Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1990 Mazda MX-6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
18
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 9 | 50% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 17% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE CONSUMER. *AK”
“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”
“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”
“DRIVERS MANUAL SEAT/METAL STRUCTURE BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (9 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Mazda MX-6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.