general problems of the 2002 Mazda Miata

Two problems related to equipment 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.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/14/2013

Mazda Miata convertible top blew off while driving 65 mph on the freeway causing loss of control and almost causing an accident[. I have checked reports and this seems to be a regular problem. Mazda has even issued a bulletin on this problem. This should be a recall. .

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2011

One of two latches for the convertible soft top came unfastened while driving causing one side of the top to lift upwards with great violence and a very loud noise. No accident this time but it will happen- e. G. Swerving out of lane and into another vehicle, pedestrian, tree, etc. Due to 1) the violence and noise and/or 2) the driver *attempting* (it’s impossible!) to re-latch and re-lock the top. The cause of the failure is a very poor design of the latch/lock and the lock’s lever being made of pot metal. Both factors combine in a synergistic manner which cause very rapid lock wear and abrupt failure. There should be a recall due to risk and the number of NHTSA complaints on this design defect- including one where both latches failed and the top blew off! defective part numbers are na01r1310_ and na01r1320_.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2002 Mazda Miata

Equipment problems
2
Radio/tape Cd Player problems
1


Miata Service Bulletins
Miata Safety Recalls
Miata Defect Investigations