1990 Mazda Mpv problems
The Mazda MPV (Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle) is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1988 as a rear-wheel-drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, this was replaced in 1999 with a front-wheel-drive version with optional all-wheel-drive in some markets. Over one million MPV models have been produced since its introduction.
First generation (LV; 1988)
The MPV was designed from the ground-up as a minivan specifically for the American market, and was introduced in 1988 for the 1989 model year. It was based on the large rear-wheel-drive Mazda Luce's platform. The platform allowed such options as a V6 engine, and optional four-wheel drive. However this large platform created some liabilities in other markets. When it was introduced in Japan in January 1990, its engine displacement and exterior dimensions exceeded Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as "compact", and as a result, Japanese buyers were liable for additional annual taxes. It was available at Mazda's Japanese luxury dealership network Ɛ̃fini starting in 1991.
Its selectable 4WD system is not to be confused with all road conditions "all-wheel-drive" systems; the MPV can be switched into locked 4WD with a switch mounted on the column gear selector. A dash mounted switch controlled the center differential, creating a locked power distributions on the front and rear axles. The 4WD is not for use on dry roads, but can be engaged and disengaged while moving. Its efficient use of interior space while offering a relatively small exterior drew from Mazda's experience with space efficient one-box minivans, like the Mazda Bongo.
Unlike other minivans, the MPV's parking brake was directly on the floor beside the driver's seat and operated by the hand, when most other minivans had the parking brake in the driver footwell area and operated by the left foot. Like the later Honda Odyssey introduced in North America in early 1995, it featured traditional hinged doors instead of sliding rear doors, though the original MPV only had a single rear door. This was also the only Mazda MPV generation sold in North America with a manual transmission, offered in the '89 through '91 model years. The middle row was available as a 3-person bench, allowing seating for eight, when most minivans only seated seven. Because of the MPV's optional 4WD, the Mazda Navajo version of the Ford Explorer (sold from 1990 to 1994) was only offered as a two-door, so as to minimize internal competition.
The van was named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990 and 1991 and featured as one of their "vehicles for the coming (fuel) crisis". Initial sales were strong as well, but rapidly fell off once other makers introduced all-wheel drive and V6 engines. In the years to come, Toyota's 1991 Previa, Nissan's 1993 Quest, and Honda's 1995 Odyssey had entered the market and began diluting Mazda's market share. Sales weren't helped when the MPV received one star out of four in the Australian Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests and a "Marginal" rating in the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests for damage to the occupant compartment, tire intrusion into the driver footwell area, poor dummy kinematics, and possibility of injuries to both legs.
In 1992 for the 1993 model year, a new Mazda emblem and a remote keyless entry system were introduced. A standard driver's airbag was later introduced in early 1993.
The van was facelifted in 1995 for the 1996 model year, adding driver's side rear door, passenger side airbag, and extending the nose for improved crash protection. While the four-cylinder engine was retired for the American and Canadian markets, it was replaced with a similar but somewhat smaller 2.5 L unit for the rest of the world. A mild refresh was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year with "all-sport" body cladding and wheel arches, and polished alloy wheels. Mazda discontinued the original MPV after the 1998 model year for North America, and after the 1999 model year for the rest of the world.
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Common 1990 Mazda Mpv problems
The Mazda MPV, a minivan produced from 1988 to 2016, had several common problems throughout its production years. This article focuses on the 1990 model, which had issues with the power steering system.
The 1990 Mazda MPV experienced problems with the power steering system, with the power steering pump and hoses known to leak, causing a loss of power steering fluid and difficulty in steering. This issue was caused by the degradation of the pump and hoses over time, leading to fluid leaks and a loss of hydraulic pressure. This problem could be resolved by replacing the power steering pump and hoses, ensuring the proper functioning of the power steering system and improving the overall driving experience.
In addition to the power steering issues, the 1990 Mazda MPV also shared common problems with other model years, such as the first generation's suspension and steering problems. Many owners reported excessive noise, vibrations, or a bumpy ride while driving, often caused by worn or damaged suspension components, such as shocks, struts, or ball joints, or a faulty power steering system. These issues could be addressed by replacing or repairing the affected components, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
The first generation Mazda MPV also had several issues related to its electrical system, with many owners reporting problems with the power windows, locks, and mirrors, which were often caused by faulty switches, motors, or wiring. These issues could be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the wiring to ensure the proper functioning of the electrical system.
Some models of the first generation Mazda MPV also experienced issues with the audio system, such as a malfunctioning radio or CD player. These problems could be addressed by replacing or repairing the affected components, ensuring the proper functioning of the audio system.
Finally, the first generation Mazda MPV had several issues related to its body and interior, with many owners reporting rust or corrosion on the body, particularly around the wheel wells or door frames. These issues could be addressed by repairing or replacing the affected body panels, ensuring the longevity and appearance of the vehicle. Some models also experienced issues with the upholstery, such as wear or tearing of the seats or carpets, which could be resolved by replacing the affected components.
In conclusion, the 1990 Mazda MPV had issues with the power steering system, as well as shared common problems with other model years, such as suspension and steering issues, electrical problems, audio system malfunctions, and body and interior concerns. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help address these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
1990 Mazda Mpv car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mpv problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Mazda Mpv
The NHTSA has received 52 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda Mpv. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Mazda Mpv vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5228L0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5238L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY WHILE I WAS CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL. SUDDENLY, IT DROVE AWAY IN REVERSE, CROSSED THE STREET AND WENT DOWN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY CRASHING INTO THE CORNER OF A GARAGE. IT THEN WENT ACROSS ANOTHER BACK YARD AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER GARAGE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS MADE. *LA
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-03
- VIN: JM3LV5224L0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE REAR SWAY BAR FAILED. MR SCC *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-24
- VIN: JMSLV522310
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINT ON THIS ISSUE. *YD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-21
- VIN: JM3LV5235L0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN ALL WHEEL DRIVE MODE THE ABS SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY COME TO A STOP. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-29
- VIN: JM3LV5227L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THREE TIMES SINCE THIS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND REQUIRED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. ON EACH OCCASION I HAVE REQUESTED SOME INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THESE FAILURES. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I DRIVE MOSTLY ON FREEWAYS AND CONSERVITIVILY AND DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-25
- VIN: JM3LV5225L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IT IS NOT REIABLE VEHICLE FOR ME, SPEACILLY IF THERE IS A KID. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-25
- VIN: JM3LV5225L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ WATER PUM, AND HEATER CORE FAILED 3 TIMES, SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE..
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-05
- VIN: JM3LV5214L0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING IN SHEETS ON FRONT BUMPER, HOOD, BACK BUMPER, TAILGATE AND ROOF OF CAR.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER FIRST OVERHAUL. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5226L0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BODY LEFT SIDE WINDOW BROKE. ALSO, CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS FORWARD FACING. *AK THE COLLISION CAUSED THE SIDE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO SHATTER. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE TEMPERED GLASS WAS SUPPOSE TO SHATTER INTO SMALL PIECES, BUT IT DID NOT. *YH *NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-25
- VIN: JM3LV5227L0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF MPV VANS ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME FLAKING PAINT ON THE HOOD.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SMOKE AND GAS SMELL FROM ENGINE WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5235L0
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5235L0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES FAILED.DUNLOP SP SPORT D31J P215/65R15.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5229L0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALLS 95V103005/92V027000; MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS AND BRAKE LININGS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND THERE ARE TWO RECALLS LISTED. BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD BEEN DONE, AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF. THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RECALL PROBLEMS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS PEELING PAINT ON THE HOOD. OWNER HAS NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER MAZDA MPV'S AS WELL. *ML
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5236L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH IGNITION OFF, GEAR INDICATING THE PARK POSITION, TEN YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE GEAR FROM PARK DOWN TO LOW AND INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE ROLLED ABOUT ABOUT 3 FEET, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER. *AK *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER FAN RELAY CONSTANTLY FAILS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-18
- VIN: JM3LV5219L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT RUBBER HOSE RUPTURED, CAUSING IT TO LEAK FLUID ALL OVER ENGINE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR/MIDDLE SEAT BELTS DO NOT STAYED FASTENED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5227LO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE FUEL EMISSION SYSTEM LIQUID VAPOR VENT HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A CRACK WHICH CAUSED A LEAKAGE PROBLEM AND ODOR/FUMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-16
- VIN: JM3LV5229L0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP IN COLD WEATHER.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
- VIN: JM3LV5236L0
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE SLIPPED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK/ACCIDENT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
1990 Mazda Mpv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda Mpv.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
- Summary: THE REAR BRAKE LININGS CAN CHANGE OVER TIME. AS THE BRAKES WEAR, THE COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION CAN INCREASE, PRODUCING INCONSISTENT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM.
- Consequence: INCONSISTENT BRAKING AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABSSYSTEM CAN CAUSE SUDDEN STOPS OR INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCES, AND RESULT ININCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WITH ASSEMBLIES WHOSE FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS DO NOT CHANGE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF PREMATURE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATION.
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