MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata

○ Not enough data
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:46:09.876Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda MX-5 Miata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 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
2002: 20 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 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STRUCTURE

5 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars and body.

Show complaint excerpts

ONE OF TWO LATCHES FOR THE CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP CAME UNFASTENED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ONE SIDE OF THE TOP TO LIFT UPWARDS WITH GREAT VIOLENCE AND A VERY LOUD NOISE. NO ACCIDENT THIS TIME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN- E.G.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150826

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

POWER TRAIN

4 of 20 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 of 20 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 20 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing fog lights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MIATA. AFTER PARKING HIS VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS FOG LIGHTS WERE ON FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070816

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 structure, accounting for 25% 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.