1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Brakes Problems

“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.”

“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). We have experienced other similar occurrences over the past years.”

“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.”

“While driving on freeway in the rain, brakes failed for about 1-2 seconds when applied until disc had dried or heated sufficiently. When contacted, the dealer did not have a technical bulletin regarding such failures. This has happened at least 3 times since the car was new. No other symptoms exist.”

“This report to to document a safety concern about the performance of the brakes in the 1999 miata. Although the miata has excellent braking in dry conditions, it has been noted that when driving in moderate rain in freeway traffic the brakes are ineffective for 2 to 3 seconds until they begin to dry out and function. This occurs with out the presence of standing water, just normal spray from traffic. …”