Two problems related to clutch have been reported for the 2002 Mazda Miata. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mazda Miata based on all problems reported for the 2002 Miata.
Transmission/clutch - clutch springs or plates stick after shifting into gear. Clutch has been replaced by dealer after only aprox. 30k. Miles and problem has appeared again. Dealer claims the springs on clutch stick. Problem shifting into gear esp. When car is first started, also clutch wears at rapid rate.
Clutch shudder, especially when driving vehicle for the first time each day. The whole drivetrain/exhaust will shake as you engage the clutch. As the vehicle warms up, the problem is less noticeable. Starting around 20k miles. Also, "ringing" noise in 5th gear (6 speed transmission) under load since new. Retailer will not fix, and was told this is just a harmonic in the transmission that is due to machining tolerances. Interior of vehicle gets very hot. There does not seem to be enough insulation around transmission/exhaust as floor is very warm to the touch.
| Clutch problems | |
| Transmission Noise problems |