1990 Mazda Navajo problems

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The Mazda Navajo is a mid-size SUV manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the Japanese automaker Mazda, and is a rebadged version of the first generation Ford Explorer. It was Mazda's first SUV, and was offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Navajo won the 1991 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, but because of its Explorer origins, its reputation deteriorated amid the Firestone and Ford tire controversy.

Differences

The Navajo featured a few minor changes from the Explorer it was based on. It got a revised front fascia, new taillamps and wheels, and the bumpers were painted dark gray (resulting in the deletion of all chrome trim). The interior was largely shared between the two model lines, with the Navajo receiving its own lettering for the instrument panel (in line with other Mazda vehicles), and Mazda lettering was added to the Ford steering wheel hub.

1990 Mazda Navajo

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Common 1990 Mazda Navajo problems

The Mazda Navajo, produced from 1991 to 1994, was a mid-size SUV based on the first generation Ford Explorer and was Mazda's first SUV offering. Despite its Explorer origins, the Navajo's reputation suffered due to the Firestone and Ford tire controversy.

One common problem reported by Navajo owners is its poor marketing and branding. Mazda was not known as a seller of SUVs, and the Navajo's Cherokee-inspired Native American tribe name did not help in establishing a strong brand identity.

Another issue was the lack of differentiation in price from its Explorer twin. The Navajo was not differentiated enough in price, and the four-door model, which became increasingly popular during the Navajo's production years, was not offered.

The Navajo's powertrain also received criticism. The 4.0-liter V6 engine, the only powerplant offered in the Navajo, churned out 160 hp, which was considered underpowered compared to other SUVs in its class.

Lastly, the Navajo's production run was short-lived, with the model being discontinued after only four years. Mazda stayed out of the SUV segment in the U.S. until the 2001 Mazda Tribute, a Ford Escape twin, was introduced.

In summary, the Mazda Navajo suffered from poor marketing and branding, a lack of differentiation in price from its Explorer twin, underpowered and less refined powertrain options, and a short production run. These factors combined to make the Navajo a less successful SUV offering compared to its Ford Explorer counterpart.

1990 Mazda Navajo engine

How much is a 1994 Mazda Navajo worth?

The value of a used 1994 Mazda Navajo ranges from $181 to $1,184, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What is the best year for a used Mazda?

Best MAZDA CX-9 Model Years to Buy Pre-Owned

  • 2007 - 2009 – First generation.
  • 2010 - 2012 – First generation (first facelift)
  • 2013 - 2015 – First generation (second facelift)
  • 2016 - 2023 – Second generation.

What is the life expectancy of a Mazda?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles

A Mazda vehicle can last a long time. Mazda vehicles are known for lasting over a decade and between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with some going even longer than that. The key to a long-lasting Mazda vehicle is to keep it running with proper maintenance and regular service.

Are older Mazdas reliable?

Reliability results for Mazda are incredibly encouraging, even for older models. However, as you can see, faults do crop up when the vehicles get a little older. This is why hiring or leasing a Mazda could be a great advantage, especially if you're looking to get a Mazda6 or Mazda CX-5.

1990 Mazda Navajo car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Steering problems

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

1990 Mazda Navajo complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda Navajo.

1995-10-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-22
  • VIN: 4F2CU44X7MU
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: FRONT BAR ON DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CONNECTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE, RESULTING IN PULLING TO THE LEFT RUNNING VEHICLE INTO A CURVE. TT
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Mazda Navajo problems:

1991 Mazda Navajo - Thoughts? | The Ranger Station
1991 Mazda Navajo - Thoughts? | The Ranger Station
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/1991-mazda-navajo-thoughts.187828/

I obviously know nothing about the navajo having never even known they existed lol. But lets pretend it's just an explorer for sale. First ...

1991 Ford Ranger - Lots of Miles. A4LD Transmision problems ...
1991 Ford Ranger - Lots of Miles. A4LD Transmision problems ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/1991-ford-ranger-lots-of-miles-a4ld-transmision-problems-what-else-is-new.246614/

Jun 8, 2009 ... Hey all, I am new to the site, but have been getting advice from this site on fixing my '91 Ranger's transmission for several weeks now.

Junkyard Find: 1994 Mazda Navajo LX | The Truth About Cars
Junkyard Find: 1994 Mazda Navajo LX | The Truth About Cars
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/07/junkyard-find-1994-mazda-navajo-lx/

Jul 1, 2019 ... During the first half of the 1990s, Americans thought the first-gen Explorer was the ideal replacement for stodgy sedans, wearisome wagons, and ...

1991 Mazda Miata- Can't push clutch pedal down to floor - MX-5 ...
1991 Mazda Miata- Can't push clutch pedal down to floor - MX-5 ...
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=602349

This must be a fairly common problem and I'm glad I had a Hayne's with the clutch pedal specs. Just a note that adjusting the clutch pedal ...

Rare anywhere: Mazda Navajo
Rare anywhere: Mazda Navajo
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1693151/rare-anywhere-mazda-navajo/

Mar 15, 2018 ... Gallery Mazda Navajo ... The Mazda Navajo was only available for a short period of time in the early 1990s ... known as a seller of SUVs (with the ...

Other years of Mazda Navajo

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Navajo 1991
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Navajo 1992
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9

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Navajo 1993
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30

6

11

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mazda navajo 1994 photo
Navajo 1994
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74

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mazda navajo 1990 photo
Navajo 1990
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1990 Mazda Navajo photo