Mazda Mx-5 Miata years to avoid
The Mazda Mx-5 Miata years to avoid are 1999, 1995, 2000 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1998 is the cleanest year on record.
391
Total complaints
0
Recall campaigns
1990–2005
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Mx-5 Miata years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | High complaint rate | 87 | |
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 36 | |
| 2000 | High complaint rate | 34 |
Every Mx-5 Miata year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 18 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2000avoid | 34 | 0 | |
| 1999avoid | 87 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 12 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 32 | 0 | |
| 1995avoid | 36 | 0 | |
| 1994 | 20 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 8 | 0 | |
| 1992 | 25 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 21 | 0 | |
| 1990 | 32 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mazda Mx-5 Miata years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Mx-5 Miata years to avoid are 1999, 1995, 2000. The cleanest year on record is 1998.
What is the best year for the Mazda Mx-5 Miata?
By complaint volume, 1998 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Mx-5 Miata years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mazda Mx-5 Miata have?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the Mx-5 Miata.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.