Most common 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems
Share of the 8 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say
Engine & cooling
The car has a intermittent problem running, it happens without warning. Last time it happened I was almost run over by a 18 wheeler. I have mentioned it to the dealer and no recall exists this problem is widespread on this model as noted by members of miat acar clubs. Because the manufacturer will not own up to the problem extensive testing has been done by our car forum. Replacing the map sensor cures the problem for about 90 days but at 100 dollars a pop it is a little expensive. Cars that have had this problem have been modified to run without a map sensor and this has cured the problem. Unfortunately the cure is 2000 bucks. I have been having this problem for 2 years now and would like some help fixing it.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mazda Miata. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal after a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The dealer inspected the vehicle four times, however, they were unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer refused to make any repairs. The failure mileage was 8,000 and current mileage was 23,000.
2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 26 / 23 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 MX-5 Miata rates better than average: 50% 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 8,000 miles; 88% 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.