Shortly after the release of the ND a number of apparently common issues were reported.
It was said that hoods were rubbing against the roll over hoops, thereby scuffing both the hood and roof interior accordingly. The problem whilst common did not affect every car. Reports of dealers addressing the issue by installing spacers were made. I’d like to know if Mazda have amended their manufacturing processes to eradicate the issue or, does it still exist in cars currently being manufactured.
Again, it was widely said that those ND models with leather seats, frequently suffered from unsightly indentations quickly appearing in the seats. Various owners reported that dealers were reluctant to address such occurrences as a warranty issue. Similarly, I’d like to know whether or not manufacture amendments have been made to solve the issue.
More recently, I’ve read reports which suggest gear box failures are emerging at a level which is cause for concern. I’d like to hear from anyone with informed knowledge on this matter.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Happy motoring to all.
Hi Countryboy, a recent post on this forum first alerted me to the apparent gearbox issue. Then it was said that gearbox failures were known to be common particulary amongst the community racing ND’s. I then goggled the issue and found various reports accordingly. Hope tis is of assistance.
To be honest guys due to the high level of forum users with MX5’s who have purchaed the cars with their money. We are getting more warranty problems reported than say some Euro box models that are more run of the mill company reps cars where the user just phones the contract hire company and say can you give me another car as this one is off the road.
There are lots of other cars with mechanical issues like Range Rover Sports blowing their turbo charged engines on the first day of use.
Which brings to mind the old adage - “Don’t but a new car in it’s first year of release.” Fortunately most niggles have only appeared on here, but as always, it’s a small sample of cars in global circulation. Gearbox failures can be expected in the racing community, they get a lot more stick than ordinary road cars do. As for seat wear - no reports so far on here, but same things apply. Despite using a race harness, G forces are much greater on a race circuit, so I’d expect more seat wear than using a car on the road. Having said that, I imagine most drivers will change the seat first for a race type, so I wouldn’t expect a race driver to sit happily on a leather seat. Horses for courses.
There has been the odd comment about paint quality, but that one’s been kicked around for years, motto - NEVER using a high pressure washer on a car. The penchant for driving on B roads doesn’t help either - stay off 'em. If you want to enjoy twisties at speed- do the 'ring, or any race track. Tracks are cleaner than B roads and safer.
My own concern about the ND is the report Drumtochty made a while ago, where paint seems a bit thin in places that matter underneath the car, other than that, no reports of any major problems on here. I’d suggest as he has said, a look round other forums will balance the equation favorably for the ND over other makes. Me- despite past problems with the NBFL*, I still think Mazda turn out a very good car. Fiat also think so! As did Ford, when they bought shares in the company - fortunately that period is over now.
Clutch - not attributable to Mazda, but an outside supplier, who took three years to get it right. Rust? - fingers are often pointed at the NB, but if you stay off salted roads, then it’s less of a problem. However, if you want a light sportscar that doesn’t rust, look for either an aluminium body, or carbon fibre,
either of which will cost - at a guess - three times more, at least. Few to pick from. Morgan is perhaps the exception, if you don’t mind driving on a wooden chassis frame and waiting for over twelve months, for a car designed with a retro look - unlike previous models, which did look like pre war sportscars and not '50’s updates. They aren’t cheap as chips either.
I really don’t understand the complaints about the leather seats in the ND. I really don’t care if the seat squabs look a little baggy, you can’t see them when you are sat on them! For me the ND leather seats are very comfortable, much more in fact than they were in my NC (without sagging, golly!). I can drive for 7 hours in my ND without any back pain whilst I got back pain in my NC after 2 hours driving. Which would you rather have, comfort whilst driving or immaculate tautness of your (car) seat whilst you stand and gaze at the car with the door open? Seems no competition to me!
Some 2.0 ND’s have experienced 2nd or 3rd gear failures, mainly in the US, statistically a small sample. Racing, Autocrossing seems to feature in some of the failures. There was a recent report of a 1.5 in Japan that had been raced having a failure, only report of a 1.5 having that trouble to date that I have seen and I have somewhat of a vested interest
2nd and 3rd gears have been redesigned and feature from late 2016 manufactured models.
Many many more ND’s haven’t had failures and any ND will be well inside its warranty period, I’ve got 22 months to go and will continue to enjoy the best MX-5 yet
