1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
74
owner complaints
0
fire reports
41,730
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about MX-5 Miata years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (22%)
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)22% · 16 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)14% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 9 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)12% · 9 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 6 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)7% · 5 complaints
“When I filled the gas tank the next day there was the smell of gas inside the vehicle which persisted as I drove. I took it to my Fiat dealership which maintains the vehicle and they have been unable to identify the source of the gas smell. They have been working with Madza for six weeks and no solution can be established. There was a recall on the 1999 models for a similar problem, however my VIN number was not part of the recall.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mazda miata. The contact heard a loud rattling noise near the engine when the clutch pedal was depressed. The failure occurred for more than a year when the vehicle became hot. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2013
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mazda miata. The contact stated that while changing the front passenger tire, he noticed that the front frame rail across the driver and passenger sides were corroded with rust. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where they stated that the front sway bar was also corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the corrosion issue. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 118,000. The failure mileage was 117,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“1999 madza mx-5 miata, unit 1 was traveling eastbound on the ohio turnpike in the middle lane. Unit 1 lost control on the wet roadways due to worn tires. Unit 1 went off the left side of the roadway and struck the median barrier. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0244-90) *jb updated 05/11/11* bf”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2011
“Blindness caused by airbag. Crash caused by throttle sticking open. Full braking immediate as shown by skid marks and while brakes slowed vehicle unable to stop the car or turn before impact. Video and witnesses confirm cause must be open throttle. Both braking and turning failed to stop or turn the car. Throttle open or accelerator jammed full on. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2011
“Blindness caused by airbag. Crash caused by throttle stucking openg. Full braking with skid marks slowed vehicle but did not stop the car before impact. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mazda miata. The contact stated the frame rails underneath the engine that extended onto the wheels on each side were completely covered with rust. The contact took the vehicle to a body shop who added pieces of metal to help re-enforce the rails. The contact stated that the safety defect caused corrosion rapidly. The failure mileage was 165,000 and the current mileage is 166,000. Updated 05/25/11 *bf”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2011
“The fuel pump on my 1999 mazda miata stopped working. I changed the fuel pump and saw that the fuel pump connecting plug was a hot connection. This bad connection, which is inside the fuel tank, was the cause of the fuel pump not working. The fuel pump is good the plug-in connection is bad with signs of the connection heating up. I can send pictures if needed. This bad plug-in connection could cause the fuel tank to explode. I have the bad fuel pump/tank level assembly which all installs inside the fuel tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2009
“While on the off ramp from the free way in my 1999 mazda miata ii discovered that the cover on the underside of the steering column had come unbolted and had fallen between my feet and the brake peddle. There was no time to down shift, I attempted to turn but went through the intersection. The car was totaled and I was injured. There was no other property damage or people injured. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2008
“Intermittent failure of ignition "coil pack" leading to costly replacement of cat. Converter, o2 sensor, and coil packs. Mfr never covered this under any sort of extended warranty, even though the problem is not uncommon, and evidently bad parts are still in the system. Multiple failure dates. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact MX-5 Miata by VIN
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Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 41,730 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.