2003 Mazda Mx-5 Miata Recalls

No recalls on record Updated July 2026

No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2003 Mazda Mx-5 Miata. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Complaints by component

STEERING
2
1crashes
AIR BAGS
1
1crashes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
EQUIPMENT
1
1fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
1fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
1
1injuries
Total complaints18

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2016-04-24

“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,…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2015-04-16

“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…”

STEERING · reported 2014-08-08

“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…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2014-08-08

“Tread separation on all 4 tires. Clear manufacturer defect.”

TIRES · reported 2013-05-01

“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…”

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION · reported 2010-11-26

“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…”

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · reported 2010-07-17

“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…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · reported 2008-12-19
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Mazda Mx-5 Miata as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.