1990 Mazda MPV Problems: 2 Known Issues
1990 model year · 140+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 140+ owner reports, the 1990 Mazda MPV has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674). The most commonly reported issue is Alternator Premature Failure with 140 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 2 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT. THE LABELS SHOW THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE AS 240 KPA/32 PSI WHEN IT SHOULD BE SHOWN AS 240 KPA/35 PSI. AS A RESULT OF THIS ERROR, THE LOAD RATIOS FOR THE 205/65R15 94H AND THE 215/60R16 95H TIRES EXCEED THE LEVELS PERMITTED BY FMVSS 120.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AS A RESULT OF AN NCAP TEST, CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG WAS NOT CORRECTLY WIRING.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda MPV problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 140+ owner reports, the 1990 Mazda MPV has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674), Alternator Premature Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mazda MPV reliable?
The 1990 Mazda MPV has 2 known issues documented across 140+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mazda MPV problems?
Repair costs for known Mazda MPV issues range from $250 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1989-1998 Mazda MPV Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674)?
Mazda recalled 1989-1998 MPV minivans because the grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch can become electrically conductive over time. Once that happens, current can pass where it should not, and the switch can overheat. NHTSA campaign 15V674000 covers ro… Severity: high.
What is the 1990-2006 Mazda MPV Alternator Premature Failure?
Alternator fails prematurely due to heat exposure from exhaust proximity. Battery drains and warning lights come on. Can strand vehicle if battery goes flat. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.