MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

○ Not enough data
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:32:21.203Z

Only 11 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 11 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, 1997 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 1997 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
1997: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 11 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE A 1997 MAZDA MIATA WITH 113,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR UP UNTIL THIS RECENT PROBLEM. IT STARTED OUT THAT THE "METER" FUSE WAS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030813

AIR BAGS

2 of 11 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35-40MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19991213

STRUCTURE

1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars.

Show complaint excerpts

CONVERT ABLE HARD TOP FLEW OFF CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19980323

STEERING

1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.