1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“car has had multiple airbag lights come on I have fixed them all I cannot buy parts to fix my airbag new so I have to go and find used parts that just keep breaking I know many people with this problem almost every owner of one of these cars has this exact problem”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2022
“Dt*: 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.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2006
“Gear gets stuck in reverse. Also, vehicle is placed in neutral and foot is released from the accelerator pedal vehicle will roll backwards. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“When it rains enough to generate some standing water on the road, the brakes may not work at all for a couple seconds after applied.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2001
“When pressing on brakes there be no difference in brake lights and tail lights. Consumer feels brake lights are not bright enough. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2000
“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.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2000
“While driving with seat belt oon consumer rear ended a vehicle that had stopped for another vehicle.consumer was traveling about 20 mph, and airbags did not deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 1999
“Owner speaks portuguese. Vehicle would not shift into reverse shifted in neutral and surged. Stems from backup light cable that goes into transmission. Tt”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 1995
“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.*ak”Owner report · Power Train
“Consumer noticed that while traveling air bag indication light flashed . Dealer and manufacturer have been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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Is the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.