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1988 Mazda 323Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 1988 Mazda 323, most often about the seat belts. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints345 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem28Seat belts

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Mazda 323 has problems

34 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Seat belts282
Engine and engine cooling40
Power train20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Parking brake10
Seats11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1988 Mazda 323 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 95V-103 · May 24, 1995 · 360,433 vehicles

Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other 323 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 323 median. How we score

'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Mazda 323, and the recalls they led to.

  1. TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREEA95005 · closed Aug 1, 1995
    Led to recall 95V-103
In owners' words

What 323 owners report

Recent seat belts complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

NHTSA RECALL 95-V-103-005 CONCERNING 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. CONSUMER STATED THIS RECALL WAS DONE ON 1997. HOWEVER…
Complaint 10027063 · Jul 11, 2003
OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY, CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL #95V103005. *AK
Complaint 982813 · Apr 16, 1996
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DID NOT HOLD BELT CAUSING PASSENGER TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND RECIEVE SERIOUS INJURY. TT
Complaint 966016 · May 30, 1995

Own a 1988 323?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.