Best and worst Mazda Miata years — which to avoid

It’s overall one of the most reliable cars that Mazda ever built, but there are a few Miata years to avoid even still. For that reason, our team went one step further to deliver all the facts about problematic model years to you in a complete guide to read before buying a Miata.

We wanted to support both enthusiasts and hardcore fact guys with an all-in review, which is why we relied both on NHTSA complaints and reliability records, and first-hand driver experiences to deliver verified information.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Miata years

We wanted to create completely unbiased and trustworthy guides on Mazda Miata years and to do that, our experts explored several sources of information. We first checked NHTSA reports and complaints, including details on official recalls of the Miata to determine initial reliability ratings.

From there, we also considered some first-hand driving experience reviews submitted to KBB, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports by past and present Miata owners, making our evaluations of the best and worst years most complete.

Most common Miata problems

Mazda Miata was first launched back in 1990, and the first generation of this car was an instant success. It’s to this day one of the rare few models that never got an official recall on the US market, and most of the issues that drivers have reported are luckily minor problems.

For instance, the second-generation Miata suffered some criticism for its unreliable paint coat that got worse as the car aged. Also, there are some electrical issues reported, mostly with interior features like the A/C control, powered windows, and even excessive battery drainage.

1. Paint coat problems

One of the most annoying issues about the Miata is the paint coat that kept peeling off as the car aged for the second generation. Also, the issue persisted for the third-generation Miata and while this problem didn’t affect the driveability of the car, it’s still a huge drawback for a car that lived by its reputation because of its looks.

In the worst-case scenario, Miata owners had to deal with getting a new paint job for the car after only a few years of driving or applying a ceramic coat to prevent further issues with the paint.

2. Electric system and battery issues

When it comes to mechanical problems, Miata didn’t have many of these over the years. However, there were some electrical issues reported between the first and the third generation of the Miata, and these were sadly a bit more frequent.

It all started with the 1990 model year when drivers complained about malfunctioning A/C and heating systems in a car. It often led to complete A/C compressor replacement, as well as necessary repairs of the blower motor.

Electrical issues continued with the second generation through the power windows malfunctioning and inoperable dashboard buttons. Some owners have also complained about the sunroof adjustment and even battery discharge warnings that have alarmed drivers about changing the battery much sooner than expected.

3. Engine oil leaks

Without enough engine oil, internal engine parts can go through excessive wear through metal-to-metal friction, and oil leaks have been reported for some model years. The issue mostly got reported for the first-generation Miata, but it often got expressed only after owners successfully drove the car for over 120,000 miles.

If noticed on time, these issues were properly addressed, and it’s not something that was a key problem and a characteristic issue for this car model. So, there was no official recall ever issued by Mazda, and it seems that this had a lot to do with the maintenance of the car.

Worst Mazda Miata years to avoid

From the issues we’ve gone over so far, you can see that the Miata makes a truly reliable car for most of its production years. Of course, like every vehicle, some model years are simply better than others, so what are the Miata years to avoid?

The worst Miata years to avoid include 2001 and 2008, but these are the years you should avoid overall:

• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 2001
• 2007
• 2008

To help you avoid the exact production years when Miata had issues with the electrical system and features, as well as oil leaks and paint peeling, we’ll go over the worst production years.

First-generation Miata (1990-1992 model years)

The first generation of Mazda Miata was in production from 1990 to 1997, and it makes one of the most reliable periods of the car’s production. Some of the most problematic production years in this period were 1990 and 1991, while a few problems were also reported for the 1992 model year.

However, these were mainly associated with the A/C clutch not engaging and electrical system faults along with a few occasional complaints about oil leaks. So, it’s best to go for re-designed model years and later production years from 1993 to 1997 if you wish to avoid having to deal with such flaws.

Second-generation Miata (2001 model year)

The second generation of the Miata kept going where the first generation has left things, and while it brought some improvements, there were still a few issues going on. Most notably, problems with electric connections and wiring became frequent for the 2021 model year, and this is the year that started coming with paint job problems.

The engine was enlarged from 1.6-liter to 1.8-liter, and it’s best to avoid the 2001 model year for a few reported engine issues as well.

Third-generation Miata (2007-2008 model years)

Problems with the peeling paint kept on going for the next generation of the Miata, most notably for the 2003 model year. Still, the 2007 and 2008 model years are some of the worst production years for Mazda yet, due to several prominent drawbacks.

It mostly had to do with battery discharge problems and electrical system malfunctions, usually for the electric sunroof. Also, drivers have reported numerous troubles with water leaking into the interior of the car, and it’s suspected that the malfunctioning sunroof also played a role in that issue.

What are the best Miata years to buy?

The Miata offers a sporty roadster experience that you won’t ever forget if you sit behind the wheel of one of these. It’s a car that truly marked an automotive era, and even though it came with less powerful engines when compared to the SLK or BMW Z3, it still had something unique and special.

On top of that, it’s overall a reliable car, so it’s only natural that we go through the best model years after reviewing some of the worst years for the Miata. Here’s our list of the model years you can’t go wrong with when buying the Miata:

• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2002
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2009
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021

The later model years of the first generation Miata after 1992 came with sufficient corrections about the oil leaks and electric issues, while the 1993 model year was discontinued due to recession. However, the following model years were among the most reliable of all Mazda Miata production years.

Also, the second generation turned out to be a hit in terms of reliability except for the problematic 2001 year, and the third generation has some of the most reliable years including 2005 and 2006. The fourth-generation Miata still doesn’t have any prominent issues, especially for the later model years.

2005 Miata

Even though the Miata has been a reliable model for most of its production run, the 2005 model clears out even the slightest doubt. It features reliable engines with plenty of power, exceptional steering and suspension, and great handling in the corners.

It’s been a highly appraised model with great feedback from drivers, and there haven’t been any reported issues that could affect your driving satisfaction with this one.

Is the Mazda Miata worth buying?

Mazda Miata is not only a reliable pick for a two-door sports car of this type, but it’s also a much more affordable option when compared to the Mercedes-Benz SLK or the BMW Z3. You can count on this car to provide the genuine roadster driving sensation with low clearance and a capable engine for the lightweight chassis.

If you simply avoid the worst model years that we discussed in this guide, you should be able to get a Miata that will serve you for years and even decades depending on the generation.

Looking at the Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Subaru BRZ? Find out which years to choose and which to avoid in our quick guides, helping you make the best choice without the hassle.