How my 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5 has ruined cars for me (Read last paragraph first long).

[smyb1953]

Yes that's the spot. It is really obvious what is occurring, basically when the top is down in the plastic storage area the top rubs up against itself. I think something must be a little out of alignment because there isn't a whole lot of room in that car to begin with. After reading around the forums though I can find about 10 people who have had the same issue. 5 where they replaced the top. It is more than frustrating to first have Mazda pawn the issue off on me, then find out it is happening to others and they were lying to me. Both the lady I spoke with from Mazdacare and my Service Adviser said there was only one other car in the country with the same issue. This is a Mazda issue too, I feel like the dealership could be more proactive but they aren't the ones denying there is a problem basically Mazda has just kept me waiting for 2 months now while they "look" into it. I am beginning to think they are doing it on purpose because it has cost over 3k every time they have to replace the top, if the car kept having the same problem it has been having and they fixed it in a timely manner it would be on it's 4th top.

[luckyjack51]

To smyb1953. I noticed top wear on my ND after about 8 months but only 5,000 miles. It occurs in two spots, one on either side, where the top rubs on the seam that runs alone each side of the top. When folded these two spots occupy the same space and rub. I suspect it is vibration (as well as the obvious contact) as the cause. At first glance it appears the top might have been just barely cut by a sharp implement. However, the other side is identical. Examination near the base (back) of the top shows an identical wear mark (or witness mark, if you prefer) to that mark on the same side roughly above the seats.

My dealer in the DFW Tx area didn't balk a bit, and for that I am happy. They immediately ordered a new top, for which I am waiting. They indicated wait time was about 1 month but noted they weren't exactly sure.

For what it is worth, this is a first year model and one should expect design problems on any first year or first run of virtually anything. I work in the aircraft industry and there has never been a flawless entry to service of any aircraft I know.

Keep working on them at the dealer you deal with. Keep working with Mazda. Above all, keep working with any and all Miata enthusiast groups you can as there is where the real knowledge lies. Most things will get sorted out in time and with more effort than you probably want to put into it, but then that is the way love works -- and a bunch of folks have a real love affair with their little Miata (including me.)