The second-generation Miata or NB Miata from 1998-2005 is probably one of the best budget cars to offer pure nirvana once behind the steering wheel. The NC Miata is more powerful, but heavier and the Newest one is just expensive.

We have the NB Miata’s that have yet to be taken advantage of by young car enthusiasts with fart cannons like the NA Miata. And, trust me, the NB Miata is next. Then it will be the NC Miata and so on.

Well, however you like your Miata, I’m here to go over the common issues that this beautiful machine has to better educate you about your ride or your future purchase.

1. Engine Block Issues

Between 1999-2000 the thrust bearing seems to fail prematurely, Miata sent out a batch of cars with the incorrect part. This issue should have already been fixed because they typically failed at around 40k miles. Sadly, if it fails you will need a new engine. If you are looking at a higher mileage NB, you probably have nothing to worry.

2. Coil Pack Failure

Coil packs seem to fail prematurely in the early models. The early model I am referring to is the NB1 between 1999-2000 and the NB2 models are between 2001-2005. If yours fails, you can get a rough idle, misfire, and spatter under load. I would replace it with a high-quality aftermarket part with good reviews.

3. Catalytic Converter Clogs

Now, because of failing coils, this can send raw or unused gas through the chambers and cause clogged catalytic converters. So, you may have a check engine light for that. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, especially since they are made up of expensive metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium.

4. EGR Throwing Codes

EGR Valve throwing a P0402 code and you may experience these symptoms: rough idle, poor performance and excessive fuel consumption. Cleaning the EGR should the issue, if not, you may need to buy a replacement.

5. Fuel Pump Issues

The fuel pump can fail due to a user error. Basically, the driver lets the gas tank go empty. When this happens, the fuel pump starts to run dry and overheats and burns out. The fuel pumps in these cars use the gas to keep the unit cool, so you will need to replace it with a new one if this happens.

6. Valve Ticking

Valve ticking due to infrequent oil changes. This is not a huge issue and the car can still be driven like normal. And there are many reports of the valve ticking even with perfect maintenance records. Mazda Miata’s are notorious for the valve ticking. It is nothing to worry about.

7. Valve Cover Gasket Leaking

Valve Cover gasket leaking, which is typical. It is actually pretty easy to replace and may only take 10 minutes, depending on how experienced you are with working with tools. Go ahead and clean the valve cover itself, you will be satisfied. Better yet, you could paint it!

8. Clutch Slave Cylinder

Clutch Slave cylinder failing prematurely, which is also not a very hard replacement for a handy DIYer. This is not an overly common issue, but one to note.

When the slave cylinder goes out, you will not be able to depress the clutch and shift through gears. Well, you can shift through gears without the clutch, but it is not easy.

9. Electrical Antenna

Electrical antenna not opening, but who cares. AM I RITEEEEEE. Use Spotify and a Bluetooth stereo. But, you’ll need to rebuild or replace the motor itself if you want it working again. I am sure you could purchase an OEM replacement off eBay.

10. Yup. RUST

Finally, both the NA and NB Mazda Miata are plagued with trouble rust spots. rust can be a huge issue and could ultimately cost a lot of money to repair. Check all the seals, like between the convertible top, the rear quarter panel, and of course inspect the entire car. The rear quarter panel usually rusts from inside out due to a clogged drain hole from where the top meets the trunk. So, you will need to cut out the entire panel and weld in a new one.

There are no guarantees that you will have these issues. These are just issues that Miata owners repeated have had. And, if you do ALL the recommended maintenance that the NB Miata needs, you should ultimately have a worry-free fun vehicle that you can drive around, stack up the miles to 300k miles and truly enjoy every day if you take care of it properly. These things are actually very reliable. Now, of course, likewise with all cars, it depends how the previous owner took care of the car before you.

If I missed an issue, let me know! We are all human and we all make mistakes.

Hopefully, this helped you out with your future purchase or potentially helped you troubleshoot some symptoms you may have.

Have a great day!

If you do not want to read all of this, go ahead and watch the video down below!