1999 Mazda Mx-5 Miata problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 87 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Mx-5 Miata year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 16 Mx-5 Miata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (16), engine (11), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
87
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Mx-5 Miata years?
What are the most common 1999 Mazda Mx-5 Miata problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 16 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMS VERY POORLY WHEN DRIVEN UNDER WET CONDITIONS. DURING HEAVY RAIN STORMS THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO INPUT FROM THE DRIVER AT ALL FOR ABOUT ONE OR TWO SECONDS UNTIL MOISTURE IS REMOVED FROM THE DISC BRAKES THROUGH HEAVY APPLICATION OF THE BREAK PEDAL.…”
“NUSANCE FAILURES SETTING ECU LIGHT, CAUSED BY COMBUSTION RESIDUE COLLECTING IN INTAKE MANIFOLD. RESIDUE IS COMING THRU THE EGT SYSTEM. THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE A FREQUENT FAILURE OF 99-2000+ MODELS. DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS THE ONLY CURRENTLY KNOWN REMEDY. THE PROCESS IS…”
“BLINDNESS CAUSED BY AIRBAG. CRASH CAUSED BY THROTTLE STICKING OPEN. FULL BRAKING IMMEDIATE AS SHOWN BY SKID MARKS AND WHILE BRAKES SLOWED VEHICLE UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR OR TURN BEFORE IMPACT. VIDEO AND WITNESSES CONFIRM CAUSE MUST BE OPEN THROTTLE. BOTH BRAKING AND TURNING FAILED TO STOP OR TURN…”
“INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF IGNITION "COIL PACK" LEADING TO COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF CAT. CONVERTER, O2 SENSOR, AND COIL PACKS. MFR NEVER COVERED THIS UNDER ANY SORT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON, AND EVIDENTLY BAD PARTS ARE STILL IN THE SYSTEM. MULTIPLE FAILURE DATES. *TR”
“11/7/2010; ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK IN CARPET AT LOW RPM IN 2ND GEAR. I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I FOUND THE LOWER EDGE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK IN THE CARPET. I GLUED A METAL PLATE TO THE CARPET TO PREVENT THE PEDAL FROM STICKING AGAIN. 3/6/2011; ACCELERATOR PEDAL…”
1999 Mazda Mx-5 Miata — common questions
Is the 1999 Mazda Mx-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 87 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 16 Mx-5 Miata years. It is one of the Mx-5 Miata years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Mx-5 Miata problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (16 complaints), engine (11 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Does the 1999 Mazda Mx-5 Miata have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 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.