1993 Mazda MX3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1993 Mazda MX3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1993 Mazda MX3. Newest first.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front seat automatic shoulder belts. the rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly can become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passive shoulder belt assembly with a modified one (with additional dust lip) in vehicles which have experienced a problem. in vehicles in which the automatic shoulder belt functions properly, the rails will be inspected and replaced with modified rails if they exceed the inspection criteria.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, nw hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and washington, dc. in areas where large…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a guard assembly which will prevent the broken coil spring from contacting the tire. in addition to performing the recall campaign, mazda IS extending the warranty coverage on the front coil springs for the lift of the vehicle. if owners have already paid for the repair or replacement of these front coil springs, due to road salt damage, mazda will reimburse these owners for reasonable expenses.
Owner complaints
54 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
I bought a 1993 mazda MX3 base 4 cylinder and it was making a clunking noise when I turn the wheel which was found out to be a broken coil spring on my passenger side, it IS the factory strut and spring assembly.
- Seat belts
Drivers side automatic belt does not work. Can only use lap belt. Had dealership correct during initial recall but there was not a problem then. Years later problem began and mazda will not correct. Seat belt keeps moving back and forth in track and will not lock in place. I have to remove fuse because it IS constant.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX-3. The contact stated that the seat belts failed to function properly. An independent mechanic ordered the seat belt replacement kit and replaced the part years ago, but the seat belts failed to secure and retract after the repair. Browning mazda (18827…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX-3. The contact stated that the seat belts failed to function properly. An independent mechanic ordered the seat belt replacement kit and replaced the part years ago, but the seat belts failed to secure and retract after the repair. Browning mazda (18827 studebaker rd, cerritos, ca 90703, (562) 924-1414) indicated that they would not replace the part for nhtsa campaign number: 97v211000 (seat belts) because the oem seat belts had been repaired by an outside source. The dealer indicated that the seat belt kit was no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and the battery caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed.…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and the battery caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. The contact called north kansas city mazda (located in north kansas city, mo) who stated that they would retrieve the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was never picked up. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. The contact stated that the drivers side motor for the seat belt failed and locked when she opened the door. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer; nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. The contact stated that the automatic seat belt was jammed and would not latch. in addition, the shoulder strap would not come restrain over the shoulder. The contact believed the failure to be a severe safety issue because only the lap belt was operable. the failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was unknown. Updated 06/01/11*lj updated 06/10/11
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While driving approximately 55-65 mph, the driver side seat belt became stuck in the back position and would not move forward. The contact pressed the emergency release button to get out of the seat belt. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While driving approximately 55-65 mph, the driver side seat belt became stuck in the back position and would not move forward. The contact pressed the emergency release button to get out of the seat belt. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed of recall 97v211000 (seat belts: front: webbing). The contact was told by the dealer that he had to have the door latch switch repaired before the recall repair could be performed. He was also told that the wiring needed to be inspected but he would be charged for it. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000 and the current mileage was approximately 149,000.
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While entering the vehicle the cable which retracts the buckle assembly became jammed in the rail. The condition rendered the shoulder belt inoperative. the previous owner had the vehicle repaired according to recall # 97v211000( seat belts:front:webbing).…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. While entering the vehicle the cable which retracts the buckle assembly became jammed in the rail. The condition rendered the shoulder belt inoperative. the previous owner had the vehicle repaired according to recall # 97v211000( seat belts:front:webbing). since the remedy was performed the manufacturer will not provide a second repair free of charge. the current and failure mileages were 117,000. Updated 11/09/09 *bf updated 11/09/09
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. while driving approximately 30 mph, the driver heard a loud noise and the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front passenger side coil spring punctured the tire and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. while driving approximately 30 mph, the driver heard a loud noise and the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front passenger side coil spring punctured the tire and caused it to explode. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 97v116000 (suspension: front: springs: coil springs); therefore, they would not assist with the repair. the contact will have the vehicle repaired. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. the driver side front seat belt was repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 97v211000 (seat belts:front:webbing) in january 15, 2002. recently, the front passenger side front seat belt cable and retractor failed. the manufacturer stated that the front driver…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. the driver side front seat belt was repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 97v211000 (seat belts:front:webbing) in january 15, 2002. recently, the front passenger side front seat belt cable and retractor failed. the manufacturer stated that the front driver side seat belt was repaired; therefore, the recall was closed. the contact will need to replace the seat belt on his own. he IS arguing with the manufacturer that the recall stated that both seat belts should be replaced. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 197,000.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda MX3. the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt cord came offtrack. the dealer IS charging over $1,000 for the repair. the manufacturer stated that the seat belt recall was previously reparied on the vehicle in late 2000. the failure mileage was 93,200.
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently the automatic seat belts will not automatically retract. in order to unlock the seat belts the contact has to reach around to the back seat. an nhtsa recall, # 97v211000 was performed on the vehicle five times concerning the seat belts:front:webbing…
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently the automatic seat belts will not automatically retract. in order to unlock the seat belts the contact has to reach around to the back seat. an nhtsa recall, # 97v211000 was performed on the vehicle five times concerning the seat belts:front:webbing however, the recall did not remedy the problem. the first time the recall was performed was in 2004. the last time was approximately six months ago. the dealership and the manufacturer instructed the contact to bring the vehicle back in. the contact will not return the vehicle for service due to the location of the dealership.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Dt: 1993 mazda MX3. the consumer received a recall 72803 in april 2005 concerning the seat belts. the seat belts were repaired in april 2005. the seat belts malfunctioned at least 3 times since they were repaired. the vehicle had been taken back 3 times and they could not remedy the problem.…
Dt: 1993 mazda MX3. the consumer received a recall 72803 in april 2005 concerning the seat belts. the seat belts were repaired in april 2005. the seat belts malfunctioned at least 3 times since they were repaired. the vehicle had been taken back 3 times and they could not remedy the problem. they asked the consumer to bring the vehicle back for a fourth time. this started out with the passenger side and then on both sides. the seat belts were automatic shoulder belts, and they would not release automatically and must be released manually. *ak (12/01/05) refer to recall campaign# 97v211000. the problem recurred two more times in the driver's seat. currently the seat belts do not automatically open, trapping both the consumer and passenger. the recall repairs were made but the consumer still experience problems. *sc
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do IS relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu.…
Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do IS relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu. Problem. I saw many complaints about this make on the transmission, and I don't think I should pay anymore to get it replaced. Everytime I try to put on the gas it fails to accelerate. Now it makes a clicking noise everytime I press the gas.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do IS relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu.…
Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do IS relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu. Problem. I saw many complaints about this make on the transmission, and I don't think I should pay anymore to get it replaced. Everytime I try to put on the gas it fails to accelerate. Now it makes a clicking noise everytime I press the gas.
- Electrical system › Ignition
Replaced distirbutor. *Jb
- Seat belts › Front
Driver's side automatic seat belt failed. A recall was issued and repairs done. however, problem recurred. *ak billion mazda of sioux falls ordered a new automatic seat belt assy problem fixed. *Tc
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
While using the headlights consumer noticed that headlights visibility was poor due to the lens being discolored. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Vehicle was taken to dealer to have recall 97v116000 fixed. dealer did recall repairs, but then advised consumer that seatbelt sensor was broken. consumer advised that prior to recall seatbelts were just fine.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Car IS wanting to stall every time I come to a stoop. must put in neutral to keep from doing. mechanic claimed it was throttle body carbon build up but that did not fix problem. seems like this might be a common problem with this vehicle. I would like to know how this has been fixed in past and not let mechanic keep guessing.*ak
- Seat belts
97V211000/automatic shoulder belt rail: dealer refused to repair manufacturer's recall because motorbelt would intermittently fail to operate. dealer informed that seat belt must fail to operate before they can repair problem. *ak the customer states that it IS safety hazard not to fix the belt right away. *yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Whenever applying brakes suddenl they would lock up each time. brakes would work fine when not applied suddenly. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have mechanic check them out. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Recall 97v211000. dealer john mazda, 105 ne 78TH vacouver, wa 98665, 360-574-1131, fixed the recall. while wearing the shoulder belt it locked up, causes discomfort to the driver which may cause a loss of vehicle control. please provide further information.*ak
- Unknown or other
We have had many problems with the transmission in this car after purchase. the car was traded from an individual to a dealership and then purchased by a wholesaler who then sold it to us. after two weeks owning the car it was in the shop for transmission repairs, which had previously been done…
We have had many problems with the transmission in this car after purchase. the car was traded from an individual to a dealership and then purchased by a wholesaler who then sold it to us. after two weeks owning the car it was in the shop for transmission repairs, which had previously been done and was still under warranty. this mechanic fixed it free of charge under the warranty, but took over a month to fix it, and saying he was only obligated to get it running like the first guy asked him to do in the beginning. within two weeks the transmission was out again. we then took it to the mazda place locally in town who informed us they did not rebuild transmission, but sent us to a reputuable transmission mechanic. we spent $1700 to repair the problem. the car was back in the shop on five different occasions with them always repairing it, but within two months the car would be back in the shop again. I tried contacting mazda corporation for some help on this problem; maybe there was something this guy was missing, but to no avail, nobody would help me. then in december of 1999 we took the car to another transmission dealership to solve more transmission problems. that was another $2000 expended for this transmission. it IS now may 2000 and the car IS back in the same shop with more transmission problems and they are now saying it needs to be replaced again. I am of course questioning them about this, why?? How can this be?? this guy with transpro transmission IS telling me that mazda should have had a recall on this car; that the transmission they installed in this car was way too small for it; that it was the size that should be installed in a escort type vehicle; and that IS why mazda quit making the car to begin with. he feels we have some kind of class action suit on this. please help with any knowledge you might have in this area. thank you !
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front coil spring fracture
There is no summary currently available
- Auto restraint system fail
There is no summary currently available
- Alternator fires
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10208555Radio Unlocking Codes.
- 10153339In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10148072In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10144333In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10118467In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
- 10009427Battery test procedure requirements.
- 10009424Speedometer replacement procedure.
- 6092410Some vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting, o/d off indicator light flashing with malfunction indicator lamp on as a result of the valve body harness (transaxle fluid temperature sensor circuit) being pinched by a metal clip which IS attached to the transmission control valve body, causing a short / open circuit.
- 605988Experiencing popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking.
- 604035Experienceing a metallic tapping noise heard from the right ( rear ) cylinder head exhaust cam area.
- 603992Automatic transaxle selector lever IS difficult to operate.
- 603891Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center.
- 603890Information regarding a/t selector lever hard to operate.
- 603882Subject on passive seat belt retractor switch.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 54318Subject pertaining to mtx overhaul information.
- 53007Descriptions of typical engine noises.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52503Maintenance free battery - diagnostic and charging procedure.
- 52498Partial engine replacement (pcv system modification).
- 52497Use of a/c tracer dye.
- 52492Wiper motor inoperative - circuit breaker activation.
- 44098Engine idle vibration in d range.
- 44000Unknown
- 43094Unknown
- 43093Unknown
- 40066Clutch squealing noise.
- 39763Hard start with cold engine.
- 39753Hinge holder breakage.
- 38092Frozen door/hatch lock cylinders.
Every Mazda MX3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.