2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The trunk smells like gasoline. The cabin smells like gasoline. While researching online, there are numerous complaints about a gas smell on these cars.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2017
“Area of the front frame support rails (core support is official name) rusts from the inside out. The construction method is a sandwiched material with some sort of tarpaper in the middle which traps moisture which, in turn, hastens frame rusting. This is a common problem especially in the 1999 - 2005 years and usually not easily identified until the frame is completely rusted through. A google search of the issue returns numerous complaints. Once the frame rusts through it causes a real safety issue for the occupants. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2014
“1999 to 2000 mazda miata the wiring harness for the low/high beam has been shown to generate high temperatures and on one occasion, cause a fire. I personally have experienced this with my 1999 miata which prompted me to replace the forward section of the h4 headlight wiring harness. Others on the miata.net forum ( see http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=360101 have experienced this, and one member who started the thread experienced a fire and damage. ) I urge the NHTSA to look into this further with mazda usa. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2009
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“Rattling sound from engine bay with a change in tone and/or pitch when the clutch was engaged/disengaged. Result: catastrophic failure of the number 4 cylinder causing the connecting rod (among other internal engine parts) to be driven directly through the oil pan. Recommend procedure to correct the failure: complete engine replacement at a cost of $4,600 *cn”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2008
“Dt: consumer purchased a used 2000 mazada miata, the front left fog light caught on fire, no previous problems with fog light. When the fog light caught on fire it caused damage to the bumper trim, marker light, and the wiring harness, consumer had to use a fire extinguish to put out the fire. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2005
“1.engine began to run poorly vehicle lost speed. 2. Had to exit freeway and use side streets to return home 3. Took car to dealer for diagnostics, service report indicated that the coil/igniter was defective which was the cause of the loss of power. Research indicates that the coil/igniter failure is a problem on the 1999, 2000 models.*jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2004
“Car continues to have "check engine light". Dealer indicated 3 weeks ago that there was a failure in cylinder #3, but they will not get on with the repair. Dealer has changed several electrical parts, catalytic converter, and last week said they would replace the engine. Now they are backing off on that and playing "testing games".*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2002
“While driving, consumer was hit in rear by another driver. Vehicle hit a meduim strip at 30 mph. Driver was injured. Two minutes later, driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed. *ak *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2001
“Both the driver and passenger side convertible top latches, which secure the convertible top when it is closed, failed to lock as designed when the latches are in the closed position. This potentially leads to the convertible top latches inadvertently opening at any speed, resulting in the convertible top opening inadvertently at any speed.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2001
“Consumer was traveling about 75mph on highway and rock hit condensor, air conditioner coolant and oil came leaking from underneath vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Equipment · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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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Is the 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.