1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 59%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 59% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Airbag warning light stays on constantly all of the time. Very concerned about airbag failure but no recall info exists. Also my pop-up headlights are randomly retracting down whenever they feel like it. No amount of twisting on and off at the steering column switch will make them come back up and I have to resort to the manual popup button located under the emergency flashers. This has almost caused me to crash several times when driving after dark!”
NHTSA complaint #10717672, filed 2015-05, 137,215 miles“When I start my car, all the indicator lights come on briefly and then go out - brakes, ABS, seat belt, oil, etc. The air bag light also comes on, as it should. But then it stays on and does not go out. My mechanic told me that the problem was due to a faulty air bag control module, which needed to be replaced. But they then told me that Mazda no longer makes this part and that it is not available. They also said that the air bag would not deploy unless the module is replaced and that it would not pass inspection in virginia.”
NHTSA complaint #10966597, filed 2017-03, 53,000 miles“The airbag computer failed, as indicated by the airbag light remaining on constantly. Repair cost over $1200. Thought you might track the failure history of airbags.”
NHTSA complaint #10197181, filed 2007-07, 123,000 miles“Takata recall. Air bag light comes on continuously after turning engine on, never goes off. I bought the car new, and took it back to the dealer. Dealer said that it was not covered on any recalls. I was informed that there was a recall on the late 1995 models, but not the early 1996 ones. I was also informed that it would cost me $900 to $1000 to fix. At that time, it had to remain unfixed, and the light has been on continuously since. I am still apprehensive when I turn the key and drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #11076684, filed 2018-03“The contact owns a 1996 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the Takata air bag module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11544091, filed 2023-09, 78,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 1 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1997 | 2 | 18% |
| 1996 | 17 | 59% |
| 1995 | 16 | 53% |
| 1994 | 10 | 56% |
| 1993 | 4 | 50% |
| 1992 | 5 | 23% |
| 1991 | 10 | 48% |
| 1990 | 6 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
3 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology