Model year

1994 Mazda MX-3

Coupe, gasoline, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Jan 12, 1995 to Feb 7, 2013.

Recall campaigns covering this model year125k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints19Close to the median 1994 coupe
Severity index36.81994 coupes average 19.3
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1994 Mazda MX-3 peaked in 1999, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234199519984200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

47% of complaints about the 1994 Mazda MX-3 name suspension

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Suspension
9
Airbags
6
Engine and cooling
1
Latches and locks
1
Brakes
1
Steering
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 1994 Mazda MX-3

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1994 Mazda MX-3
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
97V-116Jul 22, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana,…Suspension25,000Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1994 Mazda MX-3

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

19 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Feb 7, 2013Failure Feb 2, 2013140,000 milesElkcorn City, KYSuspension

    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 AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V116000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. MAH

    NHTSA complaint 10496731
  2. Filed Dec 13, 2007Failure Dec 10, 200778,200 milesChugiak, AKCoil springs

    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 STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V116000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL OR ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE CONTACT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,200.

    NHTSA complaint 10212758
  3. Filed Dec 6, 2007Failure Oct 1, 200763,000 milesWoodford, VACoil springs

    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 MANUFACTURED WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE CD AXLES WERE REPLACED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10210991
  4. Filed May 26, 2006Failure May 21, 200697,000 milesFort Lauderdale, FLCoil springs

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED DUE TO A PUNCTURE FROM A FRACTURED COIL SPRING. THERE IS A RECALL, # 97V116000 FOR THE COIL SPRING ON THE CONTACTS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE RECALL ONLY APPLIES TO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT STATES. THE CONTACT USE TO LIVE IN NEBRASKA AND COMMUTED TO A SALT STATE, IOWA, AND NOW LIVES IN FLORIDA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE RECALL LETTER AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY WITHOUT THE RECALL LETTER. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10158359
  5. Filed Mar 7, 2006Failure Feb 1, 200694,800 milesChicago, ILCoil springs

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 97V116000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION FRONT SPRINGS COIL SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

    NHTSA complaint 10152139
  6. Filed Nov 30, 2004Failure Nov 28, 2004114,000 milesEast Longmeadow, MACoil springs

    WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 10 MPH OR LESS CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE AND NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE REPAIR SHOP NOTIFIED A LOCAL MAZDA DEALER.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10101801
  7. Filed Nov 28, 2004Failure Nov 28, 2004114,000 milesEast Longmeadow, MACoil springs

    EITHER DEC 2000 OR JAN 2001 MY MAZDA MX-3 HAD A FRONT COIL SPRING BREAK. MY MECHANIC CONTACTED MAZDA DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE AND SHOWED THE COIL TO HIM. MY MECHANIC FELT THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THE DISTRICT REP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING MAZDA COULD DO. I CONTACTED MAZDA MYSELF AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, I FOUND YOUR WEBSITE AND CONVEYED THE INFORMATION FOUND TO MAZDA AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE MX-3 ONLY THE MX-6. THEY SAID YOUR WEBSITE WAS INCORRECT. TODAY MY SECOND COIL SPRING DID BREAK AND THIS TIME IT POPPED MY TIRE INSTANTLY. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO HAWLEY'S GARAGE IN EAST LONGMEADOW, MA WHERE THE FIRST COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED. UPON BEING TOWED MORE DAMAGED TO MY CAR WAS INSTILLED TO WHAT EXTENT THE DAMAGE IS, IS NOT KNOWN TILL THE MECHANIC CHECKS THIS OUT. I FEEL THAT ALL OF THIS SHOULD AND COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF MAZDA HAD JUST DONE THE RIGHT THING A FEW YEARS BACK AND FIXED AND PREVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. MY MECHANIC DID FIX THE FIRST COIL SPRING BACK WHEN IT WAS BROKEN AND I WILL HAVE HIM REPLACE THIS ONE ALSO. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE BUT I WILL BE SURE TO KEEP THIS ONE.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10100670
  8. Filed Mar 15, 2003Failure Mar 13, 200335 milesCrab Orchard, WVCoil springs

    THE LEFT FRONT (DRIVER'S SIDE) COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. THE TIRE AND RIM WERE DAMAGED, LEAVING ME STRANDED ON HIGHWAY. *NLM

    NHTSA complaint 10010511
  9. Filed Feb 2, 2000Odessa, TXGlass, Side/rear

    WHILE ROLLING WINDOW DOWN WOULD HAVE TO PULL WINDOW UP BY HAND. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFOMATON. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 856088
  10. Filed Oct 29, 1999Failure Oct 16, 1999Oakland Park, FLLatch

    WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HOOD UNLATCHED, AND BLOCK EDTHE DRIVER'S VIEW. PUT EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON AND PULLED OVER. HOOD SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER, BUT CONTACRF INSURANCE CO. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 852226
  11. Filed Jun 20, 1999Failure Jan 1, 1999BEN Lomond, CAGasoline

    WHEN LEVEL IN FUEL TANK IS LOW, RPMS HIGH, AND GOING AROUND CORNER, ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER MOMENTARILY. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 707696
  12. Filed Apr 3, 1999Failure Feb 9, 1999Minnesota, MNCoil springs

    WHEN VEHICLE STARTED OFF, A LOUD "CLUNK" NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LEFT FRONT END HAD COLLAPSED. DROVE TO MIDAS DEALER & HALF WAY TO DEALER THE TIRE BLEW. AT MIDAS, MECHANIC NOTICED CRACKED IN COIL SPRINGS. THAT CAUSED THE BREAK IN THE WHEEL WELL.

    NHTSA complaint 836447
  13. Filed Jan 28, 1999Failure Jan 5, 1999Jacksonville, FLFrontalCrash

    WAS TRAVELING IN 1ST GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SHORT. HAD APPLIED BRAKES LIGHTLY BUT QUICKLY, AND TAPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW BROKE DUE TO METAL PIECE ON COVER OF AIR BAG. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834142
  14. Filed Jun 3, 1998Failure May 2, 1998Earlysvill, VAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    DURING A VEHICLE COLLISION THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG, RESULTING IN INJURIES .

    NHTSA complaint 536235
  15. Filed Feb 24, 1997Failure Feb 21, 1997Edgerton, WIFrontalCrash1 injured

    DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 809304
  16. Filed Feb 3, 1997Failure Jan 1, 1997East Aurora, NYFrontalCrash

    CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 25 MPH REAR END CRASH IN WHICH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 808537
  17. Filed Dec 26, 1996Failure Dec 21, 1996Kanans City, MOFrontalCrash1 injured

    VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, SPEED 25MPH, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING BURNS TO FACE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 806746
  18. Filed May 18, 1995Failure May 13, 1995Houston, TXFrontal, Service brakes, Foundation componentsCrash1 injured

    WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR FISHTALED, SPUN INTO THE WALL ON FREEWAY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 965538
  19. Filed Jan 12, 1995Failure Nov 1, 1994Capital HE, MDTie rod assemblyCrash

    TIE ROD END BROKE, CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK UP/LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD

    NHTSA complaint 478079
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on file

  • RQ98001 Recall query, Suspension
    FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE
    Opened Mar 3, 1998, closed Nov 16, 1998 · led to a recall
  • EA94039 Engineering analysis, Seat belts
    AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
    Opened Nov 30, 1994, closed Nov 26, 1997 · led to a recall
  • PE94075 Preliminary evaluation, Electrical system
    ALTERNATOR FIRES
    Opened Oct 12, 1994, closed Dec 21, 1994
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

32 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 0900716 Feb 17, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Speedometer replacement procedure
  • MT-002-22 Feb 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Radio Unlocking Codes.
  • 09-009-19-3566 Jan 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In 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…
  • 09-034-18-3430a Oct 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In 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…
  • 09-034-18-3430 Aug 31, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In 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…
  • 09-035-17-3080 Aug 7, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In 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…
  • 09-034-14-2956 Aug 15, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    IN 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 P…
  • 0102504 Jul 21, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. *TT
  • 0902604 Jul 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SPEEDOMETER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT
  • 01098 Oct 14, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME 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 TRANSMI…
  • 00299 Jul 16, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. *TT
  • 00598 Nov 4, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXPERIENCEING A METALLIC TAPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE RIGHT ( REAR ) CYLINDER HEAD EXHAUST CAM AREA. *YC
  • 00998 Sep 30, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SELECTOR LEVER IS DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. *YC
  • 00198 Apr 15, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDITIONS WITH STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. *YC
  • 00998 Sep 30, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION REGARDING A/T SELECTOR LEVER HARD TO OPERATE. *YC
  • 00598 Apr 22, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT EXTENDERS. *YC
  • 97102302097 Oct 23, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PRE-PAINTING PREPARATIONS FOR FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. *YC
  • 97102300397 Oct 23, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT PERTAINING TO MTX OVERHAUL INFORMATION. *YC
  • 970716006/97 Jul 16, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DESCRIPTIONS OF TYPICAL ENGINE NOISES. *YC
  • 007/97T Apr 25, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PARTS REPLACEMENT AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TW
  • 001/97G Apr 8, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW
  • 004/97B May 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PARTIAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT (PCV SYSTEM MODIFICATION). *TW
  • 008/97 May 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW
  • 003/97G Jan 19, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW
  • 002/97U Feb 7, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    RATTLING/BUZZING NOISE DURING A/C OPERATION. *TW
  • B006/95 Apr 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ENGINE IDLE VIBRATION IN D RANGE. *TW
  • H002/95 Apr 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UNKNOWN
  • B006/95 Apr 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UNKNOWN
  • B007/95 Apr 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UNKNOWN
  • H002/95 Mar 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CLUTCH SQUEALING NOISE. *TW
  • S009/95 Feb 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HINGE HOLDER BREAKAGE. *TW
  • S021/94R Nov 1, 1994 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FROZEN DOOR/HATCH LOCK CYLINDERS. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.