAS COVERING THEIR DANGEROUS MESS. POORLY PUT TOGETHER AND POOR QUALITY CONTROL. I TOOK IT BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10790065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MS
TIRES
I BOUGHT FOUR DOUGLAS PERFORMANCE GT-H 185/60-14 DOT PJF8 1YLR FROM WAL-MART. THESE TIRES ARE MADE BY GOODYEAR IN USA. WHEN THEY PUT THEM ON THE RIM A BOLT WAS FOUND MOLDED IN THE SIDEWALL AFTER IT WAS NOTICE NOT TO HOLD AIR. IT'S A GOOD THING IT DID NOT HOLD AIR CAUSE I'D HATE TO FIND THAT AT INTERSTATE SPEED. THE TIRE ALSO HAD CHALK MARKS SMEARED OFF THE SIDE. SO SOMEONE AT THE FACTORY PROBABLY NOTICED IT WAS BAD AND ANOTHER INSPECTOR OK'ED IT TO BE SOLD. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THEY DROPPED A BOLT IN THE MOLD.
NHTSA complaint #10788442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesChicago, ILFire2 injured
STEERING:COLUMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS AS A RESULT AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10587846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCornelius, OR
AIR BAGS
AT APPROX 4:30 PM 10/02/2011 WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON HUNZIKER ST. NEAR WALL ST. TIGARD, OR 30-35 MPH. I HAD TO CENTER A PIECE OF DEBRIS IN THE ROAD AND IT STRUCK AND PUNCTURED THE ENGINE OILPAN. THIS CONTACT DEPLOYED BOTH AIRBAGS WHICH INTERN BUSTED THE WINDSHIELD / KNOCKED OUT MY RADIO, VENT LOUVERS AND REARVIEW MIRROR. RESEARCH VIA THE INTERNET FOUND THIS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH 95 MIATAS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS RECALLED ISSUE TO CONFIRM IF MAZDA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BAGS/GLASS/ CONTROL MODULE, SENSORS AND SWITCHES. UNDERSTANDABLY THE OIL PAN IS MY PROBLEM AND THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT INJURED BY THE BAGS OR FLYING GLASS AND WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10428741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,800 milesPollock Pines, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA MIATA. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY AFTER DRIVING OVER A ROCK. CONSEQUENTLY THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TO FRACTURE. SOME FRAGMENTS OF GLASS CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO HIS HAND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,800. UPDATED 1/11/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE DEFECT. HOWEVER, MAZDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. UPDATED 01/14/10
NHTSA complaint #10295824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. DRIVER SUSTAINED A THUMB INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #10103385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,587 milesPortland, OR
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP AND MAZDA HAVE GIVEN UP. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR THE FREQUENT EPICODES OF PULSING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10062436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
CONSUMER STATES THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT IS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE OPENING AND THE CLOSING OF THE TRUNK IS FATIGUE (WEARING OUT AND BREAKING NEAR THE TRUNK HINGE)THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8008125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
CONSUMER STATES THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT IS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE OPENING AND THE CLOSING OF THE TRUNK IS FATIGUE (WEARING OUT AND BREAKING NEAR THE TRUNK HINGE)THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8008125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groveland, MACrash
TIRES
NOT SURE IF TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE BLEW ON PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT RESULTING IN CAR GOING INTO SPIN AND EVENTUALLY ROLLING. HAVE ALL TIRES AND RIMS. ALSO HAVE PICTURE OF VEHICLE AFTER ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF REPAIRING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: H46KCCA444 TIRESIZE: P195 50R15)
NHTSA complaint #745395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petaluma, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
RECALL 00V004000/AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT: VEHICLE HIT A CURVE WHILE TURNING ON A WET ROAD AT 10-15 MPH, AND BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT WINDSHIELD. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #875043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
RECALL 00V004000/AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH, AND RUNNING OVER A POTHOLE. DRIVER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES ON RIGHT ARM. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #869094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT JUNE 30, 2000. I HIT A RED-LIGHT RUNNER IN A T-BONE FASHION. MY FRONT HIT HIS PASSENGER DOOR. HE WAS DRIVING A 1993 CHEVROLET S10 TRUCK. HE WAS ACCELERATING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND I WAS BRAKING AFTER BEING HIT.
NHTSA complaint #725280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandeville, LA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS BEGAN SMOKING WHILE DRIVING. THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS REPORTS ON THIS PRODUCT FAILURE, INCLUDING UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT BY AUTOMOTIVE NEWS. THE AIRBAGS HAD TO BE REMOVED.
NHTSA complaint #706311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
THE COMPONET THAT FAILED WAS MIATA TWIN AIR HORN SUPPLED BY "THE CRAZY RED ITALIAN AUTOMOTIVE ACCCESSORIES" (3810 53RD ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95820). WHEN I CONTACTED "THE CRAZY RED ITALIAN AUTOMOTIVE ACCCESSORIES" I WAS INFORMED THAT I WAS EXPECTED TO PAY $29 BEFORE THE WOULD EVEN DISCUSS THE FAILURE WITH ME.
NHTSA complaint #705362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
FALSE DEPOLYMENT OF AIR BAG WHILE DRIVING, UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE PRESENT BUT NO IMPACT WAS INVOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #544241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED FRICTION/CHEMICAL BURNS TO PASSENGER FACE, SMASHED PASSENGER WINDSHIELD, BLEW OUT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS ON THE THUMBS.
NHTSA complaint #544241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #700225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD AND AUTO WAS DESTROYED. VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THE POINT OF FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #538701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Treasure Island, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE MOVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, PULLING OVER THE CURB, THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF, INJURING THE DRIVER . THE VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED. OWNER WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTUIRER.
NHTSA complaint #822581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NOISY ENGINE VALVE TRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #523231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED BACK/NECK INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #518576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, MT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS, CONSUMER WAS NOT INVOVLED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #802222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford HTS, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY @ 65 MPH, SMALL TRIANGULAR WINDOW EXPLODED, SHATTERING GLASS ACROSS DRIVER/COMPARTMENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #985823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 35MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, DUAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #982762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.