1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 0 recalls, 28 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 28 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 16 MX-5 Miata model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2000 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (21 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata problems?
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (6), seat belts (6), airbags (6).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.