2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mazda › MX-5 Miata › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
14 complaints1 involved a crash3 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
The plastic battery tray in the mazda MX5 IS quite fragile and often breaks under normal operating conditions. I have had to replace several of these trays in my 2003 MX5. Now, with yet another broken tray, I am told that these trays are no longer available. Recently this created a very dangerous…
The plastic battery tray in the mazda MX5 IS quite fragile and often breaks under normal operating conditions. I have had to replace several of these trays in my 2003 MX5. Now, with yet another broken tray, I am told that these trays are no longer available. Recently this created a very dangerous situation in which my battery moved enough to make a contact between the positive battery pole and the metal part that holds down the battery. This contact caused a short circuit and fire in the trunk that could have destroyed the car while also causing a dangerous accident (because the engine shuts off when the battery IS shorted). The incident was in motion on a city street. mazda corporation should make these trays available again because many nb (2ND generation) owners could find themselves in this same situation. Eventually, fatalities could be expected. I have made several attempts to convince mazda to make these trays available, but they refuse to do so, without providing justification.
- Air bags · Steering
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. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police…
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. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private tow lot. The vin was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mazda miata. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to shake and became difficult to control. After stopping the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger side wheel was positioned at a 45 degree angle. While inspecting the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mazda miata. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to shake and became difficult to control. After stopping the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger side wheel was positioned at a 45 degree angle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger side control arm was severely rusted and fractured. The contact indicated that the rear driver side control arm also was severely rusted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
- Tires
Tread separation on all 4 tires. Clear manufacturer defect.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mazda miata. The contact stated that the frame rail on the passenger side of the engine was completely rusted. He noticed the problem when he was repairing the suspension. The sway bar was also defective because of the rust. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mazda miata. The contact stated that the frame rail on the passenger side of the engine was completely rusted. He noticed the problem when he was repairing the suspension. The sway bar was also defective because of the rust. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current mileage was 87,625. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
- Power train › Manual transmission
The limited slip differential has failed at approximately 81,000 miles. I've been informed that repair parts are not manufactured and that a new differential must be installed. there are none in stock in the united states and they are on back order indefinitely. there IS no time estimate of any kind to get this part in the united states. my only option IS to find and install an used differential. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
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. she called the dealer to inquire about any issues with the fog lights and was informed that there was nothing on…
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. she called the dealer to inquire about any issues with the fog lights and was informed that there was nothing on record. she stated that the vehicle was previously repaired by the original owner for nhtsa campaign ID number 03v206000 (exterior lighting:fog lights). the dealer advised her to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated that since the recall repair was previously performed, they would not repair the vehicle again. the contact has photos available. the current mileage was approximately 68,850 and failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
- Power train › Clutch assembly
When starting out cold from an intersection my 2003 mazda miata lurches forward possibly causing stalling in the intersection and causing an accident. This complaint has been addressed to my dealer who says that mazda will only fix this problem during the first 12 months./12,000 miles of owner…
When starting out cold from an intersection my 2003 mazda miata lurches forward possibly causing stalling in the intersection and causing an accident. This complaint has been addressed to my dealer who says that mazda will only fix this problem during the first 12 months./12,000 miles of owner ship. mazda has had this problem since 2001 as a result of a re-design of the clutch and refuses to fix my car because it IS beyond 12,000 miles. this IS a latent defect that only manifests itself I cold weather but I am concerned that someone may be seriously injured or killed as a result of this deficient clutch system. *jb
- Structure › Body
Dt: this IS a convertible car and the bolts keep falling out of the top when driving on the highway. there are two bolts that have fallen out three or four times. the consumer has contacted the dealer and an appointment was set to have the car looked at because there IS a rattling sound coming from the car. The consumer thinks that the bolts are causing the noise. this problem started in june 2005. *ak *mr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Steering · Wheels › Rim
Every since I purchased my car on 5/7/03, I have been having hard starts--more than 24 times. in addition, when the car was less than a year old, another dealer told me all 4 rims were bent. I also had a racing issue occur 3 times on sat. 3/12. I have taken the car back to the dealer 3 times for…
Every since I purchased my car on 5/7/03, I have been having hard starts--more than 24 times. in addition, when the car was less than a year old, another dealer told me all 4 rims were bent. I also had a racing issue occur 3 times on sat. 3/12. I have taken the car back to the dealer 3 times for the two intermittent problems. recently, they fixed the hard start by replacing the battery but they charged me for it. they should not have charged me if this IS what caused the hard starts since day one. I told them this but they said they didn't find the battery to be a problem then. they also told me all 4 rims were bent. when the first dealer mentioned this I thought they were mistaken as my car was brand new at the time. I am the only driver, do mostly highway driving, and have not hit any big potholes or gone off road with the vehicle. I asked immediately after I purchased the car why it was so bouncy and they said that IS the way sports cars are. based on my letter, sam at mazda USA (1-800-222-5500 x1157) called me. E said that mazda can't do anything to fix the car unless the problems recur. he also said that the rims being bent are due to outside influence; saying I must have hit something. I'm tired of fighting since I purchased this vehicle without any results. the only way these rims could have been bent IS if they sold the car to me like that or normal driving conditions caused them to bend--meaning the rims are defective. the car has been very bouncy and very rarely sort of loosey goosey when it comes to steering control since the beginning so the car must have had bent rims from the factory. *Ak *nm
- Equipment
On thanksgiving day (nov.25,2004) I left my home to spend the holiday with my son. While I was away, my house burned down.thankfully no one was hurt in the blaze as no one was home at the time, the fire marshal investigating the fire thought it started in the garage but could not pinpoint a…
On thanksgiving day (nov.25,2004) I left my home to spend the holiday with my son. While I was away, my house burned down.thankfully no one was hurt in the blaze as no one was home at the time, the fire marshal investigating the fire thought it started in the garage but could not pinpoint a cause. The only car parked in the garage was a friends 2003 mazda miata. IS there a possibility that a malfunctioning cruise control on the mazda similar to the ford recall (nhtsa campaign number 05v017000) could have caused the fire?
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The accelerator pedal sheared off in half while driving. Consumer was able to idle the vehicle with the gears accelerating speeds of three to five miles, and the emergency lights came on. consumer drove vehicle home.*ak please fill in additional information.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
I helping my husband remove the toneau cover from our 2003 mazdza miata. I was standing outside the car on the right side when I released the seat back to return it to the upright position. The seat back has to be reclined all the way for the toneau coaver to fit. The seat back came forward and hit…
I helping my husband remove the toneau cover from our 2003 mazdza miata. I was standing outside the car on the right side when I released the seat back to return it to the upright position. The seat back has to be reclined all the way for the toneau coaver to fit. The seat back came forward and hit me in the left side of the face , driving my head into the bracket on the windshield that receives the convertable top. The force was such that in addition to breaking my glasses, I suffered head tramua, a type 2 contusion, and a mild concusion. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
2003 mazda miata headlines give poor, inadequate, unsettling illumnation when driving on hilly roads.*ak
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.
- 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
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.