1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

19901992
Complaints
21
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#18 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:80,532 mi
Crash-related:1
#22 complaints

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

#32 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Airbags
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
80,532
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:On-Off Switch Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Sidewall
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Side/Rear Glass
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Mazda MX-5 Miata Years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 21 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 8 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Top reported problems: Airbags (8 complaints, avg 80,532 mi); Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery (2 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 80,532 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
NHTSA complaints for the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata include 2 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda MX-5 Miata reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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