Fuel Pump problems of the 2001 Mazda Miata

Engine shut off while coasting to a stop in traffic as if out of gas, but tank had over 1/4 in it. Engine would cough and sputter then restart and run for about 15 seconds. After car sit about 15 minutes, and with the addition of another 1 1/2 gallon of fuel, car restarted with no problem. It took 7 1/2 more gallons to fill tank, therefore I had 3 gallons when car stopped. Dealer suggested possible water in gas. Advised to try gas dry. Private mechanic suggested a possible weak fuel pump. I understand others have had similar problem.

Engine stalls when car coming to a stop. Engine will restart briefly, then stall again. Runs only after allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes. Car has stalled 5 times in last month in heavy traffic and must be pushed off the road - very dangerous. Dealer suspects fuel pump. Apparently this is a known problem with the Miata. Car has only 53,000 miles and has been serviced religiously.

Mazda Miata LS 2001 on humid days the car will start and the engine will immediately cut off. After check up from dealer the fuel pump was found to be failing. The mechanic told me that this is a big problem with the Miatas which makes me feel that there is a problem with the fuel pump design\engineering.