2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 15%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 15% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.
“Transmission/clutch - clutch springs or plates stick after shifting into gear. Clutch has been replaced by dealer after only aprox. 30k. Miles and problem has appeared again. Dealer claims the springs on clutch stick. Problem shifting into gear esp. When car is first started, also clutch wears at rapid rate.”
NHTSA complaint #10106491, filed 2005-01, 30,000 miles“Upon morning starts while turning on the ignition the car does not go into reverse. There is a sound metal roaring and feels as though the emergency break is on but it is not. Car has been taken 4 times to authorized repair at kona Mazda dealership where purchased and they deny any problems. They suggested using synthetic oil and to warm up the car in the mornings which I do already. There are witnesses to this intermittent problem but kona Mazda cannot duplicated the problem in their service problem. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10000355, filed 2002-12“Clutch shudder, especially when driving vehicle for the first time each day. The whole drivetrain/exhaust will shake as you engage the clutch. As the vehicle warms up, the problem is less noticeable. Starting around 20k miles. Also, ringing noise in 5th gear (6 speed transmission) under load since new. Retailer will not fix, and was told this is just a harmonic in the transmission that is due to machining tolerances. Interior of vehicle gets very hot. There does not seem to be enough insulation around transmission/exhaust as floor is very warm to the touch.”
NHTSA complaint #10095827, filed 2004-10Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 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…
- 10076669Jan 4, 2016Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5 complaintsElectrical system
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 29, 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