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2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
24
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-23mpg

The worst 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 24

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

See all 24 bulletins for the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2004 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‑cylRWD18-2024-2620-23

What 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 11, 2017 · Body · 142,000 miles · MI

The forward frame rails are severely rusted, compromising the function of the bumpers greatly increasing the likelihood of injury in the event of a front collision. Corrosion is not readily apparent, suggesting that most people are unaware that their vehicle's safety has been compromised.

Filed Aug 6, 2008 · Engine · 20,000 miles · TX

The car has a intermittent problem running, it happens without warning. Last time it happened I was almost run over by a 18 wheeler. I have mentioned it to the dealer and no recall exists this problem is widespread on this model as noted by members of miat acar clubs. Because the manufacturer will not own up to the problem extensive testing has been done by our car forum. Replacing the map sensor cures the problem for about 90 days but at 100 dollars a pop it is a little expensive. Cars that have had this problem have been modified to run without a map sensor and this has cured the problem. Unfortunately the cure is 2000 bucks. I have been having this problem for 2 years now and would like some help fixing it.

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Fuel system · 4,200 miles · IL

Driving my 2004 mazdaspeed miata on the highway and the engine suddenly stalls. The problem was the fuel pump failure. I bought my car new and it has 4,400 miles on it. I had three fuel pump failures since 2004. I complained to the mazda dealer as to why this is happening but they don't have a clue.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Engine · 11,100 miles · MA

Car would not accelerate. I came to a stop at a toll booth. When I went to pull away the car would hardly accelerate. Any amount of throttle would cause the car to bog out. Seems very likely a crash could occur if this problem happened at the wrong time. This is specifically a problem with the mazdaspeed model of the mx-5.

Filed Aug 9, 2007 · Engine · 8,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda miata. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal after a stop, the vehicle failed to move. The dealer inspected the vehicle four times, however, they were unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer refused to make any repairs. The failure mileage was 8,000 and current mileage was 23,000.

Filed May 25, 2007 · Fuel system · 1,466 miles · NC

I bought the 04 mazdaspeed miata new in 2/05 and have had problems with it starting since it was new. My last series of starting problems was in 2/07. Mazda replaced the fuel pump in 8/06 to hopefully solve the problem but the problem recurred in 9/06. I still have the issue with the car.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Seat belts · 700 miles · VA

Normal driving. Seat belt locks. Seat belt will not unlock.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Wheels · 286 miles · MI

On 4/24/2004 while driving southbound on middlebelt road in livonia, mi I heard a loud "pop" and shortly after expirienced a flat tire. The tire had picked up a bolt and the flat was caused by the bolt penatrating the wheel.*ak both the wheel and the tire were replaced. The tire was sent to the manafacture and I have possession of the wheel. The automobile was less than one week old.

Compare the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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Questions about the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Is the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata, fewer than a typical MX-5 Miata model year.

What is the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata year score?

The 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata scores 84 out of 100 (good). 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata range from 20 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-20 city and 24-26 highway.

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