1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 21%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 21% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles.
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.
“The contact stated while shifting from 5th gear or reverse to neutral, the transmission would go into reverse. An independent repair shop determined the swing arm was bad on the vehicle and should be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10168563, filed 2006-09, 105,000 miles“Vehicle will lock into reverse while in neutral gear due to a mechanical problem in transmission. Mazda sent out TSB, but defect still exists. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #874291, filed 2000-11“Owner speaks portuguese. Vehicle would not shift into reverse shifted in neutral and surged. Stems from backup light cable that goes into transmission. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #961154, filed 1995-03Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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 30, 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