Research · Two Seaters
1997 Mazda MX-5 MiataRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and air bags (2). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
11
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 1997 – Aug 2003
- Electrical system2
- Air bags2
- Steering1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Equipment1
- Exterior lighting1
- Structure1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
2 reports
“I HAVE A 1997 MAZDA MIATA WITH 113,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR UP UNTIL THIS RECENT PROBLEM. IT STARTED OUT THAT THE "METER" FUSE WAS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE 15 AMP FUSE WAS REPLACED IT WOULD WORK FINE FOR APROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES (MAYBE LESS) AT WHICH POINT I NOTICED THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT IS NOW ON AND THEN THE FUSE WILL FAIL AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL NOW. NOW WHEN THE FUSE IS REPLACED AS SOON AS THE IGNITION CYLINDER IS CYCLED THE FUSE FAILS INSTANTLY. I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN, AND CHECKED A WIRING SCHEMATIC AS TO WHAT THIS "BLACK-YELLOW" WIRE ON THE "METER" FUSE SUPPLIES. BY THE WAY, AT THIS TIME I HAVE NO TURN SIGNALS, TACHOMETER, GAUGES OR WARNING LIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM IT DRIVING ME INSANE!!! I WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL AND DISCONNECTED EACH COMPONENT INDIVIDUALLY TO TEST THE CIRCUIT AT WHICH EACH TIME THE FUSE STILL FAILED. THE LIST OF COMPONENTS I TRIED ARE THE OXYGEN SENSORS, THE ECM, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO ON THIS CIRCUIT, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SO EQUIPED) ALL TO NO AVAIL!!!! AM I MISSING SOMETHING? IS THERE A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS ITSELF, IF SO, ANY…”
Air bags
2 reports1 crash1 fire
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35-40MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES. *AK”
Steering
1 report
“WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUNNYVALE MAZDA TODAY BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND THEY SAID THE SAFETY CLAMPS ARE BROKEN AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (PLUS THE SAFETY CLAMPS) AND THAT WE MUST HAVE RUN OVER A "BUMP" TO CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER MAZDA MIATA'S HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THE STEERING COLUMN AT APPROXIMATELY 18,000 MILES.*AK”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Miata Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| MX-5 Miata Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1997 MX-5 Miata questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems?
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), air bags (2), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026