The worst 2003 Mazda Miata problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: fog lights
- What is wrong
- On certain mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing.
- Risk
- Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 03V206000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mazda Miata 88
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- Mazda can no longer support the replacement of immobilizer units LC62-67-5G2 or DC69-67-5G2 because the...
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources
- The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing
- Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote...
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission...
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Questions about the 2003 Mazda Miata
Is the 2003 Mazda Miata reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Miata.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mazda Miata?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda Miata have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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