1990 Mazda MX-6

Introduction:

The 1990 Mazda MX-6 is a compact sports car that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 118 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.2-liter four-cylinder was also available, producing 145 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The MX-6 was praised for its sporty handling and responsive steering, but it was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of rear-seat legroom.

Engine

1.6-liter Four-Cylinder

• Blown Head Gasket:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally, white smoke from exhaust, overheating
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, unusual noises from engine bay
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and associated components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2-liter Four-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Difficult Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard to engage gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace or adjust clutch components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaking from transmission, slipping gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission seals or gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, delayed shifting
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission not shifting out of park, harsh shifting
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Control Arm Bushings Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive rear tire wear, unstable handling
  • Solution: Replace rear control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t crank, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on metal surfaces
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Windshield:
  • Description/Symptoms: Obstructed view, safety hazard
  • Solution: Replace windshield
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard surface
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair with dash cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not working, intermittent operation
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Mazda MX-6 is a reliable and sporty car, but it has its share of common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, are the most expensive to fix. Transmission repairs can also be costly, especially for automatic transmissions. The suspension and electrical systems are generally reliable, but they can develop issues with age. Some cosmetic issues, such as rust and dashboard cracking, are common but not typically serious. Overall, the severity and cost of issues for the MX-6 are moderate.