1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MX-5 Miata › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
21 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
When accelerator was fully depressed to clear potential flooded condition on starting, it got caught in the floor carpet and would not return to idle. Engine immediately redlined and I turned off the ignition. Potentially disastrous if occurred during high passing situation.
- Tires › Sidewall
Sidewall of my one day old VeeRubber Vitron R41 split about 15 inches along the side wall of the tire about 2 to 3 inches down from the road riding part of he tire. It was a clear day and there were no warnings when the one day old tire just split along the sidewall. The tire was mounted and filled with air at a retail tire store. 185/60 R14
- Air bags
Air-bag warning light blinks while engine IS running. Took in for repair and said part IS no longer available. What IS my recourse?
- Air bags
Air bag light flashing for no reason
- Air bags
For no apparent reason the air bag light blinks. The air bag has never been deployed. The code from the light indicates a faulty actuator. The car has 65000 miles and IS in excellent condition. Always garage kept since original purchase.
- Air bags
The vehicle's airbag warning IS on. The warning light flashes a number of times, then pauses for a few seconds, and then begins again. The problem IS probably due to the failure of the control module and this part IS no longer available from the manufacturer or from remanufacturers. The airbag IS a safety item and thus must be operable. The manufacturer, mazda, must make this repair or make the part available.
- Air bags
In 2015 the srs light started flashing and I took the car in to john wine mazda for repairs. On 10/28/2015 they replaced the clock spring module for $634.45 which did not fix the problem. On 11/2/2015 they replaced the diagnostic module of $485.00 which did not fix the problem. They stated parts…
In 2015 the srs light started flashing and I took the car in to john wine mazda for repairs. On 10/28/2015 they replaced the clock spring module for $634.45 which did not fix the problem. On 11/2/2015 they replaced the diagnostic module of $485.00 which did not fix the problem. They stated parts were no longer available to fix the problem and on 11/13/2015 the said the battery and backup battery module needed to be replace but the module had been discontinued. I researched availability and only used modules were available and john hine mazda said they could not install used parts.finally on 3/16/2016 they had a factory representative check out the air bag and he said it needed to be replaced but was no longer available as it had been discontinued. At this time they said I needed to provide a new air bag-which I obviously can't- and the disconnected air bag mode and taped the wiring so it was no longer connected. I now am expected to drive my car without the protection of an air bag which I consider a safety violation. *Js
- Air bags
The airbag warning light came on and shows the module has failed. Modules are not available from the manufacturer. This IS a common safety problem with mazda miatas.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1991 mazda miata. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the air bag warning light and the air bag code illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag module failed. the dealer informed the contact that…
TL* the contact owns a 1991 mazda miata. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the air bag warning light and the air bag code illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag module failed. the dealer informed the contact that the air bag module was no longer being produced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage and current mileage was 39,000.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mazda miata. the contact stated that the battery was housed in the trunk of the vehicle. mazda recently developed a newer battery model called a flooded cell battery. he noticed that the battery was leaking around the caps and he was concerned with liquid acid being…
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mazda miata. the contact stated that the battery was housed in the trunk of the vehicle. mazda recently developed a newer battery model called a flooded cell battery. he noticed that the battery was leaking around the caps and he was concerned with liquid acid being produced by the battery. the manufacturer offered to replace the battery if it was covered under warranty. the dealer stated that the battery would have to fail an electrical test in order for them to make the replacement. the electrical test was not performed and no repairs have been made to date. the current and failure mileages were less than 24,000. Updated 12/08/09. *Lj the consumer stated he replaced his battery in august 2007. His concern was that mazda was selling flooded batteries as an oem replacement for the agm battery that came standard in his vehicle. the consumer discovered acid leaking around the cell caps. updated 12/10/09
- Air bags › On-off switch assembly
I want to get rid of my air bag and no one will help me. I am only 4 feet 8 inches tall and I know that if I am in an accident it IS going to hurt me terribly. I am by myself and I do not have the $500 it takes to get the on/off switch. I don't know what else to do. I want to state a complaint with…
I want to get rid of my air bag and no one will help me. I am only 4 feet 8 inches tall and I know that if I am in an accident it IS going to hurt me terribly. I am by myself and I do not have the $500 it takes to get the on/off switch. I don't know what else to do. I want to state a complaint with the nhtsa that the way they are doing this IS not right. I should be able to just have a shop disconnect it for me, but of course no one will do it...not even with authoriation. So now, what else can I do? Nothing, but wait to be decapitated. They warn not to put your child in the front seat, yet here I am the size of one and no one will help me.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Crankshaft/pulley pins have sheared off. provide further detail.*ak
- Air bags
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
While driving in hot weather conditions, gasoline boiled, causing a fire hazard. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the fuel pump. *ak
- Structure › Body
Factory paint job failure.paint chipping on various places.
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
The zipper on the rear plastic window does not work and window cracked when the temperature got cold
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Timing belt pulley came loose and ruined the engine. in later designs, the manufacturer beefef up the crankshaft and added a larger bolt to hold the pulley.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery failed three times.
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Air bag light: air bag light flashes constantly, will not go off until turning the ignition switch off. Deale r says there IS nothing wrong with it. *ak
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
During an accident driver sustained severe head trauma due to speaker installed in head rest. tt
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 603891Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52503Maintenance free battery - diagnostic and charging procedure.
- 52497Use of a/c tracer dye.
- 52492Wiper motor inoperative - circuit breaker activation.
- 43099Unknown
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