1990 Mazda Mx-6 problems
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.
Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms. The MX-6 replaced the 626 Coupé, although it continued to share the same chassis.
The MX-6, 626, and Ford Probe were manufactured at joint-venture plants either by AutoAlliance in Flat Rock, Michigan, for the North American market, and by Mazda Japan for Asian and European markets.
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Common 1990 Mazda Mx-6 problems
The Mazda MX-6, produced in 1990, is known for its zippy performance and sleek design. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of the 1990 Mazda MX-6:
- Rust: Mazda vehicles, including the MX-6, are notorious for rusting, particularly around the rear wheel arches and the sills. This is due to the car's design and the materials used in its construction. Rust can lead to structural weaknesses and expensive repairs.
- Engine issues: Both the 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.5L V6 engines found in the 1990 MX-6 tend to wear out valve stem seals, leading to a puff of blue smoke on a cold start-up. This is not a major concern if it's just a small puff, but if it's a blue smokescreen, it means the engine is burning oil and will require more frequent oil changes.
- Running issues: Common running issues include idle speed dropping when pulling up to a stop, jerky acceleration, and rough idling. These problems can be caused by a leaky air intake, a broken VRIS valve, or vacuum leaks.
- Droplinks (swaybar links): The droplinks, which connect the sway bar to the suspension, are known to be fragile and can break easily. However, they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
These are just a few of the most common problems reported by 1990 Mazda MX-6 owners. If you're considering purchasing one, it's essential to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly to identify any potential issues.
Are MX-6 reliable?
Little seems to go wrong with the MX6, which is probably a reflection of its build quality. The most common problem reported is the failure of the air intake tube. The bypass air control valve and the ignitor occasionally gives trouble. If the car won't start, check the ignitor.
Is the Mazda MX-6 rare?
Ford eventually ended up redesigning the Mustang. The MX-6 has gained something of a cult following among car enthusiasts, making them rarer to be found in the wild. Here are 10 reasons why the Mazda MX-6 is still so sought after.
What is the top speed of a Mazda MX-6?
Performance
| 0 - 60 kph | 3.9 s |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 225 kph (140 mph) |
| 36m slalom | 114.7 kph (71.3 mph) |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.85 g (8 m/s²) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 40 m (131 ft) |
How much horsepower does a 1991 Mazda MX6 have?
The US market made use of the F2 2.2-liter engine, with the base engine producing 110 hp (82 kW), but a 145 hp (108 kW) turbocharged version was available.
1990 Mazda Mx-6 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mx-6 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda Mx-6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Mazda Mx-6 complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda Mx-6.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-21
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT, STUCK IN FORWARD POSITION. THIS CAUSES CONSUMER NOT BEING RESTRAINT. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD31B5L5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR BELT KEEPS BREAKING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. ALREADY WENT THROUGH 10 ALTERNATOR BELTS. GETS INTO THE TIMING CHAIN COVER & DESTROYES IT. NOTHING HAPPENS TO TIMING CHAIN. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER EACH & EVERY TIME & MECHANIC CAN NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETACT. THE EXTENSION RETACT BELT DOES RELEASE WHEN TRYING TO UNLATCH. WHEN TRYING TO PULL SHOULDER BELT AROUND DRIVER, SOMETIMES THE BELT DOES NOT REACH AROUND THE DRIVER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-23
- VIN: 1YVGD31D9L5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: METAL BRACKET ATTACHED TO BODY OF VEHICLE, ABOVE FUEL TANK, WORE HOLE INTO TOP OF TANK, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE, COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD31BXL5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YGD31BXL52
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE FUNCTIONING IMPROPERLY, AUTOMATIC BELTS JUST DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-23
- VIN: 1YUGD31B6L5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS SUCKED IN THE OPEN DOOR POSITION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE IS STUCK IN THE CLOSE POSITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD31D4L5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOLTS WHICH HOLD EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO ENGINE BROKE, CAUSING GAS FUMES TO ENTO THE INTERIOR. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE CONSUMER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE CONSUMER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- VIN: 1YVGD31B2L5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE MOTORBELT OPERATES SLOWLY. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- VIN: 1YVGD31B2L5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD LEAKS. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- VIN: 1YVGD31B2L5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE FLOOR OF TRUNK LEAKS. *SD
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- VIN: 1YVGD31B2L5
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TAPE PLAYER DOES NOT EJECT TAPES. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-20
- VIN: 1YVGD31B8L5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE PERFORMS SLUGGISHLY UPON ACCELERATION. *AW
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-04
- VIN: 1YVGD31B0L5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STICKS HALF WAY, RETRACTOR SLOW DOWN. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
- VIN: 1YVGD31B8L5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF FROM VEHICLE. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-10
- VIN: 1YVGD31B5L5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS MANUAL SEAT/METAL STRUCTURE BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1990 Mazda Mx-6 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda Mx-6.
- Manufacturer: MIDAS INTERNATIONAL CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
- Summary: THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
- Consequence: IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Negative 1990 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews
Positive 1990 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews
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High mileage, some extra money, but worth every penny. You'll probably want to buy another one after your first year model needs to pass on. It's a splendid vehicle.
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I bought this car about 12 years ago and have had minimal problems with it. I absolutely love owning this car and use it to transport everything from plants to antique windows and doors. Although I've had a few issues with the A/C and the antenna mast, this car has never left me stranded. Overall, it's been a fantastic car to own!
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I bought my car (a retired demo model with 3K miles on it) straight from the dealer. It's been extremely reliable and a joy to drive. Plus, it's a real beauty! Whenever I pull up to a glass-front store, I can't help but admire how stunning it looks. :) With proper maintenance, this car will keep going for a long time.
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I've owned this car for 13 years and it's been great! As long as you get the oil changed every 3000 miles, it runs smoothly. There have been a few minor issues, like the antenna not working after 12 years, but overall it's been a powerful and reliable car. Of course, it's important to drive responsibly to avoid getting tickets. I plan on keeping mine until it falls apart!
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It sounds like you're really happy with your car! I'm glad to hear that you're satisfied with it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Mazda Mx-6 problems:
Thinking about getting a Mazda MX-6 : r/mazda
Nov 6, 2013 ... Common problems are rust (it's a mazda, it will rust) - particularly around the rear wheel arches and the sills. Both engines have a tendancy to ...
Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Sep 12, 2003 ... Common MX6 problems · Transmission jerks hard occasionally going from first to second gear; feels like you hit one huge pot hole. · Driver's side ...
Anything I should know before buying Mazda MX 6 : r/JDM
Jan 3, 2023 ... Known problems are very weak transmissions. They're made of glass, both the manual and automatic. If you dump the clutch, it blows up ...
General mx6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Aug 12, 2007 ... ... common "problem". but otherwise deff. a good ... 1990 626 DX ... Now i just wanted to know is there anything i should look for inthe mx6 thats ...
1990 Mazda MX-6 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1990 Mazda MX-6 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Mazda mechanics near you.
Other years of Mazda Mx-6
Are you having problems with your 1990 Mazda Mx-6?
Jared Windler 2024-03-05
The car's performance with the automatic transmission could be improved. However, the styling is impressive for a car in its price range and year, and my white paint job has held up well. It's worth noting that red tends to fade faster. Unfortunately, the car lacks cupholders and my A/C has weakened over time. Despite some issues, the engine has proven to be resilient and can handle a beating. While there have been some common problems, such as cracked motor mounts, overall it's a decent car for the price. It seems that some owners have had better luck than me, but I still think it's a good value.