1991 Mazda Mx-6 problems

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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.

1991 Mazda Mx-6

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Common 1991 Mazda Mx-6 problems

The 1991 Mazda MX-6 is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine and transmission.

  1. Engine Problems:

One of the most common issues reported by owners is related to the engine, specifically the ignition system. Some owners have reported that their MX-6 suddenly stopped starting, despite having no issues before. This problem can be caused by a faulty ignition coil, which can be diagnosed by checking for spark and timing.

Another engine-related issue is that the fuel system may not deliver fuel to the engine properly, causing the car to stall or have trouble starting. This problem can be diagnosed by checking the fuel pressure and ensuring that the fuel filter is not clogged.

  1. Transmission Problems:

The 1991 Mazda MX-6 is known for having weak transmissions, which can lead to various problems such as slipping, grinding, and difficulty shifting. These issues can be caused by worn-out gears, a damaged clutch, or low transmission fluid levels.

To prevent transmission problems, it is recommended to regularly check the transmission fluid levels and replace the fluid as needed. If the transmission is already showing signs of wear, it may be necessary to replace or rebuild the transmission.

  1. Electrical Problems:

Some owners have reported electrical issues with their MX-6, such as problems with the lights, windows, and other electrical components. These issues can be caused by faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a malfunctioning alternator.

To diagnose electrical problems, it is recommended to check the fuses and wiring first. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the alternator or other electrical components.

In conclusion, the 1991 Mazda MX-6 is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical system. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to regularly maintain the car and address any problems as soon as they arise.

1991 Mazda Mx-6 engine

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.

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.

What is the top speed of a Mazda MX-6?

Performance

0 - 60 kph3.9 s
Top speed225 kph (140 mph)
36m slalom114.7 kph (71.3 mph)
Lateral acceleration0.85 g (8 m/s²)
100 kph - 040 m (131 ft)

1991 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
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mazda Mx-6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Mazda Mx-6 complaints

The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mazda Mx-6.

2001-12-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-10
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B8M5
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: AFTER CHANGING OIL, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. AFTER VEHICLE SAT OVER NIGHT, AND STARTED IT FOR FIRST TIME SMOKE WOLD COME FROM TAIL PIPE. *AK *SLC
2001-02-09

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-28
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED IN A WRECK AUG/95 AND WAS REPLACED. THE DRIVER SIDE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT EITHER JAMS IN THE TRACK OR FAILS TO OPERATE. DEALER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THE MAZDA MX6 WAS BUILT IN THE SAME PRODUCTION PLANT AS THE FORD PROBE. THE FORD PROBE HAS HAD A RECALL ON THE AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING ON OUR 1991 MAZDA MX6 NOW AND BACK IN 1995.*AK
2000-05-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1YVGD31D4M5
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: WHEN TURNING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHES, RADIATOR STARTED TO CRACK AFTER ONLY THREE MONTHS RESULTING OVERHEATING
1999-08-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: FRONT AXLE BEARINGS BROKE AND THE AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE CONSUMER THOUGHT THE BEARINGS AND THE HUB BROKE AGAIN.
1999-03-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-22
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY
1999-03-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: RECALL
1997-10-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
1997-01-22

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LIGHT COMES ON ,OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT MUST OPEN DOOR WHILE DRIVING, HE STATES THAT HIS OUTSIDE HANDLE BROKE. *AK
1996-03-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-06
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SD
1996-03-25

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-02
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUSIE CONTROL INOPERATIVE. *SD
1996-03-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-28
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B1M5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE. *SD
1996-01-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
  • VIN: JHMEZ2316MS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: LAP BELTS IN THE REAR SEATS HAVE FAILED, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELTS. TT
1995-07-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-01
  • VIN: JM1GD3129M1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MOTORIZED SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. *SD
1995-05-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-25
  • VIN: JM1GD3122M1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT LAP BELTS WILL DISENGAGE, MOSTLYON PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK
1995-03-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE SEAT BELT SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY FAILS MIDWAY AND OTHER POSITIONS. TT
1994-12-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-04-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • VIN: 1YVGD31B7M5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE. *AK

1991 Mazda Mx-6 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Mazda Mx-6.

1993-10-13
  • 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 1991 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews

  1. Norris Parisian 2024-05-22

    This was my first car and I still drive it. Although it has a few problems, I have a soft spot for it. The support that holds the muffler broke and my brakes aren't the best, they tend to lock up when it rains. It also leaks a little oil, but it's nothing I can't handle.

Positive 1991 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews

  1. Brent Cruickshank 2025-03-14

    I recently purchased a 1990 Mazda MX6 for my older sister, and I must say, it's a fantastic car! The car has a modern yet classic look, and it's a joy to drive. It has great pick-up, a comfortable ride, and impressive gas mileage. My sister and I even had a little race (I drive a 1996 Mustang GT), and the Mazda kept up with me until about 30 mph. Overall, it's a reliable and affordable car with unique styling. If you come across one in good condition, I highly recommend buying it. It's a great investment!

  2. Julien Bergnaum 2025-03-03

    I've had my car for about 3 months now and, although it has had a few problems here and there, it has been easy to get it back up and running. It's a very reliable car and great for doing front wheel take offs. When I bought it, I was worried that I would have a lot of troubles with it, but so far I haven't had any major issues besides a little seasonal car maintenance. I would definitely give this car a very good rating and recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable car that won't break the bank. I even painted it to look like a Nissan Skyline from 2 Fast 2 Furious and it looks awesome!

  3. Cruz Mosciski 2025-03-01

    I've been driving this car for 13 years now and have had to replace a few parts such as the auto tranny neutral switch, ignition coil, EGR, fan switch, radiator, and distributor. Despite the occasional need to retighten the exhaust manifold nuts and the rough idle vibration, this car has proven to be very reliable and quick. It has almost 150,000 miles on everything but the engine, which has about 60,000 miles on it (the previous owner overheated the first one). Although it will be difficult for me to part with this car, I am considering a Mazdaspeed MX5 as a replacement now that I no longer need to transport kids around.

  4. Nicklaus DuBuque 2025-02-23

    I've been driving Mazda MX6's since I was fifteen years old. All of them have been the GT Turbo model, except for one, but I put the turbo kit on it. I absolutely love this car! Its body resembles a Nissan Skyline, which is the best car in the world. Anyway, it has never left me walking.

  5. Roderick Upton 2025-01-27

    This car is amazing, especially considering its cost! I've owned it for 7 years and it has over 208,000 miles on it, yet I've never had any problems. Every time I get behind the wheel, I have a blast. The interior and exterior designs are fantastic, and it's surprisingly roomy - even fitting 4 people comfortably (good luck doing that in an Eclipse!). The seats are still comfortable after 13 years of use, and with 145 hp and 190 torque, it's impressively fast. In fact, it has a top speed of 133 mph - not many cars can match that, even the expensive ones! If you're lucky enough to find one in good shape, I highly recommend buying it (just make sure it's a manual transmission).

Leave your review of 1991 Mazda Mx-6

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Mazda Mx-6 problems:

Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
https://www.mx6.com/threads/common-mx6-problems.71843/

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 ...

1991 Mazda MX-6 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1991 Mazda MX-6 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/mazda/mx-6/1991

Get 1991 Mazda MX-6 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Mazda mechanics near you.

slow to go up and down power windows | Mazda MX-6 Forum
slow to go up and down power windows | Mazda MX-6 Forum
https://www.mx6.com/threads/slow-to-go-up-and-down-power-windows.169375/

Sep 4, 2006 ... is there any common problems wiht them ? 1991 Mazda Mx6 - 14.6@96mph, Exhaust, Coilovers, FMIC, Bov.. <-- Sold 1999 VT SS LS1 283rwhp.

Anything I should know before buying Mazda MX 6 : r/JDM
Anything I should know before buying Mazda MX 6 : r/JDM
https://www.reddit.com/r/JDM/comments/102lejh/anything_i_should_know_before_buying_mazda_mx_6/

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 ...

1994 Mazda MX-6 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
1994 Mazda MX-6 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1994-mazda-mx-6/problems

Problem with your 1994 Mazda MX-6? Our list of 6 known ... Find the most common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1991 Mazda MX-6 problems. (2). View all.

Other years of Mazda Mx-6

mazda mx-6 1992 photo
Mx-6 1992
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1

23

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mazda mx-6 1993 photo
Mx-6 1993
Mazda

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3

33

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mazda mx-6 1994 photo
Mx-6 1994
Mazda

55

4

21

  • 5
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mazda mx-6 1995 photo
Mx-6 1995
Mazda

40

3

15

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mazda mx-6 1996 photo
Mx-6 1996
Mazda

15

3

28

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mazda mx-6 1997 photo
Mx-6 1997
Mazda

4

3

21

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1991 Mazda Mx-6 photo