The Mazda MX-5 Mk3 had a tough gig, because the Mk1 and Mk2 cars were massive hits, and rightly so. It was, in effect, Rocky III – a similar premise but with a glossier look and feel.
But the good news was that Mazda still got things pretty right when it released the MX-5 Mk3, because while it perhaps wasn’t quite as engaging a driving machine as the first two, it was still pretty good and was easier to live with.
It’s reliable, too, so you can head out to your MX-5 at any time and be confident that it’ll start. However, it isn’t entirely glitch-free, although repairs should be reasonably inexpensive to carry out. Just make a one-time investment in the MX-5 NC Haynes manual and it’ll be there to help every time you need it to be.
What has the Mazda MX-5 been recalled for in Australia?
A single recall was issued in April 2006 for a potential issue with the airbag: "If the air bag is inflated in very cold conditions, there is a possibility that the horn bolt could fracture, causing the horn switch components to be scattered."
What common problems does the Mazda MX-5 have?
The Mazda MX-5 NC has a common problem in that the rear differential emits a loud whining noise.
A different part of the drivetrain has been a source of concern for owners, who have complained about a squealing noise when the move away from rest quickly.
The fuelling system has also caused an annoying stutter when the car is slowing down, which can be more than a bit annoying.
And the last thing you want when enjoying your favourite road is for your MX-5 Mk3 to start coughing when you put your foot down. But is does, sometimes.
Finally, if you use your MX-5 rarely, then it can be prone to the brake calipers seizing up.
Why is the Mazda MX-5 whining?
A roof-down Mazda MX-5 is a feast for the senses, because it the steering, brakes and suspension all provide information about how the car is behaving. And the sound of an exhaust is a delight for the ears. However, a whine is not such a feast for the ears. It’s more of a worrying irritation.
But that’s what owners of the MX-5 NC have reported, because the rear differential can emit a whine. The problem is worm gearwheels inside the diff, and the best solution is to remove the old differential and replace it with a new one. Not cheap, but you can save yourself a huge amount of cash by removing the old one yourself and fitting the new one, too.
Just look up the relevant procedure in your Haynes MX-5 manual, set the car on axle stands and away you go. It won’t be the work of a moment, but it’ll save you a heap of money.
Is stuttering a common Mazda MX-5 problem?
The Mazda MX-5 NC is designed to go fast, and to make you feel great while doing so. However, what it sometimes isn’t so good at is slowing down.
Now, we’re not talking about the brakes here. No, it’s the fuelling system at fault, because contaminants can build up inside the throttle body, causing the engine to surge when slowing down and at idle.
Thankfully, this is a relatively easy piece of maintenance to carry out, and entails removing the air filter housing, then removing the throttle body, before cleaning it out with the appropriate cleaning materials, then fitting a new gasket (part number: LFE213655), and reassembling the whole lot once more. A new air filter would probably be a good idea at this point, too.
The Fuel & Exhaust Systems chapter of your Haynes MX-5 manual will tell you all you need to know.
Does your Mazda MX-5 accelerate jerkily?
There you are, enjoying your favourite B-road in your MX-5. A hairpin approaches, so you brake, change down, turn in, then get on the power again. Cough. What was that? Cough, splutter, cough… That’s not good. And now the engine warning light is on. Great.
Once you get home, your first task is to plug in a fault-code reader. If this displays the code P0301, then it’s cylinder one that is misfiring. If it shows the code P0303 then it’s cylinder three, and the issue is a faulty crankcase ventilation hose.
Thereafter, it’s a case of replacing the hose, so your first port of call should be the Emissions control systems chapter of your Haynes MX-5 manual. There, you’ll find the information and procedure you need to sort out the issue.
If you want to know how to replace the air filter on your Mazda MX-5 Mk3, just watch our FREE video below.
Are your Mazda MX-5 NC brakes sticking?
If you only use your Mazda MX-5 occasionally, then be aware that it can fall victim to sticky brake calipers. This is a car that is at its best and most reliable when being driven often.
You’ll know if your car’s brake calipers have begun to seize up, because the car will likely pull to one side when you hit the brakes, and when you pull over at the end of a drive, you’ll notice that one of the front brakes (and often wheels) will be much hotter than the other.
The only solution is to jack up the car, set it on axle stands, remove the wheels, then strip down and clean up the brakes, before reassembling the lot. If one brake has been sticking for a long time, then there’s a good chance that the brake pads will be much more worn, so you may have to replace these too.
As ever, this whole task is covered in depth in your Haynes MX-5 manual, with extensive descriptions and plenty of illustrations, so just read up and get those brakes working properly again!