2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 0 recalls, 20 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (5): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 20 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 MX-5 Miata model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2004 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 32,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (22 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (14 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (5), transmission & drivetrain (3), electrical (3).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.