1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 14%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 14% of the 28 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Mfg recommended 60,000 mi timing belt was changed at 59,000 mi... All routine maintenance performed per mfg specs. Failure of crankshaft is known mfg defect in 1990 and early 1991 models. Later models have modified crankshaft with no known failures. Repair estimate from local Mazda dealership is $3,700.00 for a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #724598, filed 2000-06Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 38% |
| 2002 | 2 | 10% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 11 | 15% |
| 1997 | 1 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology