1993 Mazda Miata

Introduction

The 1993 Mazda Miata is a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car that was praised for its handling, affordability, and distinctive styling. It featured a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission was a five-speed manual transmission.

Engine

1.6L Inline-Four

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the top of the engine, particularly around the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leaks, and a screeching noise coming from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Shifter Bushing Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loose or wobbly shifter.
  • Solution: Replace shifter bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Input Shaft Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears, difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replace input shaft bearing and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Sway Bar End Links Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noises from the rear suspension, particularly over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery warning light comes on, difficulty starting the car, electrical system malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start, clicking noise when turning the key.
  • Solution: Replace starter motor solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlights.
  • Solution: Replace headlight seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows won’t go up or down, or move slowly.
  • Solution: Replace power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1993 Mazda Miata is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle with few serious issues. The most common issues are minor electrical and mechanical problems that can be easily and affordably fixed. However, some issues, such as input shaft bearing failure, can be more expensive to repair.