Check a VIN

1990 Mazda MPV problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Mazda MPV is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical MPV model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
46
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
25
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
16-19mpg

The worst 1990 Mazda MPV problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    13
  • Brakes
    8
  • Seat belts
    7
  • Engine
    5
  • Suspension
    5
  • Body
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Mazda MPV

Transmission failure 5

Recalls 3

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported October 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

Recall number 15V674000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported May 24, 1995 · 360,433 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.

Recall number 95V103005 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/liningsReported February 27, 1992 · 95,074 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The rear brake linings can change over time. As the brakes wear, the coefficient of friction can increase, producing inconsistent rear brake performance and premature activation of the ABS system.
Risk
Inconsistent braking and premature activation of the abssystem can cause sudden stops or increased braking distances, and result inincreased risk of vehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the rear brake assemblies with assemblies whose friction characteristics do not change. This will reduce the risk of premature ABS system activation.

Recall number 92V027000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1990 Mazda MPV

Defect investigations

Takata seat belt buckle failureOpened March 10, 1995, closed August 1, 1995

There is no summary currently available

EA95005

Inconsist.brk performanceOpened February 3, 1992, closed March 16, 1992

There is no summary currently available

EA92008

Inconsistent brake performOpened October 1, 1991, closed February 3, 1992

===

PE91134

Throttle stickingOpened June 18, 1991, closed October 21, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91088

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Mazda MPV 25

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 25 bulletins for the 1990 Mazda MPV

1990 Mazda MPV fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.6L 4‑cylRWD17-182219
3.0L 6‑cylRWD15-162017-18
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD14-151816

What 1990 Mazda MPV owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Airbags · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 mazda mpv. The contact stated while driving, he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no police report filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 27, 2003 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · MI · crash

Vehicle was idling in driveway while I was checking transmission fluid level. Suddenly, it drove away in reverse, crossed the street and went down another driveway crashing into the corner of a garage. It then went across another back yard and crashed into the side of another garage. The police were notified and a report was made.

Filed Apr 3, 2003 · Suspension · 114,000 miles · OH

The rear sway bar failed. Mr scc

Filed Jun 23, 2002 · Transmission · HI

The automatic transmission failed, consumer would like to know if there is any similar complaint on this issue.

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Brakes · WI

While driving in all wheel drive mode the ABS sensor failed causing the vehicle to suddenly come to a stop. Nlm

Filed Oct 29, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Three times since this I purchased this car the automatic transmission has failed and required a total replacement. On each occasion I have requested some information about what might be causing these failures. Each time I was told it was just normal wear and tear. I drive mostly on freeways and conservitivily and do not believe this is normal.

Filed Dec 28, 1999 · Engine, Visibility · AZ

Engine head gasket/ water pum, and heater core failed 3 times, smoke from the engine..

Filed Dec 28, 1999 · Engine · AZ

It is not reiable vehicle for me, speacilly if there is a kid. No safety defect (s) listed in summary.

Filed Dec 6, 1999 · KS

Paint is peeling in sheets on front bumper, hood, back bumper, tailgate and roof of car.

Filed Sep 15, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed after first overhaul. Nlm

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Mazda MPV before you buy

Compare the 1990 Mazda MPV

Other model years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006

Questions about the 1990 Mazda MPV

Is the 1990 Mazda MPV reliable?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 1990 Mazda MPV, fewer than a typical MPV model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Mazda MPV?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 13 complaints. Next is brakes (8).

How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda MPV have?

3 recalls, covering electrical system, seat belts and service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Mazda MPV get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Mazda MPV range from 16 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.6L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 22 highway.

Share your experience with the 1990 Mazda MPV

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1990 Mazda MPV?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN