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1994 Mazda MX3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 1994 Mazda MX3, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints1911 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage96kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 7, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 Mazda MX3 has problems

19 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
Suspension90
Air bags66
Latches/locks/linkages10
Steering11
Visibility10
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Engine and engine cooling10

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

1 recall

1994 Mazda MX3 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.

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

1994 vs. every other MX3 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 MX3 median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1994 Mazda MX3, and the recalls they led to.

  1. AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILEA94039 · closed Nov 26, 1997
    Led to recall 97V-211
  2. ALTERNATOR FIRESPE94075 · closed Dec 21, 1994
    No recall
  3. FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURERQ98001 · closed Nov 16, 1998
    Led to recall 97V-116
In owners' words

What MX3 owners report

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

TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER PARKING IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE REALIZED THAT THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…
Complaint 10496731 · Feb 7, 2013 · 140,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX-3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE ROTATION OF THE COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE TIRE MUST BE REPLACED. THE DEALER…
Complaint 10212758 · Dec 13, 2007 · 78,200 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CD AXLES ON BOTH SIDES TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS…
Complaint 10210991 · Dec 6, 2007 · 63,000 miles

Own a 1994 MX3?

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