WORST Miata Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

Early Miata models, especially from 1990 and 1991, have a well-known problem called the short nose crank issue. This can cause serious engine damage if not fixed right away.

Knowing which years to avoid can save you a lot of money and trouble.

Also, there were changes made in the 1994 models, and some versions have rust problems.

Let’s look into these details so you can make the best choice when buying a Miata.

Key Takeaways

• 1990-1991 Miatas: These cars often have issues with the crankshaft, which can lead to expensive repairs.
• 1990 Miata: Common problems include paint peeling, electrical issues, and frequent battery drainage.
• 1999 Miata: Known for problems with the cooling system and transmission, which can hurt reliability and performance.
• Third-generation Miatas: These often have paint peeling on the hood and trunk, electrical issues, and sunroof problems.
• 2017 Miata: Some of these cars use too much oil, which can increase maintenance costs.

First-Gen Miata Issues

When looking at a first-gen Miata, be aware of a few common problems, especially the well-known short nose crank issue in early 1.6 engines. This design flaw can cause the crankshaft to fail, which is expensive and takes a lot of time to fix.

The short nose crank problem usually shows up as wobbling or misalignment of the crankshaft pulley, which can damage the engine. If you’re considering a first-gen Miata, particularly models made before 1991, make sure the crankshaft has been checked or replaced. Doing this can help you avoid unexpected repairs.

While the first-gen Miata is a blast to drive, keeping an eye on the short nose crank issue can make owning one much more enjoyable and trouble-free.

1990 Miata Problems

For Miata fans, the 2000 Miata (also known as the NB) is a favorite, but it’s important to know about some common problems. The paint on these cars often peels and fades, making it one of the worst years for paint issues.

The electrical system can also be a headache, with battery problems being common across the first three generations. While engine oil leaks aren’t as frequent in the NB compared to the older models, they can still happen, especially with high mileage.

Since there aren’t any official recalls for these issues, regular maintenance is key. Taking good care of your Miata can help avoid many of these problems, keeping your car running well and fun to drive.

Short Nose Crank Issue

Dealing with the short nose crank issue in early 90s Miatas is important to avoid serious engine damage. This problem mainly affects Miatas from 1990 to 1991 and involves the crankshaft’s shorter snout.

Over time, if the crank pulley bolt isn’t tightened properly, the keyway can wear out and cause the crankshaft to break. Although it’s not a common issue, the potential for serious damage makes it worth addressing.

Regular inspections and proper maintenance can reduce the risk. If you’re thinking about getting an early 90s Miata, look for signs of the short nose crank problem, such as wobbling pulleys or oil leaks. Being proactive can save you from expensive repairs and keep your Miata running smoothly.

1994 Model Changes

When looking at model changes, the 1994 Miata is notable because it got a more powerful 1.8 engine and a passenger airbag, which made it perform better and be safer.

Other years mostly had minor updates that didn’t change how the car drives as much.

Knowing these changes can help you decide which Miata years mightn’t be as good for what you need.

Engine Upgrade Details

Starting with the 1994 model year, the Miata got a big boost with a new 1.8-liter engine. This change from the old 1.6-liter engine fixed the common issue of crank failures, making the car more reliable.

The 1994 1.8-liter engine delivered more power and torque, noticeably improving how the Miata drives. While there were other minor engine upgrades in later years, none had the same impact as the 1994 change.

Each tweak to the Miata’s engine was aimed at making it perform better and offering a great driving experience. If you’re thinking about getting a Miata, knowing about these engine upgrades can help you pick a model that’s both reliable and fun to drive.

Safety Feature Additions

In the mid-1990s, Mazda made the Miata safer by adding important features. They included passenger airbags in 1994, a big step forward in safety. In 1995, they introduced anti-lock brakes, which helped with better control during sudden stops.

Model Year Comparison

If you’re thinking about buying a Mazda Miata, knowing the differences and common problems in each model year can help you make a smart choice.

For example, the 1990 Miata had big issues with its transmission and coolant system, making it one of the worst years. The 1991 model had fewer problems and is seen as a better buy.

The 1999 Miata had engine troubles, like using too much oil, which could damage the engine.

The 2017 Miata, the first year of the fourth generation, had a recall because of unexpected downshifting in automatic transmissions.

Knowing which years are good and which ones are bad can help you avoid troublesome models.

Rust Concerns

When thinking about getting a Miata, you should know that rust can be a big problem. Rust can really mess up the car’s structure and end up costing you a lot of money. Older Miatas are especially known for getting rust in important areas. A rusty Miata might need expensive fixes and could have hidden rust that makes it unsafe and less durable.

To avoid these issues, do the following:

1. Look Closely: Check spots like the wheel arches, rocker panels, and the frame for rust.
2. Be Careful with Certain Models: Watch out for Miatas from places with tough winters or salty roads.
3. Get a Pro to Check: Have a mechanic look over the car for rust before you buy it.

1998 Engine Failures

If you’re a fan of early Miatas, you should know that the 1.6-liter engines from 1990-1993 have a well-known problem with their crankshafts. These engines are prone to a ‘short nose crank‘ issue that can cause the crankshaft to break, leading to serious engine damage and expensive repairs.

Because of this, these early Miata models are often considered some of the worst years for the car. If you’re thinking about buying one of these Miatas, be very careful and check the crankshaft condition thoroughly.

It might be a better idea to look at later models with the 1.8-liter engine, which don’t have this problem as often.

Thrust Bearing Problems

Thrust bearing problems in the 1998 and 1999 Mazda Miata models have caused many engines to fail, often before hitting 40,000 miles. If you’re thinking about getting one of these cars, it’s important to know about these issues.

Thrust bearing problems can seriously damage the engine, so it’s a good idea to check the engine’s end play.

Here are three key points to remember:

1. Engine Life: Engines in the 1998 and 1999 Miatas often fail early because of thrust bearing problems.
2. Regular Checks: Checking for proper end play regularly can help prevent these issues.
3. Be Careful When Buying: If you’re looking at a 1998 or 1999 Mazda Miata, be cautious to avoid costly repairs.

1999 Oil Consumption

If you have a 1999 Mazda Miata, you need to keep an eye on its oil levels. This model often uses a lot of oil—up to two quarts a month.

Since it doesn’t have an oil level sensor, you have to check the oil manually. If you don’t, the engine could get seriously damaged.

Regularly checking and maintaining the oil levels can prevent expensive repairs and keep your Miata running longer.

Electrical System Troubles

A lot of Mazda Miata owners have had trouble with the car’s electrical system, especially in the first and third generations. Common issues include problems with the A/C, power windows, dashboard buttons, and sunroof adjustments. These issues started as early as the 1990 model and have shown up in various other model years too.

If you’re thinking about getting a Miata, here are some common electrical problems to watch out for:

1. A/C and Heating Problems: First-generation models often struggled to keep the cabin comfortable.
2. Power Windows and Dashboard Buttons: Second-generation models frequently had issues with these parts.
3. Sunroof Adjustments and Battery Warnings: Third-generation models often had problems with the sunroof and premature battery warnings.

Knowing about these problems can help you make a better decision.

Paint Coat Defects

Paint peeling was a common problem in second and third-generation Miatas, which made the cars look less appealing.

Many owners had to spend money on new paint jobs or ceramic coatings to fix the issue.

These paint problems not only cost extra money but also affected the overall experience of owning the car.

Common Paint Issues

Second and third-generation Miata models often had problems with their paint peeling, which made many owners look for new paint jobs or use ceramic coatings to fix the issue. This problem affected different model years and caused a lot of frustration for Miata fans who cared about how their car looked. The paint issues not only made the car look bad but also required extra upkeep and money.

Here are three common paint problems you might face with these Miata models:

1. Peeling Paint: This is especially common in the second and third generations, making the car look unattractive.
2. Fading and Oxidation: Sun exposure can cause the paint to fade, making the car look older than it is.
3. Clear Coat Damage: Chips and scratches can easily get through the clear coat, speeding up the wear and tear.

Long-Term Paint Solutions

To solve long-term paint issues for Miata models with paint problems, consider professional repainting, advanced ceramic coatings, and regular maintenance. Paint peeling is common in second and third-generation Miatas, prompting many owners to look for lasting solutions.

Ceramic coatings offer strong protection against peeling, keeping your Miata shiny and durable. Regular maintenance, like proper washing and waxing, can reduce paint problems. For severe cases, professional repainting might be needed to make the car look new again.

These methods not only improve how the car looks but also enhance your satisfaction and pride in owning it.

2001 Model Year Issues

When looking into a Mazda Miata, it’s good to know that certain model years have had some major problems affecting their reliability and performance.

Here are a few years to be cautious about:

1. 1990: The first-gen model had issues with the cooling system, including leaks in the water plugs and engine problems. The transmission also had problems, often needing to be removed to fix a pin issue.
2. 1999: The second-gen Miatas had a problem with using too much oil, which could lead to serious engine damage if not checked regularly. Owners had to frequently check the oil level to avoid these common issues.
3. 2017: The fourth-gen Miata’s first year had recalls because the automatic transmission could downshift unexpectedly. Some drivers also reported issues with the manual transmission, raising questions about its reliability.

Stay informed to avoid these common problems.

Third-Gen Miata Faults

Switching to the third-generation Miata, especially the 2007-2008 models, you’ll find some common issues. Owners often complained about paint peeling on the hood and trunk, which meant they’d to pay for expensive paint jobs or ceramic coatings.

Electrical problems were also a big headache, affecting things like power windows, dashboard buttons, and the heating and A/C systems. There were also frequent warnings about the battery running out of juice, which sometimes left drivers stranded.

Sunroof adjustments were another problem area. While these issues didn’t make the third-gen Miata impossible to drive, they definitely took away from the reliability and fun that Miata fans usually expect.

Post-2006 Design Changes

After 2006, Miata design changes got mixed reactions from fans. Some felt the newer models lost their classic look. If you care a lot about how the car looks, you might prefer the older models.

Keep these design changes in mind if you’re thinking about buying a Miata made after 2006.

Aesthetic Appeal Variations

After 2006, Mazda made some design changes to the Miata that have caused a lot of discussions among fans about the car’s looks. These changes included:

1. Style Preferences: The design shifted towards a more modern look.
2. Visual Alterations: New headlights and taillights were added, which some people liked and others didn’t.
3. Design Modifications: Different body lines were introduced, making some fans miss the pre-2006 models.

If you love the original Miata’s classic look, you mightn’t like the post-2006 design as much. Be sure to check out these newer models closely to see if they meet your style preferences before you buy one.

Design Preferences Shift

If you love the classic look of the original Miata, you might find the design changes made after 2006 to be a big shift from the timeless style you prefer.

The newer models have a more modern and aggressive look, which mightn’t match what traditional fans like.

While these updates were meant to make the Miata look more up-to-date, they also changed its simple, iconic design.

So, if you’re thinking about getting a Miata and really like the original design, take a close look at the models made after 2006.

Some fans find these newer versions less appealing and might prefer the ones made before 2006 to match their taste.

Enthusiast Opinions Divided

Miata fans have mixed feelings about the design changes made to the models after 2006. Some like the updated look, while others prefer the classic style. These debates usually focus on a few main points:

1. Design Preferences: Some believe the newer models don’t have the simple, timeless look of the older ones.
2. Visual Appeal: The newer models have a sleeker, more aggressive design. Some see this as a great update, while others think it strays too far from the Miata’s original charm.
3. Aesthetic Priorities: If looks are important to you, take a closer look at the models made after 2006 and decide if you like them.

In the end, your personal taste will be a big factor in your choice.

Fourth-Gen Transmission Recall

If you’re thinking about buying a 2017 Mazda Miata, you should know about a big transmission recall that affected both automatic and manual models.

The automatic models had problems with unexpected downshifting, which was a serious safety issue. The manual versions had some performance problems too.

This recall was a big deal and made many potential buyers cautious. Even though ConsumerReports says the recall fixed the main issues, some concerns still remain.

If you’re looking at a used 2017 Miata, make sure the recall repairs were done. Knowing about these transmission problems can help you make a smart choice.

Best Miata Years

If you’re looking for the best Mazda Miata years, check out the 1994, 1999, 2005, and 2006 models. These years are known for being reliable and fun to drive. Here’s why:

1. 1994: This model is well-built and very reliable, making it a favorite among fans.
2. 1999: The second generation started with this year, bringing many improvements and making it a solid choice.
3. 2005-2006: These third-generation models are loved for their better engines and consistent performance.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Mazda 5, Mazda Cx 5, Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

So, you’re thinking about getting a Miata? Just remember, while the ’90 and ’91 models might seem like a bargain, you could end up spending more on fixing the short nose crank issue than you saved.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? The car that’s supposed to be all about joy and freedom could end up sending you to the mechanic’s shop more often. Stick with later models for a smoother ride and fewer problems.