1990 Mazda MPV
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 66 |
| 1992 | 61 |
| 1993 | 51 |
| 1994 | 36 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1996 | 18 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 19 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 149 |
| 2001 | 70 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 113 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2006 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031127
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE ON SNOW/ICE, RESULTING IN 3 ACCIDENTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950216
4% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
INJURY4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE SHOE/DRUM LINING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING PBRAKES TO FAIL 8 TIMES PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT (92V-027). *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950323
SAFETY TIMELINE
THROTTLE STICKING
INCONSISTENT BRAKE PERFORM
INCONSIST.BRK PERFORMANCE
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WITH ASSEMBLIES WHOSE FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS DO NOT CHANGE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF PREMATURE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATION.
Campaign 92V027000 — check if this car was fixed
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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
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 A
Campaign 95V103005 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V027000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103005 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Mazda MPV reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mazda MPV is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda MPV?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda MPV have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.