- 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
1990 Mazda MPV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 1990 Mazda MPV with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (14) and the brakes (9). Those complaints describe 10 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1989 has 23 and the 1991 has 67.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical MPV year, for its age
#33 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 10
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Mazda MPV problems
Share of all 49 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Mazda MPV recalls 3
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
- 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.
- The risk
- Inconsistent braking and premature activation of the abssystem can cause sudden stops or increased braking distances, and result inincreased risk of vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Replace the rear brake assemblies with assemblies whose friction characteristics do not change. This will reduce the risk of premature abs system activation.
What owners say
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49 complaints about the 1990 Mazda MPV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
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.
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. *La
THE REAR SWAY BAR FAILED. MR SCC *JB
The automatic transmission failed, consumer would like to know if there is any similar complaint on this issue. *Yd
While driving in all wheel drive mode the abs sensor failed causing the vehicle to suddenly come to a stop. Nlm
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.
Engine head gasket/ water pum, and heater core failed 3 times, smoke from the engine..
It is not reiable vehicle for me, speacilly if there is a kid. No safety defect (s) listed in summary. *Ak
Paint is peeling in sheets on front bumper, hood, back bumper, tailgate and roof of car.
TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER FIRST OVERHAUL. NLM
The vehicle was involved in an accident. The vehicle was hit from behind while making a left hand turn into a parking lot. The body left side window broke. Also, child safety seat was forward facing. *Ak the collision caused the side window on the driver's side to shatter. The consumer is concerned because tempered glass was suppose to shatter into small pieces, but it did not. *Yh *nlm
I have noticed a number of mpv vans on the road with the same flaking paint on the hood.*Ak
Vehicle experienced smoke and gas smell from engine which may cause a fire. Cause unknown. Please provide further information. *Ak
TIRES FAILED.DUNLOP SP SPORT D31J P215/65R15.
Recalls 95v103005/92v027000; motorized seat belts and brake linings. This vehicle was purchased used and there are two recalls listed. But the dealer said that the recalls had been done, and the previous owner said that the recalls had not been taken care off. The vehicle is experiencing the recall problems. *Ak
Vehicle has peeling paint on the hood. Owner has noticed the same problem with other mazda mpv's as well. *Ml
While parked on an incline with ignition off, gear indicating the park position, ten year old son was able to force the gear from park down to low and into drive, vehicle rolled about about 3 feet, crashing into another vehicle. The problem was reported to manufacturer. *Ak *jb
HEATER FAN RELAY CONSTANTLY FAILS. *AK
Transmission cooling unit rubber hose ruptured, causing it to leak fluid all over engine. *Ak
REAR/MIDDLE SEAT BELTS DO NOT STAYED FASTENED.
The fuel emission system liquid vapor vent had to be replaced because of a crack which caused a leakage problem and odor/fumes. Please describe details. *Ak
ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP IN COLD WEATHER.
Parking brake slipped, causing vehicle to roll back/accident.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
Whens itting at a stop light or stop sign, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control due to ashorted out oxygen sensor. *Ak
Mazda MPV: every year compared
All MPV years1990 Mazda MPV vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Mazda MPV | 49 | 3 | C | |
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 45 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda Protege | 38 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 28 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 19 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda B-Series Truck | 16 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-6 | 14 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 929 | 13 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda Miata | 3 | 2 | F | 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 1990 Mazda MPV
Does the 1990 Mazda MPV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1990 Mazda MPV: switch (October 2015); buckle assembly (May 1995); shoes / linings (February 1992). 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 1990 Mazda MPV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (14), brakes (9), seats & seat belts (8).
How many complaints has the 1990 Mazda MPV had?
49 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 31, 1994 and the latest on March 30, 2016. Of these, 10 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Mazda MPV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 1990 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