1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (55% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
30
owner complaints
2
fire reports
115,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 115,000 mi)Weak spot: air bags (55%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)55% · 16 complaints
Tires14% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)7% · 2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)7% · 2 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)7% · 2 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)3% · 1 complaint
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2015
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2015
“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2011
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2009
“Consumer was driving aproximately 35 mph and suddenly the airbags deployed for no reason. Driver sustained a thumb injury.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2004
“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 *yh”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2002
“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. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2000
“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)”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
“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. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact MX-5 Miata by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The most complained-about area is air bags (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.