1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Mx-5 Miata year — the 1995 model ranks #2 of 16 Mx-5 Miata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 53% of all reports (19 of 36), far ahead of tires & wheels at 5.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1995 compare to other Mx-5 Miata years?
What are the most common 1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 19 | 53% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT JUNE 30, 2000. I HIT A RED-LIGHT RUNNER IN A T-BONE FASHION. MY FRONT HIT HIS PASSENGER DOOR. HE WAS DRIVING A 1993 CHEVROLET S10 TRUCK. HE WAS ACCELERATING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND I WAS BRAKING AFTER BEING HIT. *AK”
“NOT SURE IF TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE BLEW ON PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT RESULTING IN CAR GOING INTO SPIN AND EVENTUALLY ROLLING. HAVE ALL TIRES AND RIMS. ALSO HAVE PICTURE OF VEHICLE AFTER ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF REPAIRING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: H46KCCA444 TIRESIZE: P195 50R15)”
“ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD AND AUTO WAS DESTROYED. VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THE POINT OF FAILURE.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS AS A RESULT AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE…”
1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata — common questions
Is the 1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 1995 model at #2 of 16 Mx-5 Miata years. It is one of the Mx-5 Miata years to avoid.
What are the most common 1995 Mx-5 Miata problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (19 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).
Does the 1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1995 Mazda Mx-5 Miata.
Which Mazda Mx-5 Miata years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mx-5 Miata years to avoid are 1999, 1995, 2000. The cleanest record among Mx-5 Miata years belongs to 1998.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.