1990 Mazda MPV Problems
- Complaints
- 47filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 134,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.6L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Mazda MPV (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1990 Mazda MPV. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 13 complaints (28% of the total), followed by brakes (8) and seat belts (7). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 134,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 6 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the shoes/linings and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes8 17%
- Seat belts7 15%
- Engine cooling5 11%
- Suspension5 11%
- Electrical system3 6.4%
- Body and structure3 6.4%
- Other or unknown2 4.3%
- Air bags1 2.1%
Also reported: Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10047682, filed 2003-11, 154,000 milesBrakes: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #822187, filed 1998-08Engine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #812113, filed 1997-05Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 114,000 and 154,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Mazda MPV version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPV RWD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| MPV RWD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| MPV RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| MPV RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| MPV 4x4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| MPV 4x4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V674000Oct 19, 2015Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Mazda MPV 1989–1998, Protege 1990–1998, 626 1993–1998 +4 more
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…
- 95V103005May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Mazda MPV 1989–1991, 929 1988–1991, MX-6 1988–1989 +1 more
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.
- 92V027000Feb 27, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/liningsCovers: Mazda MPV 1990–1991
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.
Recall details for the 1990 Mazda MPV → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92008Inconsist.brk performanceClosed · Feb 3, 1992
- PE91134Inconsistent brake performClosed · Oct 1, 1991
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 6 on record; the latest 6 are shown.
- 10153339Jan 14, 2019Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018Vehicle speed control, Equipment. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10213425Feb 17, 2016Electrical system. Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10098367Aug 15, 2014Equipment. In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer is…
Other model years of the Mazda MPV
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 12 | 38,944 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 36 | 53,414 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 71 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 113 | 37,586 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 124 | 60,950 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 70 | 71,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 149 | 75,827 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 19 | 113,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 22 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 18 | 122,795 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 19 | 132,500 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 36 | 125,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 51 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 61 | 142,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 66 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 47 | 134,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | — | 5 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
All Mazda MPV model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Mazda MPV have?
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1990 Mazda MPV as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Mazda MPV is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 13 complaints (28% of the total), followed by brakes with 8.
Has the 1990 Mazda MPV been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Mazda MPV get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Mazda MPV (MPV, 2.6L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Mazda MPV reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 134,000 miles and the middle half falls between 114,000 and 154,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.