2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MX-5 Miata › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
20 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off and could not be immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the immobilizer module erroneously activated and disabled the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,700.
- Electrical system
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. this week the immobilizer control electronics failed, rendering the car to stop running and will not restart.…
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. this week the immobilizer control electronics failed, rendering the car to stop running and will not restart. researching on the web it appears this was a problem with many 2001 and some 2002 models. firstly this failure IS a safety issue. secondly the repair requires replacing this immobilizer module as well as the main ecu and getting new transponder keys, which IS very costly.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
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. Swerving out of lane and into another vehicle, pedestrian, tree, etc. Due to 1) the…
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. Swerving out of lane and into another vehicle, pedestrian, tree, etc. Due to 1) the violence and noise and/or 2) the driver *attempting* (its impossible!) to re-latch and re-lock the top. the cause of the failure IS a very poor design of the latch/lock and the locks lever being made of pot metal. both factors combine in a synergistic manner which cause very rapid lock wear and abrupt failure. there should be a recall due to risk and the number of nhtsa complaints on this design defect- including one where both latches failed and the top blew off! defective part numbers are na01r1310_ and na01r1320_.
- Structure
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. this should be a recall. *Jb
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, pushing the contact's vehicle into the next lane. The driver's seat belt failed to restrain and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered internal bleeding and bruising…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, pushing the contact's vehicle into the next lane. The driver's seat belt failed to restrain and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered internal bleeding and bruising to the head, face, legs, and arms. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that prior to the crash, the vehicle had been taken to the dealer because the driver's seat belt would sporadically fail to restrain however, the dealer was unable to duplicate failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 38,000.
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. The contact stated that the convertible top latch does not latch properly and caused the convertible top to detach while driving. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the convertible top latch needed to be replaced. The contact…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mazda miata. The contact stated that the convertible top latch does not latch properly and caused the convertible top to detach while driving. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the convertible top latch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that was a design defect that the manufacturer was aware of and that warrants a recall. the contact stated that was IS a safety issue. The failure mileage was 10,000. updated 01/11/2011*lj
- Latches/locks/linkages
The soft top lock assembly latch part #nao1-r1-310m IS defective. It comes unlatched while driving. This latch was replaced twice while under warranty. The car now has approx 22,500 and IS ready for a third rt soft top latch replacement. This IS a safety issue. These latches should be recalled.…
The soft top lock assembly latch part #nao1-r1-310m IS defective. It comes unlatched while driving. This latch was replaced twice while under warranty. The car now has approx 22,500 and IS ready for a third rt soft top latch replacement. This IS a safety issue. These latches should be recalled. According to mazda's service bulletin no: 09-009/03this part IS defective with all vehicles with vin # lower than jmi nb** **304036. My vin # IS jminb353520 234528, clearly fits this requirement.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
2002 mazda miata have defective top latches. consumer wants mazda to repair vehicle at their expense. *nj the consumer stated the convertible latch, un-latched on its own while driving. *Jb
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Convertible top latches do not stay latched. mazda IS aware of the problem and has issued a tsb (09-009/03) telling the tech to replace the latches and strikers with a revised design. mazda refuses to replace the units free of charge even though it IS obviously a manufacturing defect. tops…
Convertible top latches do not stay latched. mazda IS aware of the problem and has issued a tsb (09-009/03) telling the tech to replace the latches and strikers with a revised design. mazda refuses to replace the units free of charge even though it IS obviously a manufacturing defect. tops flying open on the highway are a major safety issue and should not be fixed at the customers expense, especially on a car with only 28000 miles. the car has always been dealer maintained and IS actually in better condition than when I bought it off the showroom. mazda refuses to replace it under the original warranty, or even the extended factory warranty. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Fog lights
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. he called mazda and they faxed him a copy of recall number 03v206000 (exterior lighting:fog lights). the…
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. he called mazda and they faxed him a copy of recall number 03v206000 (exterior lighting:fog lights). the contact stated that he never received the recall notice and mazda IS not offering to help correct the failure. the vehicle IS currently parked in the parking lot at his job. the current and failure mileages were 32,000.
- Electrical system
Speedometer on 2002 mazda miata fails intermittently. mazda refuses to replace even though under warranty. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Left front wheel bearing failure. This IS a packed assembly -sealed. this failed one under warranty and again recently. this causes heavy vibration esp. On a mazda miata which could lead to wheel being torn off while driving. *nm
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Transmission/clutch - clutch springs or plates stick after shifting into gear. clutch has been replaced by dealer after only aprox. 30K. Miles and problem has appeared again. Dealer claims the springs on clutch stick. problem shifting into gear esp. When car IS first started, also clutch wears at rapid rate. *jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Manual transmission
Clutch shudder, especially when driving vehicle for the first time each day. the whole drivetrain/exhaust will shake as you engage the clutch. as the vehicle warms up, the problem IS less noticeable. starting around 20K miles. Also, "ringing" noise in 5TH gear (6 speed transmission) under load…
Clutch shudder, especially when driving vehicle for the first time each day. the whole drivetrain/exhaust will shake as you engage the clutch. as the vehicle warms up, the problem IS less noticeable. starting around 20K miles. Also, "ringing" noise in 5TH gear (6 speed transmission) under load since new. retailer will not fix, and was told this IS just a harmonic in the transmission that IS due to machining tolerances. interior of vehicle gets very hot. There does not seem to be enough insulation around transmission/exhaust as floor IS very warm to the touch.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle involved in a head on collision and the air bags did not deploy. *mr *sc *jb
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Exterior lighting › Fog lights
We have had the radio/speakers and cd player replaced at least 4 times in the past 1 1/2 years since we purchased the vehicle new. either the units being replaced are defective or mazda IS not replacing parts (dealership- tim marburger mazda). in addition, the fog light recall has since caused the fog lights to burn out monthly with no recourse from mazda. *Ak
- Tires
This IS not really a complaint, but cu said I should contact you as well. I ran over a nail and punctured my tire. I took it to a tire shop to see if it could be repaired. It couldn't so I said replace it. They did not have a tire to match. On my behalf they call several other tire shops. No one…
This IS not really a complaint, but cu said I should contact you as well. I ran over a nail and punctured my tire. I took it to a tire shop to see if it could be repaired. It couldn't so I said replace it. They did not have a tire to match. On my behalf they call several other tire shops. No one had the tire. I then called the service dept. Of the dealership where I purchased the car. When I described the situation, he said he has be getting numerable calls about this issue for both mazdas and volvos. He thinks the car manufacturers put on tires that are not available in this country or have been discontinued. This forces the consumer to purchase 2 new matching tires instead of replacing the one. I hope this information IS useful to you. Thanks. Janice
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The vehicle stalled, which caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. *jb scc
- Power train › Manual transmission
Upon morning starts while turning on the ignition the car does not go into reverse. There IS a sound metal roaring and feels as though the emergency break IS on but it IS not. Car has been taken 4 times to authorized repair at kona mazda dealership where purchased and they deny any problems. They…
Upon morning starts while turning on the ignition the car does not go into reverse. There IS a sound metal roaring and feels as though the emergency break IS on but it IS not. Car has been taken 4 times to authorized repair at kona mazda dealership where purchased and they deny any problems. They suggested using synthetic oil and to warm up the car in the mornings which I do already. There are witnesses to this intermittent problem but kona mazda cannot duplicated the problem in their service problem. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
While in motion, the interior of the vehicle becomes hot. consumer measured the hot air temperature to be over 130 degrees. this occurs even when driving on a cool night and/or when the air conditioner IS on. the problem appears to be with the exhaust system and/or the catalytic converter IS too close to the center console without sufficient venting or insulation. *jg
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.
- 11009653Some vehicles may crank but not start due to a PCM/Immobilizer malfunction. If this happens, check the status of Recall 3505H. NOTE: Effective July 2020 recall 3505H can no longer be completed due to no parts available. The recall is also not populated in eMDCS. Advise customers inqiring about repairs that the recall cannot be completed due to time since launch of the campaign. If you have any questions about the campaign, fill out the Dealer Recall Help form on OneMazda. While the campaign can no longer be completed, for reference the repair associated with this Service Alert can be found below.
- 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213419Service Parts changed for immobilizer unit
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10186693Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10177847When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10170661In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10076669Summary to be provided on a future date.
Every Mazda MX-5 Miata model year
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