1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 29 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 14 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
6 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and front.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver's side seat belt fails to latch it often takes multiple attempts to cause it to hold.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-08
Consumer noticed frontal seat belts will not lock in place. Dealer and manufaturer had been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-30
Air bags
6 of 28 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Violent deployment of air bag resulting in severe injury to consumers. (Attorney for consumers).
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-27
In a vehicle collision from the front and rear at high speeds the air bag did not deploy. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-27
Consumer noticed that while traveling air bag indication light flashed . Dealer and manufacturer have been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-30
Power train
6 of 28 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Service brakes
3 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Www.southbaymazda.com hawthorne blvd. X atresia blvd manhattan beach ca 91246-0762 3103235712 fax
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-18
Also filed under Seats and vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.