Mazda MX-5 Miata problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every MX-5 Miata from 1990 to 2005: 339 owner complaints and 0 recalls across 16 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (74), 1995 (30), 1996 (29). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2000).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 | 28 | 24 | |
| 1991 | 0 | 21 | 24 | |
| 1992 | 0 | 22 | 24 | |
| 1993 | 0 | 8 | 24 | |
| 1994 | 0 | 18 | 22 | |
| 1995 | 0 | 30 | 23 | |
| 1996 | 0 | 29 | 23 | |
| 1997 | 0 | 11 | 22 | |
| 1998 | 0 | 1 | – | |
| 1999 | 0 | 74 | 24 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 29 | 24 | |
| 2001 | 0 | 22 | 23 | |
| 2002 | 0 | 20 | 23 | |
| 2003 | 0 | 14 | 23 | |
| 2004 | 0 | 8 | 23 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 4 | 23 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (74), 1995 (30), 1996 (29).
How many recalls has the Mazda MX-5 Miata had?
Across 1990–2005, NHTSA lists 0 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).