1996 Mazda Miata

Introduction

The 1996 Mazda Miata is a compact, rear-wheel drive sports car known for its handling and affordability. It was available with a 1.8-liter engine and a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Miata has been praised for its fun-to-drive nature but has also been criticized for its lack of power and limited storage space.

Engine

1.8-liter Engine

• Valve cover gasket leak: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, causing a burning oil smell and potential engine damage. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+. Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket leak: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket, causing overheating and engine damage. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+. Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Shift linkage problems: Difficulty shifting into or out of gears, especially when the transmission is cold. Solution: Replace or adjust the shift linkage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+. Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slip: Transmission slips gears or refuses to engage, causing power loss. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn front ball joints: Front suspension makes clunking or popping noises when turning or going over bumps. Solution: Replace the worn ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension sag: Rear suspension sags or bottoms out easily, causing poor handling and reduced braking effectiveness. Solution: Replace the worn or damaged springs or shocks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Alternator fails to charge the battery, causing the vehicle to stall. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+. Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain: Battery drains quickly when the vehicle is parked, even when all accessories are turned off. Solution: Diagnose and repair any electrical leaks or parasitic drains. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+. Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels: Rust forms on the body panels, particularly around the wheel arches and undercarriage. Solution: Fix rust and repaint or replace affected panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+. Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked or worn dashboard: Dashboard cracks or becomes sticky due to sun exposure or age. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
• Loose or rattling interior panels: Interior panels become loose or rattle, causing unwanted noise. Solution: Secure or replace the loose or damaged panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+. Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Mazda Miata is a reliable and fun-to-drive sports car, but it has some potential issues to watch out for. The most common issues include engine gasket leaks, transmission problems, and suspension issues. These issues can be costly to fix, but they are generally not severe and can be prevented with proper maintenance and repairs.