- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Mazda MPV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 1989 Mazda MPV with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (9) and the fuel system (4). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 3 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1990 has 49.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical MPV year, for its age
#53 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Mazda MPV problems
Share of all 23 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Mazda MPV recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- When applying the foot (service) brake in the low vehicle speed condition, the braking power produced may be more than expected.
- The risk
- The unexpected braking power could result in rear brakelockup and the vehicle becoming difficult to control.
- The fix
- Replace brake shoe assembly with improved assembly.
- The problem
- When the vehicle is exposed to temperatures below 5 degrees fahrenheit (-15 degrees c), the neutral detergent used as an assembly lubricant may stick to the check valve, preventing valve from functioning.
- The risk
- This could cause an inoperative brake power assist whichdescreases braking ability, and presents a potential for an accident.
- The fix
- REPLACE VACUUM HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- The problem
- The center safety belt attachment hardware brackets for the third seat may not withstand the specified tensile load.
- The risk
- VANS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210
- The fix
- REPLACE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH BRACKETS.
What owners say
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23 complaints about the 1989 Mazda MPV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the fuel tank had crack causing fluid to leak out and consumer can strongly smell gas fumes inside the vehicle dealer notified. Nlm
Consumer was driving on wet roads and on a turn vehicle slid and filpped over and ran into a tree. But, seat belts did not hold in place. Has not contacted dealership.*Ak
Dealerships have provided no satisfactory resolution. No safety defect (s) listed in summary.
2 Point seat belt for middle seat failed after factory replacement. Yh
Engine stumbles on acceleration from a stop when the engine is on lean part of rich lean cycle and may cut off until the accelerator is released and pressed again.
TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING SLIPPAGE.
Engine cylinder head failed for no apparent reason. *Ak
Recall 95v103005 regarding seat elt buckles, consumer stated that he set an appointment with dealer one year ago and as of yet they haven't received the parts to fix vehicle. *Ak
FUEL INJECTOR STICKS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.
While driving, experiences excessive wear to pads and warping of rotors, causing pedal pulsation when make attempt to slow/stop.*Ak
CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. *DSH
Dealer does not have parts to repair recall no 95v03005. *Ak
Abs system malfunctions, resulting in no braking ability, pedal gets hard, replaced/repaired several parts of the system, to no avail. *Ak
The fuel injector is leaking gas through the electrical conector. Please describe.
Passenger side seat belt does not work. Please give more details. *Ak
Brakes do not work-consumer's wife had accident hitting another auto from rear because auto would not stop. Tt
While in an accident the front seats fell backwards. Please describe. Tt
Planetary gears failed because of lack of lubrication. Tt
Center seatbelt when position in its smallest length, does not fit a child safety seat, improperly adjusted. Tt
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, BROKEN BELT BUCKLE. TT
Drivers seat belt no longer works, seems to buckle but is not actually locked. Tt
AIR CONDITION FUSE BLOWS WHEN IN USE. TT
Vehicle not equipped with a reinforcement bar, causing excessive damage when struck from rear. *Aw
Mazda MPV: every year compared
All MPV years1989 Mazda MPV vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Mazda MPV | 23 | 5 | B | |
| 1989 Mazda 626 | 42 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 38 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda 929 | 37 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda RX7 | 31 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda MX6 | 28 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda B2200 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Protege | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Mazda | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Mazda MPV
Does the 1989 Mazda MPV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1989 Mazda MPV: switch (October 2015); buckle assembly (May 1995); drum (September 1991); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (January 1991) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mazda MPV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (9), fuel system (4), brakes (3).
How many complaints has the 1989 Mazda MPV had?
23 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 28, 1994 and the latest on October 2, 2002. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Mazda MPV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mazda MPV year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda MPV years have the most complaints?
2000 (149), 2002 (125), 2003 (114). See every Mazda MPV year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Mazda MPV has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data