1990 Mazda Miata problems

General information about Mazda-Miata
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster (マツダ・ロードスター, Matsuda Rōdosutā) or Eunos Roadster (ユーノス・ロードスター, Yūnosu Rōdosutā) in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata (/miˈɑːtə/) in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as Miata.

Manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima plant, the MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was conceived and executed under a tightly focused design credo, Jinba ittai (人馬一体), meaning "oneness of horse and rider". Widely noted for its small, light, technologically modern, dynamically balanced and minimally complex design, the MX-5 has frequently been called a spiritual successor to 1950s and '60s Italian and British roadster sports cars. The Lotus Elan was used as a design benchmark.

Generations were internally designated with a two-letter code, beginning with the first generation, the NA. The second generation (NB) launched in 1998 for MY 1999; followed by the third generation (NC) in 2005 for MY 2006, and the fourth generation (ND) in 2015 for MY 2016.

As the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history, the MX-5 has been marketed globally, with production exceeding one million, as of early 2016. The name miata derives from Old High German for "reward".

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Common 1990 Mazda Miata problems

The 1990 Mazda Miata, the first model year of this iconic roadster, is known for a few common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. One of the most significant issues is the potential for the engine to blow up due to a bad habit of the keyway shifting on the crankshaft. This problem is more common in the 1990-1993 models and can be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine rather than the crankshaft.

Another common issue with the 1990 Miata is rust, which is a problem that plagues many Mazda models. This car is known to rust like crazy, making it difficult to find a first-generation Miata without rust.

The 1990 Miata also has a problem with the transmission getting stuck in 5th or reverse, which is easily fixable.

For the 1990-1997 Miatas, there is a common issue with the lifter tick, which is not a significant problem and can be addressed by using better oil.

The interior of the 1990 Miata is generally solid and reliable, but the soft top models may have occasional water leaks, and the hardtop models are more or less permanently affixed.

In summary, the 1990 Mazda Miata has a few common problems that potential buyers should be aware of, including the potential for engine failure, rust, transmission issues, overheating, and lifter tick. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be addressed, and the Miata remains a popular and reliable sports car.

Is a 1990 Miata reliable?

Common Problems

The NA MX-5 was lauded for its reliability, at least compared to older European sports cars, but the Miata still has issues to look out for, especially as it ages. One is rust, which is commonly seen on the rear rockers of the car, though it can also be an issue near the front, as well.

What is the common problem with Miata?

Common problems found in the Mazda Miata include A/C compressor failure, convertible top problems, and fuel filler piper issues.

How many miles do 90s Miatas last?

So - how long do Mazda Miatas last? According to motorbiscuit.com, the Mazda Miata is predicted to last around 200,000 miles. Some have even made it past this point with little issue.

Are 1990 Miatas easy to work on?

Originally Answered: Are 1990s Mazda Miatas easy to work on? Yes. There is plenty of room under the hood, everything is small and light, and parts are generally inexpensive. On top of that, they are quite reliable and durable.

1990 Mazda Miata car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Visibility problems
Unknown or other problems
Electrical system problems

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

1990 Mazda Miata complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda Miata.

2003-06-03

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: JM3LV5226L0
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: NAR 6-03-2003 *MR GLASS FROM THE VEHICLE SHATTERED AND PROPULSED INTO THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER EYES CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. *CB

Add Complaint

1997-08-19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-06-20
VIN: JMZUF3138L0
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: WHILE DRIVING BED LINER BROKE FREE FROM PICKUP TRUCK, CAUSING COLLISION WITH FOLLOWING VEHICLE.

Add Complaint

1995-03-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-13
Crash: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER/ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD

Add Complaint

1990 Mazda Miata recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda Miata.

2006-03-23

Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

1992-11-03

Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: A HARDTOP HOIST ACCESSORY KIT WAS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE MIATA WITH A HARDTOP. THE PLASTIC BUCKLES USED TO ADJUST STRAP TENSION CAN BREAK AFTER THE HARDTOP HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BY THE HOIST.
Consequence: THE BUCKLES ON THE HARDTOP HOIST CAN BREAK AND RESULT INTHE HARDTOP FALLING FROM THE HOIST, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY TO ANYONE STANDINGBENEATH OR NEAR THE HARDTOP WHEN IT FALLS.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL REPLACE ALL HOISTS WITHOUT CHARGE.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Mazda Miata problems:

Any common problem with 1990 Miata's? - MX-5 Miata Forum

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=64108

The two main problems are indeed the crankshaft and the "stuck in reverse" transmission. Look at the crankshaft pulley when engine running to ...

90's Miata? Good or bad? : r/cars

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/6gbdri/90s_miata_good_or_bad/

Jun 9, 2017 ... Common issue between all Miatas between 1990 to 1997 is the infamous lifter tick, and the short nose crank like everyone else is mentioning on ...

Common problems with 90-91? - MX-5 Miata Forum

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=221230

My 1990 Miata had just under 60k miles when I bought it (timing belt schedule is every 60k FYI), so I did a super paranoid and complete timing ...

1990 Mazda Miata Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1990-mazda-miata/problems

Top 1990 Mazda Miata Problems · Ticking Noise From Valve Lash Adjusters Due to Infrequent Oil Changes. 53 people have reported this · Clutch Slave Cylinder May ...