Most common 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems
Share of the 74 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda MX-5 Miata complaints by model year
Best MX-5 Miata years: 2004, 2003, 1997. Years to avoid: 1999, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
What 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say
Brakes
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. This condition was also documented in the Miata.net web site and it was reported that Mazda has been aware of this condition in europe and has issued replacement front disc sheilds as identified here: right side p/n nc8533260a left side p/n nc8533270a nut p/n d06y33042. Local Mazda dealership claim to have no notice of this issue or replacement parts. …
Whenever it rains, water seems to splash on the braking surfaces due to normal driving in these conditions. The problem is when you apply the brakes for approximately 1 - 2 seconds you have no braking action. Unless you ride the brakes to keep them warm and dry, you basically have no brakes until that water film is evaporated due to friction. This is not just a once in a lifetime happening. I felt this problem everytime it rains. You do not have to go through a puddle, just the spray off the wet road is enought to experience this problem. (dot number: 4mvv tiresize: 195-50r15)
Engine & cooling
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?
Check engine light came on indicating catalytic converter failure. My vehicle has 40K miles and has been well taken care of. After investigation, many 99-00 Miata's have ignition coil failures which causes unburnt fuel to contaminate the catalytic converter and associated o2 sensors. This situation was resolved and is not a problem on post 2000 Miata's, and therefore should be covered by a recall by the manufacturer, since it is a known problem.
Transmission & 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.
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. So far, Mazda has only issued a technical service bulletin claiming the problem would only make noise but ignores the potential stalling problem.
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 MX-5 Miata rates avoid: 3.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the MX-5 Miata at the same age. It is one of the MX-5 Miata years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The brakes — 16 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc. Next are the engine & cooling (11) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1995 and 2000. See the full Mazda MX-5 Miata years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 52% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.