Recalls: Mazda NB MX-5
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mazda NB MX-5
- In July 2003, a recall was issued for Mazda NB MX-5 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard as the fog lamp bulb sockets could come adrift from their mountings – this could enable the globes to make contact with the inner portion of the front bumper bar (PRA 2003/6324).
Problems and faults: Mazda NB MX-5
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mazda NB MX-5: clutch chatter on take-off
In September 2003, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 05-001/03 for Mazda NB MX-5 vehicles that had manual transmissions, were manufactured prior to 10 April 2003 and had VINs in the range JM1NB353*Z0000001 to JM1NB353***312323. These Mazda MX-5 vehicles may exhibit clutch chatter or judder when the clutch is released during cold conditions – this may be caused by the clutch surface materials creating a chatter or judder during clutch engagement. To fix,
- The transmission was to be removed;
- The clutch disc removed;
- The clutch cover and flywheel inspected;
- The clutch disc replaced (part number BP07-16-460D-9U); and,
- The transmission re-installed.
Mazda NB MX-5: Other problems and faults
- The MX-5’s cruise control may not hold a constant speed – instead increasing – or the deceleration feature may not work due to failed transistors in the control unit.
- For Mazda NB MX-5 early models, the bearing caps on some engines may not have been machined properly, causing a rattling noise from the engine bay and requiring a new block.
- Rattling noises from the muffler may be due to the inner shell vibrating; a revised, padded muffler was subsequently released.
