1990 Mazda 929 problems

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1990 Mazda 929

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Common 1990 Mazda 929 problems

The Mazda 929, introduced in 1990, is known for its luxury features and high-tech engineering. However, as with any car, there are common issues and complaints that arise from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the 1990 Mazda 929:

  • Dual Franchise Dealerships: Mazda depended on dual franchise dealerships in the 1990s, which often had other brands and were not prepared to sell luxury cars like the 929. This meant that dealers often focused on selling more popular models like the GLC and 626, and were not prepared to support luxury buyers. This lack of support and attention from dealers could lead to problems with maintenance and repairs.
  • Rusting Welch Plugs: One common issue with the 1990 Mazda 929 is rusting welch plugs, which can cause leaks and other problems with the engine . This issue can be particularly challenging to fix, as it requires removing the welch plug and replacing it with a new one.
  • Throttle Response: Some owners of the 1990 Mazda 929 have reported issues with throttle response, particularly when the throttle is depressed more than halfway. This can cause the transmission to shift poorly or not at all, leading to a loss of power and performance.
  • Unobtanium Parts: Another common issue with the 1990 Mazda 929 is the lack of availability of certain parts, which can make repairs and maintenance more difficult and expensive. This is particularly true for high-tech or luxury features, which may no longer be in production or may be difficult to find.

In summary, the 1990 Mazda 929 is a high-tech luxury car that can be prone to certain issues and complaints. These include high maintenance and repair costs, lack of support from dealers, rusting welch plugs, poor throttle response, and unobtanium parts. While these issues can be challenging to address, they are not uncommon for cars in this class, and many owners have found ways to maintain and repair their 929s with patience and persistence.

1990 Mazda 929 engine

What engine does a Mazda 929 have?

The JE is a 3.0 L (2,954 cc) SOHC 18 valve V6 used in the 1989-1998 Mazda MPV and 1988-1991 Mazda 929, and produced 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) and 165 lb⋅ft (224 N⋅m) of torque. A JE-ZE DOHC variant was in the 1990-1995 Mazda 929 S, producing 203 hp (151 kW; 206 PS). Applications: 1989-1998 Mazda MPV.

What car replaced the Mazda 929?

The 929 was replaced by the Mazda Millenia as the flagship sedan, but the Millenia is front-wheel drive.

Was the Mazda 929 RWD?

1996 Mazda 929 3.0L Sedan RWD.

What year did they stop making Mazda 929?

The Mazda 929 is a full-size car which was sold by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda between 1973 and 1997. Mazda used the 929 nameplate for export markets only, badge engineering its Luce model until 1991 and then transferring the name to export specification Sentia models.

1990 Mazda 929 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda 929 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda 929 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Mazda 929 complaints

The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda 929.

1999-09-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ENGINE IS HESITATING AS IF IN NEUTRAL DUE TO TRANSMISIION SLIPPING. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. *AK
1997-03-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1HC224XL0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES PULSATE DUE TO WARPED ROTORS CAUSED BY HEAT. *AK
1997-01-10

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-11
  • VIN: JM1HC2242L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BEEN WAITING 6 MONTHS FOR PART THAT DEALER SAYS IS ON BACK ORDER FROM MANUFACTURER. 95V103005. RAY GROSS MOTORS 318 828 1170. *AK
1996-12-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1HC2246L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE ROTORS WARPED, CAUSING BRAKES/FRONT END TO VIBRATE. 8AK
1996-08-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-04
  • VIN: JN1HC2248LO
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER SPOKE WITH ROBERT MOULDER ON 4-11-96. IN REFERENCE TO RECALL 95V-103.005 REGARDING SEAT BELT BUCKLE. CONSUMER HAS NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS.*AK
1996-04-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1HC2244L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS PASSIVE RESTRAINT WHEN SHUTTING AND OPENING IMMEDIATELY SOME OCCASIONS, WILL TIGHTEN AROUND DRIVERS NECK. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996-03-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1HC2244LO
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DOES NOT RELEASE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1995-03-06

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-12
  • VIN: JM1HC2245L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE PLASTIC RELEASE BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH. TT
1995-02-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-23
  • VIN: JM1HC2225L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT/REAR BRAKE PADS.
1995-02-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-23
  • VIN: JM1HC2225L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: RESURFACED FRONT/REAR BRAKE ROTORS.
1995-02-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-23
  • VIN: JM1HC2225L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: REPLACED LEAKING LEFT FRONT CALIPER. *AK
1995-02-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-09
  • VIN: JM1HC2225L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: LEAKY CALIPER/WORN BRAKE PADS. *TW
1995-01-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: JM1HC2248L0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD/HEAD GASKET CRACKED. *AK
1995-01-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS A STOP IMPACT 6:00 POSITION SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT CAUSING INJURIES. TT
1994-11-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-28
  • VIN: JM1HC2244L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PADS DESIGNED WITHOUT ASBESTOS, CAUSE ROTORS TO WARP PREMATURELY, RESULTING IN VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. *SKD

1990 Mazda 929 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda 929.

1995-05-24
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Negative 1990 Mazda 929 car reviews

  1. Erich Mills 2025-01-08

    After 13 years, it's experiencing some issues, but they are just some things that can't be avoided with time, except for the brakes wearing out so often.

  2. Elmo Gerlach 2025-01-02

    I must say, you have a really well-made car! Your 929 DOHC hardtop from 1990 has travelled 114000km on some pretty rough outback Australian roads, and yet it doesn't have a single rattle or squeak. That's a testament to the build quality! The engine runs like a Swiss watch, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. The only downside is that it could use more headroom, but that's a minor issue for an otherwise excellent car that can be purchased for a great price!

Positive 1990 Mazda 929 car reviews

  1. Virgil Hodkiewicz 2024-04-19

    This car is amazing! The ride is so comfortable and the space is great. It's been such a reliable vehicle and I'm sad to see it go. I've been searching for a new car, but it's been tough finding one that compares. I really think Mazda deserves more credit for creating such a fantastic car.

  2. Lavern Ruecker 2024-02-02

    Hi there! I bought this car as a second vehicle and it has been a great addition to my daily routine. I use it for my 48-mile roundtrip commute and it has been a reliable companion. I was lucky enough to purchase it from an elderly gentleman who had taken excellent care of it. The car was in fantastic shape and even had a fresh paint job! However, there was one issue that he was unable to resolve. The car had very rough shifts, especially from 1st to 2nd gear. I took it to a transmission specialist who quickly identified the problem as the throttle positioning sensor. After replacing it for about $200, the car runs smoothly without any rough shifts or smoke. I must say, the car has a very comfortable ride and it's perfect for me at 6'2

  3. Casper Blick 2024-01-16

    The 929S is a fantastic car for the price, offering sporty and sleek design, nimble handling, and impressive reliability. It's a great option for those who want a BMW without breaking the bank, as it costs around $20K compared to the BMW5 series which costs over $30K. It's been my trusty companion for 12 years, but unfortunately, it's time for me to consider moving on. Although I would love to do a complete restoration, as a working man who needs a car for my daily commute, I simply don't have the time.

  4. Domenico Miller 2024-01-08

    My white 88 929 was my first car and I had it for two years. It had 97000 miles when I bought it. I just traded it in on a newer Mazda Millenia, but I will definitely miss it. It was everything I wanted in a car and more. It was extremely comfortable for long trips. Although it may not have been the most stylish car for young people, anyone who ever rode in it appreciated its quality and design. Even though it wasn't new, it was still the nicest car in my high school parking lot, way better than a '99 Cavalier or '96 Jetta (honestly). However, towards the end, it started needing more oil than gas, and I had to say goodbye. But all good things must come to an end.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Mazda 929 problems:

1992 Mazda 929 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
1992 Mazda 929 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1992-mazda-929/problems

1992. 1992 Mazda 929 Problems. Find the most common issues based on car owner complaints. Top 1992 Mazda 929 Problems ... 1990 Mazda 929 problems. (3). View all.

1jz 929 | Mazda World Forum
1jz 929 | Mazda World Forum
https://www.mazdaworld.org/threads/1jz-929.64263/

Jan 3, 2007 ... - Mazda HC 1990 929 V6 JFT Turbo conversion ... - Mazda HC 1990 929 V6 JFT ... What should be posted here are (1) common problems with the 929 ...

1995 Mazda 929 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
1995 Mazda 929 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1995-mazda-929/problems

Problem with your 1995 Mazda 929? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1995 Mazda 929.

Q&A: Common Problems with 1992 Mazda Protege LX
Q&A: Common Problems with 1992 Mazda Protege LX
https://www.justanswer.com/mazda/4ub6w-mazda-protege-lx-hello-1992-mazda-protege-lx-1-8l.html

Apr 8, 2011 ... What causes surging and kicking in Mazda protege LX 1.8L DO - Answered by a verified Mazda Mechanic.

1988 Mazda 929 Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1988 Mazda 929 Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mazda/929/1988/

Jun 5, 2015 ... The transmissions are known to be bad and this one is no exception, it shifts (sometimes) and when it does it's rough. Every problem I've had is ...

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929 1991
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mazda 929 1992 photo
929 1992
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mazda 929 1993 photo
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mazda 929 1994 photo
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mazda 929 1995 photo
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mazda 929 1988 photo
929 1988
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1990 Mazda 929 photo