Research · Two Seaters
2001 Mazda MX-5 MiataRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (5) and engine and engine cooling (2). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: fuel system, gasoline
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2001 – Feb 2026
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Engine2
- Power train2
- Latches/locks/linkages2
- Structure2
- Suspension2
- Air bags1
- Visibility1
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 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel system, gasoline
5 reports
“2001 MAZDA MIATA MX5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STRONG GAS ODOR IN CABIN OF CAR AFTER FILLING FUEL CAPACITY FULL *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BASE OF THE FUEL NECK THAT ATTACHED TO THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED WHICH ALLOWED RAW FUEL TO DUMP IN THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE FUEL NECK AND FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1300.00. *JB”
Engine and engine cooling
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a search would be done to find a dealer that had recall repairs. The contact had not received a callback from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Engine
2 reports
“THE PO012 ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON . I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS 2001-2002 MAZDA MIATA MX-5 . I THINK MAZDA REPLACED THE ECU TOO ELIMINATE THE CODE. PLEASE HELP. THANKS DALE”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium 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 12, 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 | 20 | 26 | 23 | $3,250 | 386 |
| MX-5 Miata Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,400 | 404 |
| MX-5 Miata Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,400 | 404 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 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.
2001 MX-5 Miata questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (5), engine and engine cooling (2), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026