MYRModel Year Report

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata

○ Not enough data
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
RENDERED 2026-09-16T12:13:20.460Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda MX-5 Miata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1990: 28 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 8 complaints 1994: 18 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 29 complaints 1996 1997: 11 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 74 complaints 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 20 complaints 2002 2003: 14 complaints 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005
1990: 28 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199028
199121
199222
19938
199418
199530
199629
199711
19981
199974
200029
200122
200220
200314
20048
20054

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. *LA

NHTSA ODI report, 20031008

CONSUMER NOTICED FRONTAL SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. DEALER AND MANUFATURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030630

AIR BAGS

6 of 28 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY TO CONSUMERS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMERS).

NHTSA ODI report, 19981127

IN A VEHICLE COLLISION FROM THE FRONT AND REAR AT HIGH SPEEDS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950627

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AIR BAG INDICATION LIGHT FLASHED . DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030630

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.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WWW.SOUTHBAYMAZDA.COM HAWTHORNE BLVD. X ATRESIA BLVD MANHATTAN BEACH CA 91246-0762 3103235712 FAX

NHTSA ODI report, 20210418

Also filed under SEATS and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.