There are 2 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miatain NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB SCC
WHILE IN MOTION, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES HOT. CONSUMER MEASURED THE HOT AIR TEMPERATURE TO BE OVER 130 DEGREES. THIS OCCURS EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON A COOL NIGHT AND/OR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND/OR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS TOO CLOSE TO THE CENTER CONSOLE WITHOUT SUFFICIENT VENTING OR INSULATION. *JG
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026