Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata with NHTSA between 1996 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 50
Against the median year of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Mazda MX-5 Miata
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
17.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
646.2%
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.
Mar 1996peak 3Sep 2023
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kansas City, MOCrash
STEERING
THE VIN IS FOR MY 1996 MAZDA MIATA. MY COMPLAINT IS THE M291 GOING WEST BOUND TO 350 HIGHWAY IN RAYTOWN THAT VEERS TO THE WEST. THE EXIT, SEEMS TO DANGEROUS WITH CONCRETE BLOCKS SEPERATING LANES. MY SECOND INQUIRY IS A POSSIBLE CAR WRECK THAT MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN. SHE DROVE A GREEN AND BLACK MUSTANG FORD CONVERTIBLE. WE LIVE APART AND AS SHE IS A YOUNG ADULT LIKE MOST, AS A MOTHER, I DON'T GET ENOUGH INFO, SOMETIMES. 2006 FOUND ME WITNESSING HER CAR OR ONE THAT LOOKED LIKE IT OVERTURNED ON 350 HIGHWAY GOING WESTBOUND ON THE CLOVERLEAF TO M291/470 HIGHWAY. AN AMBULANCE WAS THERE AND THE PASSENGER, HER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE SEEN HER SINCE THEN, SO OBVIOUSLY SHE SEEMS ALRIGHT AND SAFE, HOWEVER, I WOULD SURE BE APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD FOLLOW UP ON THAT IF ANYTHING SEEMS ASKEW. HER ADDRESS AT THE TIME WAS [XXX] WHERE SHE LIVED WITH HER OWN FATHER, [XXX]. HER DATE OF BIRTH IS 1/29/89. I AM [XXX]- OF [XXX]. MY DRIVER'S LICENSE # IS [XXX]. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11320169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash
SUSPENSION
THE VIN IS FOR MY 1996 MAZDA MIATA. MY COMPLAINT IS THE M291 GOING WEST BOUND TO 350 HIGHWAY IN RAYTOWN THAT VEERS TO THE WEST. THE EXIT, SEEMS TO DANGEROUS WITH CONCRETE BLOCKS SEPERATING LANES. MY SECOND INQUIRY IS A POSSIBLE CAR WRECK THAT MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN. SHE DROVE A GREEN AND BLACK MUSTANG FORD CONVERTIBLE. WE LIVE APART AND AS SHE IS A YOUNG ADULT LIKE MOST, AS A MOTHER, I DON'T GET ENOUGH INFO, SOMETIMES. 2006 FOUND ME WITNESSING HER CAR OR ONE THAT LOOKED LIKE IT OVERTURNED ON 350 HIGHWAY GOING WESTBOUND ON THE CLOVERLEAF TO M291/470 HIGHWAY. AN AMBULANCE WAS THERE AND THE PASSENGER, HER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE SEEN HER SINCE THEN, SO OBVIOUSLY SHE SEEMS ALRIGHT AND SAFE, HOWEVER, I WOULD SURE BE APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD FOLLOW UP ON THAT IF ANYTHING SEEMS ASKEW. HER ADDRESS AT THE TIME WAS [XXX] WHERE SHE LIVED WITH HER OWN FATHER, [XXX]. HER DATE OF BIRTH IS 1/29/89. I AM [XXX]- OF [XXX]. MY DRIVER'S LICENSE # IS [XXX]. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11320169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 78,000 milesYakima, WA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 1996 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the Takata air bag module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11544091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBerkeley, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 1996 MAZDA Miata. The contact stated that the air bag warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11425019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,969 milesSAN Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED, AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON
NHTSA complaint #11354979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash
STEERING
THE VIN IS FOR MY 1996 MAZDA MIATA. MY COMPLAINT IS THE M291 GOING WEST BOUND TO 350 HIGHWAY IN RAYTOWN THAT VEERS TO THE WEST. THE EXIT, SEEMS TO DANGEROUS WITH CONCRETE BLOCKS SEPERATING LANES. MY SECOND INQUIRY IS A POSSIBLE CAR WRECK THAT MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN. SHE DROVE A GREEN AND BLACK MUSTANG FORD CONVERTIBLE. WE LIVE APART AND AS SHE IS A YOUNG ADULT LIKE MOST, AS A MOTHER, I DON'T GET ENOUGH INFO, SOMETIMES. 2006 FOUND ME WITNESSING HER CAR OR ONE THAT LOOKED LIKE IT OVERTURNED ON 350 HIGHWAY GOING WESTBOUND ON THE CLOVERLEAF TO M291/470 HIGHWAY. AN AMBULANCE WAS THERE AND THE PASSENGER, HER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE SEEN HER SINCE THEN, SO OBVIOUSLY SHE SEEMS ALRIGHT AND SAFE, HOWEVER, I WOULD SURE BE APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD FOLLOW UP ON THAT IF ANYTHING SEEMS ASKEW. HER ADDRESS AT THE TIME WAS [XXX] WHERE SHE LIVED WITH HER OWN FATHER, [XXX]. HER DATE OF BIRTH IS 1/29/89. I AM [XXX]- OF [XXX]. MY DRIVER'S LICENSE # IS [XXX]. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11320169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash
SUSPENSION
THE VIN IS FOR MY 1996 MAZDA MIATA. MY COMPLAINT IS THE M291 GOING WEST BOUND TO 350 HIGHWAY IN RAYTOWN THAT VEERS TO THE WEST. THE EXIT, SEEMS TO DANGEROUS WITH CONCRETE BLOCKS SEPERATING LANES. MY SECOND INQUIRY IS A POSSIBLE CAR WRECK THAT MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN. SHE DROVE A GREEN AND BLACK MUSTANG FORD CONVERTIBLE. WE LIVE APART AND AS SHE IS A YOUNG ADULT LIKE MOST, AS A MOTHER, I DON'T GET ENOUGH INFO, SOMETIMES. 2006 FOUND ME WITNESSING HER CAR OR ONE THAT LOOKED LIKE IT OVERTURNED ON 350 HIGHWAY GOING WESTBOUND ON THE CLOVERLEAF TO M291/470 HIGHWAY. AN AMBULANCE WAS THERE AND THE PASSENGER, HER FRIEND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE SEEN HER SINCE THEN, SO OBVIOUSLY SHE SEEMS ALRIGHT AND SAFE, HOWEVER, I WOULD SURE BE APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD FOLLOW UP ON THAT IF ANYTHING SEEMS ASKEW. HER ADDRESS AT THE TIME WAS [XXX] WHERE SHE LIVED WITH HER OWN FATHER, [XXX]. HER DATE OF BIRTH IS 1/29/89. I AM [XXX]- OF [XXX]. MY DRIVER'S LICENSE # IS [XXX]. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11320169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, MD
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON CONTINUOUSLY AFTER TURNING ENGINE ON, NEVER GOES OFF. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED ON ANY RECALLS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LATE 1995 MODELS, BUT NOT THE EARLY 1996 ONES. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IT WOULD COST ME $900 TO $1000 TO FIX. AT THAT TIME, IT HAD TO REMAIN UNFIXED, AND THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY SINCE. I AM STILL APPREHENSIVE WHEN I TURN THE KEY AND DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11076684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesStillwater, MN
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG COMES ON AND STAYS ON AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. DIAGNOSTIC CODE INDICATES SRS MODULE IS AT FAULT OR COULD BE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION PER DEALER. DEALER INDICATED SRS MODULE IS NOT AVAILABLE EVEN IF IT IS DETERMINED AS THE FAILURE AFTER REMOVING DASH TO ACCESS MODULE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 64, 000 MILES. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION IN SOME STATES WHICH MAKES A MINT CAR WORTHLESS AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10991128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesAshburn, VA
AIR BAGS
WHEN I START MY CAR, ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON BRIEFLY AND THEN GO OUT - BRAKES, ABS, SEAT BELT, OIL, ETC. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO COMES ON, AS IT SHOULD. BUT THEN IT STAYS ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAULTY AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BUT THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT MAZDA NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART AND THAT IT IS NOT AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNLESS THE MODULE IS REPLACED AND THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION IN VIRGINIA.
NHTSA complaint #10966597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,500 milesCataula, GA
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AT START AND STAYS ON. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE BACK-UP BATTERY IN THE AIR BAG MODULE IS SHORTED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10881605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFayetteville, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10787307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFayetteville, NC
AIR BAGS
SITTING IN DRIVER SIDE OR CAR WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WHILE IN DRIVEWAY. AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10787356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,215 milesHuntsville, AL
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY ALL OF THE TIME. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AIRBAG FAILURE BUT NO RECALL INFO EXISTS. ALSO MY POP-UP HEADLIGHTS ARE RANDOMLY RETRACTING DOWN WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT. NO AMOUNT OF TWISTING ON AND OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN SWITCH WILL MAKE THEM COME BACK UP AND I HAVE TO RESORT TO THE MANUAL POPUP BUTTON LOCATED UNDER THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH SEVERAL TIMES WHEN DRIVING AFTER DARK!
NHTSA complaint #10717672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,215 milesHuntsville, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY ALL OF THE TIME. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AIRBAG FAILURE BUT NO RECALL INFO EXISTS. ALSO MY POP-UP HEADLIGHTS ARE RANDOMLY RETRACTING DOWN WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT. NO AMOUNT OF TWISTING ON AND OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN SWITCH WILL MAKE THEM COME BACK UP AND I HAVE TO RESORT TO THE MANUAL POPUP BUTTON LOCATED UNDER THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH SEVERAL TIMES WHEN DRIVING AFTER DARK!
NHTSA complaint #10717672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesSunderland, MD
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10281943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesKailua, HI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
THE AIRBAG COMPUTER FAILED, AS INDICATED BY THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT REMAINING ON CONSTANTLY. REPAIR COST OVER $1200. THOUGHT YOU MIGHT TRACK THE FAILURE HISTORY OF AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #10197181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123 milesEnon, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS INCIDENT CONCERNS A SAFETY VIOLATION CAUSED BY A NATIONALLY FRANCHISED TRANSMISSION SHOP IN CAMP HILL PA. I CANNOT ADEQUATELY DESCRIBE THIS SCENARIO IN 2000 CHARACTERS, BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION FACILITY DAMAGED MY CAR SO THAT IT WAS UNSAFE, AND RETURNED IT TO ME IN THAT CONDITION WITHOUT TELLING ME. THEY DAMAGED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD HAVE BOTH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND THE RESULTS OF THAT ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AS A RESULT OF THAT CONDITION.
NHTSA complaint #10181731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10124703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front Royal, VA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
I AM NOT SURE THAT THIS A COMPLAINT, RATHER THAN AN INFORMATION REGARDING A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES. REAR TIRES ARE FINE; HOWEVER, TWO FRONT TIRES ARE SPLIT AT THE SEAM ON THE SIDEWALL. I HAVE DIGITAL PHOTOS THAT I WILL PROVIDE. I AM REPLACING THE TIRES THIS WEEKEND.
NHTSA complaint #10041511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Central Square, NY
AIR BAGS
PERMISSION TO SWITCH OFF THE AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #9006290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nederland, TX
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON AT ALL TIMES. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE NEEDED A NEW AIRBAG MODULAR.
NHTSA complaint #866061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THERE IS STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNINGS. DEALER HAS REPLACED FUEL TANK AND LINES.
NHTSA complaint #857257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THERE IS STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNINGS. DEALER HAS REPLACED FUEL TANK AND LINES.
NHTSA complaint #857257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Desert, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE LUGS: NUTS: BOLTS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. AFTER THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED, MAZDA PAID FOR THE TOW AND REPAIR. *AK
NHTSA complaint #857066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
AIR BAGS
I WENT THROUGH A DIP (SLOWER THAN USUALLY TAKEN) IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD HAVE OCCURED AND WAS DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAGS. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR REACHED OVER $7000, INCLUDING INTERIOR REPAIRS CAUSED FROM THE AIR BAGS AND UNDERCARRIAGE/ALIGNMENT DAMAGE DUE TO HITTING A CURB AFTER MY TEMPORARY BLINDNESS AND SHOCK. THE CUTS AND BRUISES DEALT TO ME AND MY PASSENGER WERE MINIMAL AND DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. I THEN WENT FOR OVER A MONTH WITHOUT A CAR BECAUSE SPECIAL PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED BY THE BODY SHOP. ALL OF THIS DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAGS IN MY 1996 MAZDA MIATA.
NHTSA complaint #705597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna NIG, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
HORN FAILED, ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA complaint #603566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.