1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 29 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 14 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
17 of 29 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 1996 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-12
Takata recall. Air bag light comes on continuously after turning engine on, never goes off. I bought the car new, and took it back to the dealer. Dealer said that it was not covered on any recalls.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-07
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Mazda miata. The contact stated that while in park, the driver side air bag inadvertently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-30
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
Tail pipe failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-12
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 29 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
Wheels
1 of 29 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 29 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.