Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata peaked in 1999, with 4 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Body and fuel not decoded. Owner complaints on file from Sep 2, 1997 to Aug 13, 2003.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints1111.0 times the median 1997 vehicle
Severity index9.1Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
18% of complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata name airbags
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
11 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Aug 13, 2003Failure Jul 28, 2003Fort Myers, FLFuses and circuit breakers
I HAVE A 1997 MAZDA MIATA WITH 113,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR UP UNTIL THIS RECENT PROBLEM. IT STARTED OUT THAT THE "METER" FUSE WAS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE 15 AMP FUSE WAS REPLACED IT WOULD WORK FINE FOR APROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES (MAYBE LESS) AT WHICH POINT I NOTICED THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT IS NOW ON AND THEN THE FUSE WILL FAIL AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL NOW. NOW WHEN THE FUSE IS REPLACED AS SOON AS THE IGNITION CYLINDER IS CYCLED THE FUSE FAILS INSTANTLY. I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN, AND CHECKED A WIRING SCHEMATIC AS TO WHAT THIS "BLACK-YELLOW" WIRE ON THE "METER" FUSE SUPPLIES. BY THE WAY, AT THIS TIME I HAVE NO TURN SIGNALS, TACHOMETER, GAUGES OR WARNING LIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM IT DRIVING ME INSANE!!! I WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL AND DISCONNECTED EACH COMPONENT INDIVIDUALLY TO TEST THE CIRCUIT AT WHICH EACH TIME THE FUSE STILL FAILED. THE LIST OF COMPONENTS I TRIED ARE THE OXYGEN SENSORS, THE ECM, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO ON THIS CIRCUIT, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SO EQUIPED) ALL TO NO AVAIL!!!! AM I MISSING SOMETHING? IS THERE A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS ITSELF, IF SO, ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHERE I SHOULD EXTEND MY SEARCH? THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW AND I AM UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE ABOVE STATED CONCERNS. ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME REGUARDING THIS CONCERN WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!.*AK
NHTSA complaint 10032778 - Filed Jun 11, 2002Failure Jun 11, 2002Campbell, CASteering wheel/handle bar
WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUNNYVALE MAZDA TODAY BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND THEY SAID THE SAFETY CLAMPS ARE BROKEN AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (PLUS THE SAFETY CLAMPS) AND THAT WE MUST HAVE RUN OVER A "BUMP" TO CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER MAZDA MIATA'S HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THE STEERING COLUMN AT APPROXIMATELY 18,000 MILES.*AK
NHTSA complaint 762945 - Filed Oct 10, 2000Union City, CAUnknown or other
THE THREAD ABOUT TO SEPARATE FROM THE TIRE (TIRESIZE: P185-60R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185-60R14 )
NHTSA complaint 733895 - Filed Aug 8, 2000Failure Jan 1, 1999Columbus, OHExhaust system
AT ALL TIMESTHERE IS A STRONG GASOLING ODOR IN VEHICLE AND IN TRUNK WHICH CAUSES OCCUPANTS TO GET SICK. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
NHTSA complaint 867197 - Filed Dec 13, 1999Failure Apr 5, 1999Orange, CAFrontalCrashFire1 injured
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35-40MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA complaint 854008 - Filed Jul 27, 1999ST ANN, MOEquipment
DRIVER'S FLOORMAT IS CONSTANTLY WORKING WAY ONTO GAS PEDDLE CAUSING ACCELLORATOR TO STAY ON FLOOR, HOOK WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM, SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS
NHTSA complaint 709250 - Filed Feb 1, 1999Redondo BE, CA12v/24v/48v battery
CELL PHONE USAGE IN VEHICLE, CAUSES BATTERY TO FAIL. *YC
NHTSA complaint 607920 - Filed Feb 1, 1999Failure Nov 20, 1998EL Centro, CAExterior lighting, Turn signal
PARKING AND DIRECTIONAL LIGHT FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint 605992 - Filed Nov 24, 1998Failure Nov 8, 1998Sacramento, CAAir bags
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint 542836 - Filed Mar 10, 1998Failure Jan 1, 1998Orange VL, OHRoof and pillars
CONVERT ABLE HARD TOP FLEW OFF CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint 530977 - Filed Sep 2, 1997Aurora, COFuel system, Tank assembly
THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK IS EXPANDING, CAUSING STRESS TO THE TANK. DEALER PUT STRESS TABS ON TANK. *AK
NHTSA complaint 815905
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
18 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- 0901216 Feb 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide - 0900716 Feb 17, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Speedometer replacement procedure - MT-002-22 Feb 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Radio Unlocking Codes. - 09-025-21-3824 Aug 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâ™s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. - 01-006-21-3779 Feb 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer,… - 01-005-21-3778 Feb 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle… - 09-002-21-3770 Jan 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer - 09-003-20-3671 Jan 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealerâ™s responsibility to comply with Federa… - 00198 Apr 15, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONDITIONS WITH STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. *YC - 00698 May 28, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONDITION WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0300. *YC - 97102302097 Oct 23, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PRE-PAINTING PREPARATIONS FOR FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. *YC - 9708300297 Aug 30, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE SHAKES AT HIGH SPEED. *YC - 007/97T Apr 25, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PARTS REPLACEMENT AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TW - 015/97F Jun 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAIL PIPE BREAKAGE. *TW - 010/97T Jun 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HEADREST SPEAKERS CUT OUT AT HIGH VOLUME. *TW - 001/97G Apr 8, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW - 008/97 May 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW - 003/97G Jan 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.