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1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags problems

17 complaints (59% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
59%
typical mileage
78,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Frontal
    2
  • Frontal: sensor/control module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags problems in other years

1990199520002003

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Airbag light 10

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

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 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.

Filed May 21, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · 137,215 miles · AL

Airbag warning light stays on constantly all of the time. Very concerned about airbag failure but no recall info exists. Also my pop-up headlights are randomly retracting down whenever they feel like it. No amount of twisting on and off at the steering column switch will make them come back up and I have to resort to the manual popup button located under the emergency flashers. This has almost caused me to crash several times when driving after dark!

Questions about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags

Does the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the airbags of the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 59% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata airbags?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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).

Other 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

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

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