Mazda Miata NB (1999–2005)
Year-by-year changes, special editions and recalls for the Mazda Miata NB, each with its source. The full buyer + owner report is in research and will cost $20 one-time. See what's in a report.
Year by year
- 1999 10th Anniversary: first 6-speed Miata
- 7,500 built worldwide (3,000 for the US), Sapphire Blue Mica, 6-speed manual with 3.9 Torsen, numbered badge, polished 15 inch wheels. Source: wikipedia.org, redlineautoparts.com, hagerty.com.
- NB size and weight
- Wheelbase 89.4 in, length about 155 in, width 66.1 in; a minimum-option 2001 weighs about 2,348 lb and a 1999 tested at 2,327 lb. Source: wikipedia.org, theautochannel.com.
- NB = reworked NA tub, 1999-2005, no 1998 model in the US
- The NB keeps the NA's basic structure and many bolt-on parts but adds fixed headlights, a new interior, a glass rear window and a stiffer body. US production of the NB totals 290,123 versus 431,506 NAs. Source: hagerty.com, help.flyinmiata.com, redlineautoparts.com.
- 2000: LS trim arrives, Special Edition in Mahogany
- Power steering, power windows and a Nardi wheel became standard; the new LS bundled leather, Bose and (on manuals) the Torsen LSD. The 2000 SE used the 6-speed and 3.9 Torsen. Source: redlineautoparts.com, onallcylinders.com.
- 2001 NB2: VVT engine, stiffer body, optional 11 inch brakes
- The BP-Z3 engine adds variable valve timing and 10.0:1 compression for 142 hp and 125 lb-ft. Bending rigidity rose 16 percent and torsional rigidity 22 percent; new headlights, interior and gauges; immobilizer added. Source: auto123.com, wikipedia.org, redlineautoparts.com, help.flyinmiata.com, fueleconomy.gov.
- 2004-05 non-turbo changes are mostly trim
- 2004 brought Azure Blue packages, tougher cloth and windblocker speakers; 2005 brought the folding switchblade key. Mechanically the 2003-05 NA cars are the same. Source: redlineautoparts.com, flyinmiata.com.
Recalls
- 00V032000: 1999 fuel filler valve sticks
- About 22,000 1999 Miatas: the non-return valve at the bottom of the filler pipe can stick, making refueling hard and causing fuel spit-back. Dealers fit a modified valve. Years: 1999. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.
- 98V066000: 1999 injector harness can short and stall the engine
- About 8,000 1999 Miatas with the 1.8: the injector harness can touch the manifold at the EGR pipe, short, blow the injector fuse and stall the engine. Dealers reroute or replace the harness. Years: 1999. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.
- 03V206000: 2001-03 fog light socket can fall into the bumper
- Fog light heat can push the socket holder out of the lamp; the bulb and harness can drop inside the bumper and, rarely, scorch it. Dealers fit a retaining spring. Years: 2001-2003. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.
Check a specific car with our VIN decoder or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The full Mazda Miata NB report
$20 one-time. In research. Not on sale yet. It covers:
- Verdict: Score dashboard: reliability, running cost, rust risk, parts supply; Best and worst years; Price bands by condition
- Buy: Failure atlas: every known issue ranked by cost × likelihood, with walk away / negotiate / ignore verdicts; Rust map; Printable pre-purchase inspection and test-drive script
- Own: First 90 days: what to fix first; Real-world maintenance schedule and cheat sheet; DIY job cards
- Build: Mod-readiness scorecard; Tiered build paths with budgets; Swaps, interchange and wheel/tire fitment
- Track: What breaks on track; Safety and tech inspection; Prep by level and setup baseline
Free tools for your Miata
- VIN Decoder & Recall CheckConfirm the year and engine, see recalls.
- Tire Date CodeOld-but-shiny tires are common on garage queens.
- Wheel Offset CalculatorPoke and inner clearance before you buy wheels.
- Gear Ratio CalculatorSee what a final-drive or tire change does.
Sources on this page: api.nhtsa.gov (7), redlineautoparts.com (6), wikipedia.org (3), help.flyinmiata.com (3), hagerty.com (2), onallcylinders.com (1), auto123.com (1), fueleconomy.gov (1), flyinmiata.com (1), theautochannel.com (1). Facts with unverified numbers are left off. Sources last checked October 8, 2026.