Pictured: the ND Miata (2016).
MX-5 Miata 1.6 NA · 1990–1993
1.6 four (116 hp) for 1990–93, 1.8 four (128–133 hp) for 1994–97. Pop-up headlights.
MX-5 Miata NB · 2001–2005
1.8 four, variable valve timing from 2001. Turbo Mazdaspeed 2004–05.
MX-5 Miata NC · 2006–2008
2.0 four. 7,200 rpm redline and forged internals from 2009.
MX-5 Club ND · 2019–2025
About 150 lb lighter than the NC. 181 hp and 7,500 rpm from 2019.
NA Miata · 1990–1997
Roadster, 1990–1997. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
116 hpat 6,500 rpm; 105 hp with the automatic
The original Miata: a 1.6 twin-cam four, pop-up headlights and a body that Wikipedia says used the Lotus Elan as a design benchmark.
128 hpat 6,500 rpm, 1994–95; 133 hp from 1996
A bigger 1.8 engine and extra bracing; dual air bags came the same year. The 1996 update added 5 hp and 4 lb-ft.
128 hp1994–95; 133 hp from 1996
Bilstein shocks, stiffer anti-roll bars and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Wikipedia counts 1,841 US cars.
1.6-liter inline-4
Gear Patrol says 1990 and 1991 cars have a short crankshaft nose whose keyway can wear over time. Hagerty UK says these early cars have four slots in the bottom pulley instead of eight, and if its bolt was tightened wrong the pulley can work loose and damage the crank.
1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (1990–1997)Consumer Guide lists ticking from the top of 1990–1993 engines, blamed on the hydraulic lash adjusters and poor oil flow through them.
Fix: Consumer Guide says redesigned parts are available.
1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (1990–1997)Consumer Guide says a revised, stronger timing belt tensioner pulley replaces the original on 1990–1994 cars.
Fix: Fit the revised tensioner pulley.
3 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (1990–1997)Hagerty UK says rust shows first at the bottom of the rear wings, then the sills, rear arches and floor. Gear Patrol points to the rear rockers, where drains clog.
1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (1990–1997)Share of the 195 most-watched NA Miata videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
NB Miata · 2000–2005
Roadster, 2000–2005. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
142 hpat 7,000 rpm
2001 facelift added variable intake valve timing to the 1.8.
178 hpat 6,000 rpm
IHI turbo at 8.5 psi with intercooler, 9.5:1 pistons, fixed cam timing, Bilstein dampers, 17-inch wheels.
1.8-liter inline-4 (turbo in the Mazdaspeed)
The stock radiator has plastic end tanks. Flyin' Miata says they last about a decade and should be replaced once they discolor.
Fix: Replace the radiator before the tanks crack.
Several 1999–2000 owners told NHTSA of failing ignition coils that set the check-engine light or caused rough running.
4 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2000–2005)Two 2004 Mazdaspeed owners told NHTSA of repeat fuel pump failures causing stalls and no-starts. Too few reports to call a pattern.
5 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2000–2005)Share of the 192 most-watched NB Miata videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
NC Miata · 2006–2015
Roadster; power hardtop from 2007, 2006–2015. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
170 hpat 6,700 rpm; 166 hp with the automatic
167 hpat 7,000 rpm; 158 hp with the automatic
Refresh raised the redline to 7,200 rpm and added a forged crank and rods.
167 hpat 7,000 rpm
Manual Clubs get Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace.
2.0-liter inline-4
Flyin' Miata says it has seen engines damaged when the stock plastic expansion tank cracked, lost pressure and overheated.
Fix: Replace an aging tank, or fit an aluminum one.
NHTSA complaints for 2006–2015 cars rarely mention the engine; most cover roof drains, the fuel filler and shifting.
Share of the 192 most-watched NC Miata videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
ND Miata · 2016–2025
Roadster; RF power hardtop also sold, 2016–2025. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
155 hpat 6,000 rpm
181 hpat 7,000 rpm
Lighter pistons and rods, bigger throttle and exhaust add 26 hp; redline up from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm.
181 hpat 7,000 rpm
Bilstein dampers, limited-slip differential and strut brace; 2024 added an asymmetric LSD and DSC-Track.
2.0-liter inline-4, direct injection
Engine's YouTube owner tone 50/100 (videos about the Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)
Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine page →Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 80 owner complaints and 5 recalls for 2016–2025 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 80 complaints and 0 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Mx-5 Miata" for those years, other engines included.
Few NHTSA complaints for 2016–2025 MX-5s involve the engine; most are about the manual gearbox and an air bag recall.
On some 2018–2019 MX-5s, the low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack and deform, so the pump can fail and the engine stall.
Fix: Dealer replaces the fuel pump for free (NHTSA 21V-875).
8 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2016–2025)Owners report third gear that grinds or won't engage, and some outright failures, mostly 2016 and 2022–2024 cars. No recall; rates unverified.
8 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2016–2025)On some 2016–2019 automatics, transmission software could cause an unexpected downshift and sudden slowing.
Fix: Dealer reprograms the transmission computer for free (NHTSA 19V-072).
4 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2016–2025)Share of the 192 most-watched ND Miata videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
In May 2000, with 531,890 built, Guinness World Records certified the MX-5 as the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car. The NA started that run: 431,506 were made from 1989 to 1997.
Spec Miata began as an SCCA regional class for 1990–1997 cars in 1999 and became a national class in 2006. Mazda says it quickly became the most popular class in SCCA.
In Japan the NA was not badged as a Mazda. It went on sale on September 1, 1989 as the Eunos Roadster, through Mazda’s Eunos dealer brand.
Sold new in Japan only. Each card lists its own sources.
The Japanese launch car, sold by Mazda’s Eunos dealer brand with the 1.6.
118 hp120 PS (118 hp) at 6,500 rpm; torque 14.0 kg-m at 5,500 rpm (JDM)
Green paint, tan interior, leather seats and a Nardi wood steering wheel and shift knob.
Plain text from the sources listed: no race photos, anime stills, logos or likenesses. Items marked "Not fully confirmed" rest on one weaker source. Every JDM car
Miata vs Toyota GR86 / 86 / Scion FR-SSee it →
Miata vs Subaru BRZSee it →
Miata vs Honda S2000See it →
Miata vs Lotus Elise / ExigeComing soonShowing the years only ().Showing every year.
NHTSA files the car as MX-5 Miata through 2005 and MX-5 after; the counts combine both and include the RF and the Mazdaspeed.
No Lemon Index for the Miata: the index is complaints per car sold, and sales by trim aren't published. These are raw counts.
NA: 167 complaints for 1990–1997.
NB: 97 complaints for 2000–2005.
NC: 71 complaints for 2006–2015.
ND: 80 complaints for 2016–2025.
NA · 1990–1997
NB · 2000–2005
NC · 2006–2015
ND · 2016–2025
No recalls on file for these years.
Source: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov). Check a VIN for open recalls on one car.
The ND MX-5 Club makes 181 hp and 151 lb-ft. Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
The ND Miata (2016–2025) uses the Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0, a 2.0-liter inline-4, direct injection. Older generations: NA: Mazda B6ZE 1.6; NB: Mazda BP 1.8; NC: Mazda MZR 2.0.
Guinness World Records: In May 2000, with 531,890 built, Guinness World Records certified the MX-5 as the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car. The NA started that run: 431,506 were made from 1989 to 1997. Spec Miata: Spec Miata began as an SCCA regional class for 1990–1997 cars in 1999 and became a national class in 2006. Mazda says it quickly became the most popular class in SCCA. Eunos Roadster: In Japan the NA was not badged as a Mazda. It went on sale on September 1, 1989 as the Eunos Roadster, through Mazda’s Eunos dealer brand.
Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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The Lemon Index
