Recall: fog light bulb holder can come loose (2001-03)
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What causes "Recall: fog light bulb holder can come loose (2001-03)" on the Mazda Miata NB (1999-2005 US model years), and how is it fixed?
On 2001-03 Miatas (and some other Mazdas), the socket holder for the fog light bulb can separate, and the loose bulb's heat can, rarely, melt or burn the bumper cover. Fix: Check by VIN; dealers added a retaining spring.
Symptoms
Fog light flickers or goes out; in rare cases heat damage to the bumper around the light.
Cause
On 2001-03 Miatas (and some other Mazdas), the socket holder for the fog light bulb can separate, and the loose bulb's heat can, rarely, melt or burn the bumper cover.
Fix (summary)
Check by VIN; dealers added a retaining spring. Only cars with fog lights are affected.
Related build entries
Other NB problems
- NB1 ignition coil packs wear out and can damage the cat
- Thrust-bearing failure in some 1999-2000 cars
- Clutch chatter in 2001 and some 2002 cars
- Plastic radiator end tanks go brittle; airflow blockage
- Corroded coolant mixing-manifold elbow (NB1)
- Crank and cam position sensor problems
More for this car
- All Mazda Miata NB (1999-2005 US model years) fitment answers · NB common problems
- Guide: Miata NA/NB wheel fitment guide: bolt pattern, offsets, 15x8 sizes and brake clearance
- Guide: Miata NA/NB hardtop fitment guide: NA vs NB, OEM vs aftermarket, latches and seals
- Guide: Miata NA vs NB: differences, known problems and which parts swap
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 03V-206 (2001-03 Miata and others: fog light socket holder) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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