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Vehicle safety record

1993 Mazda MX-3 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 57 complaints about the 1993 Mazda MX-3 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (31) and the transmission & drivetrain (7). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 1992 has 47 and the 1994 has 19.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical MX-3 year, for its age

#70 most complained-about 1993 vehicle

Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

Most common 1993 Mazda MX-3 problems

Share of all 57 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

No recalls for the 1993 Mazda MX-3

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1993 Mazda MX-3. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.

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57 complaints about the 1993 Mazda MX-3

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11338705
Seats & 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11210519
Seats & 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 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11175041
Electrical systemFire

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11012643
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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10838633
Seats & 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10399092
Seats & 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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10398272
Seats & 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 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10366606
Seats & seat belts

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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10290715
Suspension

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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10258196
Seats & 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 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10235350
Seats & 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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10227763
Seats & seat belts

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.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10156596
Seats & seat belts2 injuries

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...

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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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10131002
Transmission & drivetrain

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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10129853
Transmission & drivetrain

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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10129851
Electrical system

REPLACED DISTIRBUTOR. *JB

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10098025
Seats & seat belts

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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10089868
Lights

While using the headlights consumer noticed that headlights visibility was poor due to the lens being discolored. *Ak

Filed Exterior lightingNHTSA 10046063
Seats & seat belts

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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 888806
Acceleration & cruise 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

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 743561
Seats & 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

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 876310
Brakes

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

Filed Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 868289
Seats & seat belts

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

Filed Seat beltsNHTSA 865761
Other & unknown

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...

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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 !

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 722500

Mazda MX-3: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19962000LightsA
199510160AirbagsB
199419170SuspensionC
199357021Seats & seat beltsD
199247010Seats & seat beltsC
All MX-3 years

1993 Mazda MX-3 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1993 Mazda MX-3

Does the 1993 Mazda MX-3 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1993 Mazda MX-3 right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mazda MX-3?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (31), transmission & drivetrain (7), electrical system (5).

How many complaints has the 1993 Mazda MX-3 had?

57 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 19, 1995 and the latest on July 10, 2020. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1993 Mazda MX-3 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mazda MX-3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda MX-3 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1993 Mazda MX-3 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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