Check a VIN

2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is fuel and propulsion system. It has 1.6 times the complaints of a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

Typical year1.6x the typical complaints
Year score
59/100
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
22-23mpg

The worst 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Fuel system
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Locks
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 17

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

See all 17 bulletins for the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2001 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‑cylRWD2025-2622-23

What 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a search would be done to find a dealer that had recall repairs. The contact had not received a callback from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Airbags · 180,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Air bag did not deploy sufficient to protect driver from hitting head on steering wheel resulting in severe facial laceration. Solo vehicle accident on nb hwy 680 approaching benicia bridge. Chp dispatch log #357.

Filed Aug 5, 2017 · Engine · AL

The po012 engine light keeps coming on . I understand there was a recall on this 2001-2002 mazda miata mx-5 . I think mazda replaced the ecu too eliminate the code. Please help. Thanks dale

Filed May 27, 2012 · Engine · 79,682 miles · FL

Driving at highway speeds for approx. 20 minutes when car engine started to violently shake and stall out. Narrowly made it to road shoulder, with 2 vehicles making emergency moves to avoid collision with me. Afterwards my vehicle would only start after waiting periods of 10-15 minutes, and then only run for 5-10 minutes before same engine issue would occur. After numerous starts and stalls, and 4 hours later arrived at car repair shop. After checking vehicle over, and looking up "check engine code" they replaced a "engine camshaft position sensor" I have since read numerous blog posts on the internet that this part is a major issue with my make and model. And felt compelled to write this to voice my safety concerns. I feel strongly that someone could suffer a fatal crash all too easily with this part failing and the violent and sudden loss of engine power.

Filed Nov 1, 2011 · Fuel system · VA

2001 mazda miata mx5. Consumer writes in regards to strong gas odor in cabin of car after filling fuel capacity full *tgw the dealer informed the consumer the base of the fuel neck that attached to the fuel tank was rusted which allowed raw fuel to dump in the trunk compartment. The dealer stated in order to correct the problem, the fuel neck and fuel tank needed to be replaced at a cost of $ 1300.00.

Filed Dec 10, 2008 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · IL

Purchased a 2001 mazda miata new, transmission was hard shifting from day 1 taken in for repairs numerous times, finally resulted in trans. Locking in neutral and car would not move resulting in a very serious situation. No accident occurred during this period and mazda would not repair car because it was out of warranty at this time. Car was fixing by independent trans. Shop and paid for by me.

Filed Sep 8, 2008 · Fuel system · 83,200 miles · IN

Engine shut off while coasting to a stop in traffic as if out of gas, but tank had over 1/4 in it. Engine would cough and sputter then restart and run for about 15 seconds. After car sit about 15 minutes, and with the addition of another 1 1/2 gallon of fuel, car restarted with no problem. It took 7 1/2 more gallons to fill tank, therefore I had 3 gallons when car stopped. Dealer suggested possible water in gas. Advised to try gas dry. Private mechanic suggested a possible weak fuel pump. I understand others have had similar problem.

Filed May 13, 2008 · Transmission · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mazda miata. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle shudders and stalls. The vehicle has a manual transmission and the failure only occurs while in first gear and when the engine is cold. Once the vehicle warms up, the failure does not occur as often. The failure mileage began when the vehicle was new and current mileage is 60,400. Updated 06/03/08. *lj updated 05/30/08

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Fuel system · 53,000 miles · FL

Engine stalls when car coming to a stop. Engine will restart briefly, then stall again. Runs only after allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes. Car has stalled 5 times in last month in heavy traffic and must be pushed off the road - very dangerous. Dealer suspects fuel pump. Apparently this is a known problem with the miata. Car has only 53,000 miles and has been serviced religiously.

Filed Jul 9, 2006 · Locks · 49,000 miles · TX

The top latch holding the convertible top fails prematurely. In five years, I have experienced four failures. When the lathes fail, the convertible top can open suddenly. The sudden opening could cause a distraction. The sudden opening also exposes the driver to rain or snow that may also interfere with safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden opening could cause failure to the rear window.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata before you buy

Compare the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Is the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 1.6 times a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

What is the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata year score?

The 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 5 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 20 city and 25-26 highway.

Share your experience with the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN