MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata

○ Not enough data
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
RENDERED 2026-09-16T19:27:16.207Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda MX-5 Miata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1990: 28 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1994: 18 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 29 complaints 1996 1997: 11 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 74 complaints 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 20 complaints 2002 2003: 14 complaints 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005
1996: 29 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199028
199121
199222
19938
199418
199530
199629
199711
19981
199974
200029
200122
200220
200314
20048
20054

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, 20230912

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, 20180307

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, 20151030

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, 19970912

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.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.