2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Only 20 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 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180906
THIS CAR HAS A SAFETY IMMOBILIZER THAT PREVENTS CAR FROM RUNNING IF THE CORRECT TRANSPONDER KEY IS NOT USED. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 28,000 MILES, OF WHICH I HAVE DRIVEN THE LAST 10,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171202
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE TOP BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE CHECKED REPORTS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR PROBLEM. MAZDA HAS EVEN ISSUED A BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130918
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.