2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Introduction: The 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a compact, two-seater sports car known for its agile handling, spirited performance, and affordability. It was available with two engine options: a 1.8L I4 engine producing 126 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L I4 engine producing 166 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

1.8L I4 Engine

• Oil Filter Housing Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks oil from the oil filter housing.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause noisy timing chain and eventually engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L I4 Engine

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves:
  • Description/Symptoms: Causes reduced engine performance and acceleration hesitation.
  • Solution: Clean the intake valves using a walnut shell blaster or other chemical cleaning method.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rod Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic failure of the bearings connecting the crankshaft to the pistons.
  • Solution: Engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Shift Cable Bushing Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause difficulty shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace the shift cable bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Master Cylinder Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause a spongy clutch pedal or difficulty disengaging the clutch.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause shuddering, slipping, or loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause erratic shifting, transmission overheating, or loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Ball Joint Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause clunking noises while driving, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the electric motor that operates the power windows.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause battery draining and difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Lifting Targa Top Struts:
  • Description/Symptoms: Struts responsible for lifting the targa top can fail.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Gauge Cluster Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges on the cluster may become intermittent or fail completely.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Unit Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Controls for the climate control system may stop working or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is generally considered a reliable vehicle with relatively minor issues. However, some owners have reported engine failures due to rod bearing problems, which can be a costly repair. Other issues can include transmission problems, electrical failures, and interior malfunctions. The severity of these issues varies depending on the specific problem, but many of the issues can be resolved with relatively affordable repairs.