2001 MAZDA MIATA User Comment / Complaint

The soft top (convertible top) latch can snap open at highway speeds and can tear off the top. for the affected vehicle the driver can be significantly distracted and can be hit by the flapping top. other vehicles behind the impacted car can be hit by flying debris as the top tears off. mazda has known about the problem and issued a techincal safety bulletin, but they never made owners aware of the potential latch failure. they will only replace the latches when the vehicle is under warranty. many of impacted vehicles have latch failures after the warranty is expired and the repair can run up to $500.