- The problem
- On certain mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing.
- The risk
- Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Mazda Miata Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2003 Mazda Miata have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in June 2003 for the fog lights.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Miata year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2003 Mazda Miata recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2003 Mazda Miata yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Mazda Miata: every year compared
All Miata years2003 Mazda Miata vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mazda Miata | 0 | 1 | B | |
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 200 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 | 175 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Protege | 121 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda MPV | 114 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda B-Series | 22 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 | 15 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda 626 | 9 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Millenia | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Mazda Miata
Does the 2003 Mazda Miata have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Mazda Miata: fog lights (June 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2003 Mazda Miata had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2003 Mazda Miata a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 74 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mazda Miata year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda Miata years have the most complaints?
1990 (3), 1993 (3), 1996 (3). See every Mazda Miata year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Mazda Miata has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data