Engine began running badly and check engine light came on. Took to Mazda dealer shop and was told a spark plug wire was defective and burned up. In actuality, the ignition coil had failed and caused the problems. The dealer replaced spark plugs, ignition wires, and coil. Two months later the check engine light came on again and the catalytic converter was clogged and had to be replaced. The mechanic said it was due to the poor running during the time when the ignition coil had been misfiring. So the defective coil caused a great deal of damage, and Mazda has taken no responsibility for these defective parts or the damage they have caused. If you read complaints for 1999 models, you'll see many failures of the ignition coil, some causing damage to other parts costing a great deal of money. Apparently, similar coils were used on 2000's with similar failures. But no recall and no investigation.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA