2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 25%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 25% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,500 miles.
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.
“Mazda miata convertible top blew off while driving 65 MPH on the freeway causing loss of control and almost causing an accident. I have checked reports and this seems to be a regular problem. Mazda has even issued a bulletin on this problem. This should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10544320, filed 2013-09, 145,000 miles“One of two latches for the convertible soft top came unfastened while driving causing one side of the top to lift upwards with great violence and a very loud noise. No accident this time but it will happen- e.g. Swerving out of lane and into another vehicle, pedestrian, tree, etc. Due to 1) the violence and noise and/or 2) the driver *attempting* (its impossible!) to re-latch and re-lock the top. The cause of the failure is a very poor design of the latch/lock and the locks lever being made of pot metal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759352, filed 2015-08, 59,000 miles“Convertible top latches do not stay latched. Mazda is aware of the problem and has issued a TSB (09-009/03) telling the tech to replace the latches and strikers with a revised design. Mazda refuses to replace the units free of charge even though it is obviously a manufacturing defect. Tops flying open on the highway are a major safety issue and should not be fixed at the customers expense, especially on a car with only 28000 miles. The car has always been dealer maintained and is actually in better condition than when I bought it off the showroom. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216907, filed 2008-02, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Mazda miata. The contact stated that the convertible top latch does not latch properly and caused the convertible top to detach while driving. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the convertible top latch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that was a design defect that the manufacturer was aware of and that warrants a recall. The contact stated that was is a safety issue. The failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 01/11/2011”
NHTSA complaint #10368551, filed 2010-12, 10,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 13% |
| 2003 | 2 | 14% |
| 2002 | 5 | 25% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 2 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 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