← Mazda Miata NB (1999-2005 US model years) problems

Thrust-bearing failure in some 1999-2000 cars

Confirmed · Severity: Medium · Years: 1999-2000

Symptoms

Rattle with the clutch pedal depressed or when revving.

Cause

Road & Track reports thrust-bearing failure in a few cars and a service bulletin; a second source also lists it.

Fix (summary)

Most have probably been repaired; listen for rattle on a test drive.

Sources

• Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Second-Gen Mazda Miata — Road & Track (Jun 2016) (editorial; read 2026-10-15; full page read)

  “Known problems include thrust-bearing failure in a few 1999-2000 models”

• Miata problems/maintenance by year — miatayear.com (editorial; read 2026-10-15; search excerpt only)

Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.