MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata

○ Not enough data
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:47:48.478Z

Only 14 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 14 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, 2003 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 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005
2003: 14 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 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

2 of 14 total reports mention: steering.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150508

Also filed under AIR BAGS

STRUCTURE

2 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and body.

POWER TRAIN

2 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FOG LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED BOTH THE FOG LIGHT AND THE BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090211

WHEELS

1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 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.