There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Structure | 5 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Fog Lights — 2
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 2
- Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 151,700 miles · reported Sep 6, 2018
The contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off and could not be immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the immobilizer module erroneously activated and disabled the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,700.
Electrical System · at 28,000 miles · reported Dec 2, 2017
This car has a safety immobilizer that prevents car from running if the correct transponder key is not used. This car has only 28,000 miles, of which I have driven the last 10,000 miles. This week the immobilizer control electronics failed, rendering the car to stop running and will not restart. Researching on the web it appears this was a problem with many 2001 and some 2002 models. Firstly this failure is a safety issue. Secondly the repair requires replacing this immobilizer module as well as the main ECU and getting new transponder keys, which is very costly.
Structure · at 59,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2015
One of two latches for the convertible soft top came unfastened while driving causing one side of the top to lift upwards with great violence and a very loud noise. No accident this time but it will happen- e.g. Swerving out of lane and into another vehicle, pedestrian, tree, etc. Due to 1) the violence and noise and/or 2) the driver *attempting* (Its impossible!) to re-latch and re-lock the top. The cause of the failure is a very poor design of the latch/lock and the locks lever being made of pot metal. Both factors combine in a synergistic manner which cause very rapid lock wear and abrupt…
Structure · at 145,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2013
Mazda miata convertible top blew off while driving 65 MPH on the freeway causing loss of control and almost causing an accident. I have checked reports and this seems to be a regular problem. Mazda has even issued a bulletin on this problem. This should be a recall.
Seat Belts · at 38,000 miles · reported Aug 1, 2013
The contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, pushing the contact's vehicle into the next lane. The driver's seat belt failed to restrain and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered internal bleeding and bruising to the head, face, legs, and arms. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that prior to the crash, the vehicle had been taken to the dealer because the driver's seat belt would sporadically fail to restrain however, the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Owners report structure problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.