2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 10%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 10% of the 20 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #567477, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 38% |
| 2002 | 2 | 10% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 11 | 15% |
| 1997 | 1 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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