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1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is airbags, typically around 78,000 miles. It has 2.1 times the complaints of a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

Typical year2.1x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
14
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
22-23mpg

The worst 1996 Mazda MX-5 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.

  • Airbags
    17
  • Engine
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Airbag light 10

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 14

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 14 bulletins for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylRWD19-212622-23

What 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Airbags · 78,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 1996 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the Takata air bag module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 1996 MAZDA Miata. The contact stated that the air bag warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Airbags · 6,969 miles · CA

When engine is started, air bag light comes on and stays on

Filed Apr 4, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · MO · crash

The VIN is for my 1996 mazda miata. My complaint is the m291 going west bound to 350 highway in raytown that veers to the west. The exit, seems to dangerous with concrete blocks seperating lanes. My second inquiry is a possible car wreck that my daughter, [xxx] may have been involved in. She drove a green and black mustang ford convertible. We live apart and as she is a young adult like most, as a mother, I don't get enough info, sometimes. 2006 found me witnessing her car or one that looked like it overturned on 350 highway going westbound on the cloverleaf to m291/470 highway. An ambulance was there and the passenger, her friend outside of the car. I have seen her since then, so obviously she seems alright and safe, however, I would sure be appreciative if someone could follow up on that if anything seems askew. Her address at the time was [xxx] where she lived with her own father, [xxx]. Her date of birth is 1/29/89. I am [xxx]- of [xxx]. My driver's license # is [xxx]. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Airbags · MD

Takata recall. Air bag light comes on continuously after turning engine on, never goes off. I bought the car new, and took it back to the dealer. Dealer said that it was not covered on any recalls. I was informed that there was a recall on the late 1995 models, but not the early 1996 ones. I was also informed that it would cost me $900 to $1000 to fix. At that time, it had to remain unfixed, and the light has been on continuously since. I am still apprehensive when I turn the key and drive it.

Filed May 23, 2017 · Airbags · 64,000 miles · MN

Air bag comes on and stays on after starting vehicle. Diagnostic code indicates SRS module is at fault or could be electrical connection per dealer. Dealer indicated SRS module is not available even if it is determined as the failure after removing dash to access module. Vehicle only has 64, 000 miles. Vehicle will not pass safety inspection in some states which makes a mint car worthless and unsafe to drive.

Filed Mar 17, 2017 · Airbags · 53,000 miles · VA

When I start my car, all the indicator lights come on briefly and then go out - brakes, ABS, seat belt, oil, etc. The air bag light also comes on, as it should. But then it stays on and does not go out. My mechanic told me that the problem was due to a faulty air bag control module, which needed to be replaced. But they then told me that mazda no longer makes this part and that it is not available. They also said that the air bag would not deploy unless the module is replaced and that it would not pass inspection in virginia.

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Airbags · 39,500 miles · GA

The air bag light comes on at start and stays on. The problem has been diagnosed as the back-up battery in the air bag module is shorted out.

Filed Oct 30, 2015 · Airbags · 125,000 miles · NC

Sitting in driver side or car while vehicle was idling while in driveway. Airbag deployed.

Filed Oct 30, 2015 · Airbags · 125,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda miata. The contact stated that while in park, the driver side air bag inadvertently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

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Compare the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Is the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2.1 times a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Airbags, with 17 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mazda MX-5 Miata have bad airbags?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata model years with the most airbags complaints are 1996 (17 complaints), 1995 (16 complaints) and 1991 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19-21 city and 26 highway.

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