2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Problems & Complaints

Average33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MX-5 Miata at the same age

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the MX-5 Miata at the same age. The most reported problem area is the lights (2 complaints, typically around 68,000 miles).

14complaints
0recalls
1crashes
3fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

  • Lights~68,000 miles
    214%
  • Wheels & tires~35,000 miles
    214%
  • Steering~75,000 miles
    214%
  • Body & structure~68,000 miles
    214%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~81,000 miles
    214%
  • Seats~6,000 miles
    17%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    17%
  • Equipment & accessories
    17%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~1,000 miles
    17%
  • Electrical system~1,000 miles
    17%
  • Suspension~53,000 miles
    17%
  • Air bags~75,000 miles
    17%
  • Other / not specified~43,000 miles
    17%

Share of the 14 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

19951996199719992000200120022003200430291174292220148
Owner complaints per model year, Mazda MX-5 Miata. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best MX-5 Miata years: 2004, 2003, 1997. Years to avoid: 1999, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manualRWD20 / 26 / 23
1.8L 4-cyl4-speed automaticRWD20 / 25 / 22
1.8L 4-cyl6-speed manualRWD20 / 26 / 22

EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 MX-5 Miata rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MX-5 Miata at the same age. It is one of the best MX-5 Miata years by this measure. 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The lights — 2 complaints, 14% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and steering (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 50% 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.