VehicleVerdict

1989 Mazda MX-6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median MX-6 year — the 1989 model ranks #3 of 14 MX-6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (36% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other MX-6 years?

MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted71 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 42 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 9 complaints1993: 68 complaints1994: 71 complaints1995: 41 complaints1996: 14 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints
MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Mazda MX-6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1536%
Seats819%
Electrical System410%
Engine410%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Speed Control37%
Body & Structure37%
Other12%
Brakes12%

Does the 1989 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103005Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 360,433 units

Defect

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.

93E035000BrakesOctober 13, 1993 · 300 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE SAFETY BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT RETRACT BACK INTO THE HOLDER, LEAVING THE BELT USELESS. I WONDERED IF THIS WOULD BE A RECALL OR IF I NEED TO HAVE IT SERVICED. THANKS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 1, 1996

“NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS:EAT ASSEMBLY WELDS BROKE OFF CAUSING THE SEAT TO WOBBLE. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I CANNOT FIND ANYONE THAT IS WILLING TO REPAIR IT. IF IN AN ACCIDENT, I COULD BE HARMED ALONG WITH ANY PASSENGER I MAY HAVE IN BACK (MY KIDS). *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. MOTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · December 1, 2001

“WHIL.E DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO GET DIMMER. ALSO,ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS NO BRAKING AND STEERING ABILITY AT ALL, HAD TO USE THE EMERGENNCY PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 1999

“NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS:EAT ASSEMBLY WELDS BROKE OFF CAUSING THE SEAT TO WOBBLE. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I CANNOT FIND ANYONE THAT IS WILLING TO REPAIR IT. IF IN AN ACCIDENT, I COULD BE HARMED ALONG WITH ANY PASSENGER I MAY HAVE IN BACK (MY KIDS). *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. MOTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 1, 2001

1989 Mazda MX-6 — common questions

Is the 1989 Mazda MX-6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 1989 model at #3 of 14 MX-6 years. It is one of the MX-6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 MX-6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (15 complaints), seats (8 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 1989 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Mazda MX-6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Mazda MX-6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda MX-6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-6 years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1989, 1995. The cleanest record among MX-6 years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.