Research · Two Seaters
1999 Mazda MX-5 MiataRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 74 owner complaints for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (16) and engine and engine cooling (11). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–24mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
74
Top: service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
74 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 1998 – Nov 2022
- Service brakes, hydraulic16
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Power train10
- Electrical system10
- Vehicle speed control6
- Structure5
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Tires4
- Air bags4
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
Service brakes, hydraulic
16 reports
“BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE FOR 2-3 SECONDS WHEN DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS. THIS WOULD BE A MODERATELY WET ROAD, NOT DEEP WATER, OR PUDDLES. STOPPING DISTANCE IS SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED. *NM”
Engine and engine cooling
11 reports
“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? *TR”
Power train
10 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE NEAR THE ENGINE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Manual 6-spd · Automatic 4-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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| MX-5 Miata Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| MX-5 Miata Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg 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 1999 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.
1999 MX-5 Miata questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems?
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (16), engine and engine cooling (11), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026