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Mazda MX-5 MiataModel year report

1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Problems

Complaints
74filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
41,730miles, 25 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owner complaints on this model year cluster around two patterns: reduced braking in wet weather, described as a short delay before the brakes take hold, and intermittent ignition coil pack failure that owners frequently link to catalytic converter and oxygen sensor damage. Other reports include transmission and clutch noises, radiator and cooling component failures, fuel filler/overflow concerns, and front frame rail rust on higher-mileage cars.

  1. Brakes

    Weak or delayed braking in rain

    • 16 complaints (22%)
    • median 40,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2005

    Owners describe the brakes feeling ineffective for a few seconds after driving in rain or road spray, with stopping power returning after repeated application or once the discs dry. Several say it happens without standing water, just normal spray, and that dealers had no bulletin or explanation for the behavior. A number of reports note the problem recurring each time conditions are wet. Reported across a wide mileage range, from relatively low-mileage cars to older examples, and consistently tied to rain or wet roads.

    What to check: Drive the car in wet conditions if possible and note whether the first brake application bites normally. Ask whether pads, rotors and fluid have been serviced recently.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My point in writing this letter is my concern over the cars performance on wet roads. Mind you, Im not talking heavy rains or anything close to that. Im merely talking about the type of weather where one may utilize the intermittent wiper. After a period of driving in this type of weather the brakes are lacking. I have exited the highway on off ramps and the brakes are no where to be found. Luckily, I had time to pump the brakes and there was no traffic backup at the end of the ramp (3 times). …”

    NHTSA complaint #733825, filed 2000-10

    “Brakes do not engage for 2-3 seconds when driving in wet conditions. This would be a moderately wet road, not deep water, or puddles. Stopping distance is substantially increased.”

    NHTSA complaint #10132173, filed 2005-08, 40,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Ignition coil pack failure and misfire

    • 10 complaints (14%)
    • median 31,900 mi at 5.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2003–2008

    Complaints describe sudden rough running with the check engine light on and a random misfire code, traced to a failed coil pack, sometimes leaving the engine running on fewer cylinders. Owners say the misfire can send unburned fuel into the catalytic converter, and several report replacing the converter and oxygen sensors along with the coil. Some mention the problem returning after spark plug wires were replaced. Mostly reported between roughly 25,000 and 76,000 miles, often appearing without warning during normal driving.

    What to check: Ask whether the coil pack, plug wires and catalytic converter have been replaced, and scan for stored misfire codes before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The coil pack has failed on my 1999 Mazda miata with less than 42000 miles. My information is that there was a recall on 1999 Mazda proteges for the coil pack failure and that the miata part is identical except for the mounting bracket.”

    NHTSA complaint #10086548, filed 2004-08, 41,730 miles

    “1999-2000 miatas have an established intermittent ignition coil failure problem per several owners forums. The ignition coil fails which causes a misfire condition, this results in unburned fuel reaching the catalytic converter where it burns and overheats the converter. This overheating can destroy the converter and potentially destroy the oxygen sensors. This exact scenario happened to me on the indicated date. My vehicle has less than 37k miles on it but is out of warranty and now I must replace the coil and converter. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10054906, filed 2004-01
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission and clutch noise, stalling at idle

    • 7 complaints (9%)
    • median 47,250 mi at 9.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2014

    Owners describe whining or rattling noises from the gearbox in certain gears and rpm ranges, and a rattle near the engine that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed after the car is warm. Others report the engine dropping to a stall when the clutch is depressed at idle or when coasting, with some attributing it to crankshaft end play. Dealers variously called the noises normal or could not reproduce them. Reported from low mileage up to around 70,000 miles, often after sustained highway driving or when the car is fully warm.

    What to check: Listen for gear whine on a test drive in several gears and check whether the engine stumbles or stalls when the clutch is pressed at idle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On 11/10/03, my 1999 miata stalled when clutch is pushed at idle. I was driving on highway 101 at that time and would create a danger environment for the surrounding cars. After a car mechanic inspected my car, he found that the crankshaft end play was approximately .5 wide. The mechanic suspected that the problem might have been caused by the failure of the thrust bearing. My car currently has about 70,000 miles. Mazda installed improper thrust bearing on many 1999 miatas, causing the car to stall when clutch is pushed at idle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10046899, filed 2003-11, 69,500 miles

    “Loud noise from transmission in 4th gear from 3500 - 4000 RPM at full throttle. Mazda claims this is normal and after driving 10 seperate 99 miata's this noise is not normal. The noise is present on all 99 miata's but the loudness varies. On my miata the noise is 2 -3 times as loud as all other 99 miata's I have driven.”

    NHTSA complaint #718873, filed 2000-02
  4. Engine cooling

    Engine stalling and loss of power

    • 5 complaints (7%)
    • median 93,726 mi at 9.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2008

    Complaints describe the engine cutting out unexpectedly while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with the dealer concluding the engine needed replacement. A few owners report oil loss and engine failure linked to thrust bearing wear, and one describes recurring check engine lights traced to residue buildup in the intake manifold requiring removal and cleaning. Reported from around 50,000 to 94,000 miles, generally during ordinary driving rather than under any single condition.

    What to check: Ask about engine or short-block replacement history, check oil level and condition, and confirm the check engine light is not illuminated.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I had bought the car the day before on feb 21 2008 and on feb 22 2008 I was driving and doing 60 and all of a sudden the car stalls wouldn't let me shift or gear down, and as trying to do so the brakes lock up when I let go of the clutch. Then coasting into the closest driveway. Now it wont start and I don't know what to do because I just got it from a used car lot the day before. And also makes me wonder, did they know this was going to happen or something similar was going to happen. What can I legally do about this?”

    NHTSA complaint #10218949, filed 2008-02, 93,726 miles

    “Engine lost all oil while I was driving the car. The mazada dealership determined that premature wear of thrust bearing had caused the initial problem which resulted in oil pressure problems and resulting engine failure.”

    NHTSA complaint #741611, filed 2001-02

Buying note. Check wet-weather braking behavior, scan for misfire codes and coil pack history, and inspect the front frame rails for rust, since those are the areas owners most often write about. A pre-purchase inspection on a lift is worthwhile on a car of this age.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 41,730 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Brakes failed to work when wet. There was about a 3-4 delay before the brakes would start to work. This only happens during very heavy rain or after driving through a puddle. This is not the same as previous cars I have had where the braking force would be less when wet. The brakes on this car provide less then 20% of braking for 3-4 seconds and presents a very dangerous situation.”

NHTSA complaint #742606, filed 2001-03

Engine cooling: “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 expensive in terms of labor, and seems to occur most frequently after the mfrs warrenty expires.”

NHTSA complaint #10025471, filed 2003-07, 52,456 miles

Electrical system: “1999 10th anniversary Mazda miata currently with 33,900 miles on it. About 600 miles ago car suddenly started and ran rough with check engine light on. Had code checked and revealed p0300 (random misfire I.e.ignition coil pack failure). Check engine light went out after reading code. Symptom reappeared recently with same code p0300. Replaced spark plug wires with ngk oem wires about a week ago and symptom reappeared this afternoon. I understood this is not covered by the emission control warranty but the subsequent catalytic converter failure is covered under the 8/80.000 emission warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #10169711, filed 2006-10, 33,300 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “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 the car. Throttle open or accelerator jammed full on.”

NHTSA complaint #10389908, filed 2011-03, 52,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

52% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 69,500 miles.

4%0–108%10–2540%25–5024%50–7512%75–1004%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (25 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 41,730 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’0015’03’06’09’13’22
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
MX-5 Miata RWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual222724$2,800
MX-5 Miata RWD1.8L 4-cyl6-speed manual212623$2,900
MX-5 Miata RWD1.8L 4-cyl4-speed automatic202622$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 8 on record; the latest 8 are shown.

Other model years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200486,1000—22—Not enough data
20031447,7580—22—Not enough data
20022032,0000—22—Stable
20012251,0000—22—Stable
20002940,0000—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19997441,7300—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199711—0—22—Not enough data
19962971,0000—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199530115,0000—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19941872,5000—22—Falling
19938207,0000—24—Not enough data
19922282,5000—24—Stable
19912164,7500—24—Falling
199028100,0000—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Mazda MX-5 Miata model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Owner complaints on this model year cluster around two patterns: reduced braking in wet weather, described as a short delay before the brakes take hold, and intermittent ignition coil pack failure that owners frequently link to catalytic converter and oxygen sensor damage. The issues reported most often: Weak or delayed braking in rain; Ignition coil pack failure and misfire; Transmission and clutch noise, stalling at idle.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?

NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 16 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 11.

Has the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (MX-5 Miata, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata reported?

Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 41,730 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 69,500 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.