Model year guide

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata at a glance

Owner complaints28
Combined23–24 mpg
Typical price$3,767

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata common problems

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG & running costs

Combined23–24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$3,767
High
$8,500

From 6 comparable 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 116 hp

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata vehicles on record

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata BaseJM1NA3515L0123822 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata BaseJM1NA3513L0126525 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata BaseJM1NA3510L0124909 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata BaseJM1NA3512L0109926 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata BaseJM1NA3518L0136144 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda MX-5 MiataJM1NA3515L0135940 1990 Mazda MX-5 MiataJM1NA3513L0118957

Other Mazda MX-5 Miata model years

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, seat belts, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata get?

The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata worth?

Comparable 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata listings run roughly $900–$8,500, typically around $3,767 (from 6 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.