Model year

1992 Mazda MX3

Coupe, gasoline, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Apr 4, 1995 to May 25, 2018.

Recall campaigns covering this model year31.53M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints446.3 times the median 1992 coupe
Severity index2.31992 coupes average 13.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1992 Mazda MX3 peaked in 1997, with 8 filed

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

02468199581998200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

68% of complaints about the 1992 Mazda MX3 name seat belts

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

Seat belts
30
Suspension
6
Electrical system
5
Engine and cooling
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Structure
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 1992 Mazda MX3

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 1992 Mazda MX3
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
15V-674Oct 19, 2015In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheatElectrical system1,368,500Part replacement
97V-211Nov 18, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front seat automatic shoulder beltsSeat belts134,000Part replacement
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 1992 Mazda MX3

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.

44 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

  1. Filed May 25, 2018Failure Nov 12, 2008125,000 milesRochester, NYBody

    CAR HAS A INTERIOR FRAME METAL PROBLEM INSIDE THE STRUCTURE OF THE CAR ITS WELDS,ARE COMING APART SHEET METAL,WHEEL WELLS CORE SUPPORT,FRONT BUMPER,FLOOR REAR SPARE TIRE,SHEETMETAL,THE RUST PROOFING WAS NOT ENOUGH ON CAR,OR THEY FORGOT TO ZINC COAT THE INSIDE+OUTSIDE OF THE CAR METAL FRAME(BODY)

    NHTSA complaint 11097878
  2. Filed Jul 27, 2016Failure Jan 27, 1998170,000 milesDallas, TXElectrical system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE SPARKS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE TO BE SALVAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10888982
  3. Filed Jul 22, 2011Failure Jul 22, 2008168,000 milesStaten Island, NYSeat belts, Front

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED CONTINUOUSLY. THE COIL SPRING WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT THE FIRST THREE TIMES THE FAILURE OCCURRED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE FOR BOTH FAILURES (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 97V116000 - SUSPENSION: FRONT: SPRINGS: COIL SPRINGS AND 97V211000- SEAT BELTS: FRONT: WEBBING) YET THE PARTS WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE HIM A RETURN CALL BUT NEVER DID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10414636
  4. Filed Mar 16, 2010Failure Mar 9, 2010120,000 milesFallbrook, CAWebbing

    TL* CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOES NOT EXTRACT THE WEBBING PROPERLY. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT A PRIOR RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 1998. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 97V211000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: WEBBING). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,500.

    NHTSA complaint 10320085
  5. Filed Nov 6, 2009Failure Nov 6, 2009205,658 milesLOS Angeles, CASeat belts

    1992 TO 1993 MAZDA MX-3 AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RECALL MAZDA DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT IN SPITE OF THE DOCUMENTATION THAT WAS PROVIDED. THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NHTSA ORDERED THE RECALL AND NOT MAZDA. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10291250
  6. Filed May 15, 2008Failure Jul 1, 2005100,000 milesCincinnati, OHCoil springs

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE MOVED UNCONTROLLABLY. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT COILS SPRINGS FAILED. THE MAZDA DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V116000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10227855
  7. Filed Apr 13, 2006Failure Mar 25, 2006180,000 milesSonora, CAAutomatic transmission

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LOST FIRST AND SECOND GEARS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED TO 30 MPH AND LOST THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS. IT WAS COASTED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

    NHTSA complaint 10155312
  8. Filed Nov 1, 2005Failure Jul 1, 2005113,000 milesCamarillo, CARetractor

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL 97V211000 FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WAS ISSUED. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL NOT LOCK TO KEEP THE OCCUPANT FROM MOVING FORWARD. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE DEALER WANTED HIM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL COMPONENT WAS DIFFERENT THAN THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED ON VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10141402
  9. Filed May 27, 2004Failure May 24, 200492 milesWinnipeg, 00Front

    THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK AND IS UNABLE TO RETRACT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE CABLE WAS TWISTED INSIDE OF THE HOUSING. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10074396
  10. Filed Apr 23, 2004Failure Apr 23, 2004Dothan, ALLower ball joint, Upper ball joint

    WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONTAL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10071473
  11. Filed Sep 29, 200383,000 milesBrunswick, GAElectrical system

    WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10041896
  12. Filed Jun 7, 2003Failure Jun 5, 200353,000 milesHonolulu, HIWebbing

    SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 97V211000 IS RECURRING WITH SAME SYMPTOMS OF SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING WHEN DOOR IS OPENED TO EXIT VEHICLE. IS THE CAUSE NOW THE SAME AS IT WAS WHEN FIRST REPAIRED AND IF SO, DOES THE SAME RECALL APPLY AS IT SEEMS THE CAUSE REMAINS A DEFECT? *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10021184
  13. Filed Jun 20, 2002Failure Jun 18, 2002Indianola, MSBuckle assembly

    PASSENGER'S FRONT SEATBELT BUCKLE DOES NOT BUCKLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 8012233
  14. Filed Feb 12, 2002Brandon, MSSeat belts, Coil springs

    I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO NORTHPARK MAZDA/ISUZU AND THE GUY AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE MY RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHOMEVER DID IT BEFORE PUT DEFECTIVE PARTS ON IT BECAUSE THEY ARE MESSING UP TO THIS DATE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH BOTH AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS AND BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS.

    NHTSA complaint 758148
  15. Filed Feb 6, 2002Mesa, AZSeat belts

    AUTOMATIC SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT AROUND THE DRIVER. BELT WILL NOT STAY FASTEN.ED. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 8003686
  16. Filed Jul 2, 2001Failure Jul 1, 2000Wheatridge, COSeat belts

    WHEN DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR RECALL 97V211000, NO WORK OR MODIFICATIONS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. CONSUMER STATED THAT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RAILS HAVE BECOME STUCK. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE RECALL OBLIGATIONS HAVE BEEN MET. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 891817
  17. Filed May 15, 2001Failure Apr 23, 2001Richmond, VASeat belts

    CONSUMER HAD RECALL WORK PERFORMED FOR NHTSA RECALL 97V211000 CONCERNING RESTRAINT BELTS. REMEDY PERFORMED DID NOT CORRECT DEFECT BECAUSE CONSUMER'S PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT MOVE IN TRACK/RAIL. ALSO, BELT WILL NOT ALLOW MOVEMENT OF PASSENGER BECAUSE IT CONTINUES TO LOCK UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 888238
  18. Filed Feb 24, 2000Failure Nov 30, 1993Colorado Spring, COFuses and circuit breakers

    ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE FLOODING. WHEN OCCURRING, CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE 30 AMP FUSE FOR FUEL INJECTORS, AND TRY TO STOP THE FLOOD. REPLACED THE FUSE AND STARTED AGAIN. DEALER NOTIFED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IS WAS THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR NOW. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 857531
  19. Filed Sep 15, 1999Failure Jun 1, 1999Alexander, ARIgnition, Gasoline

    WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. COMMON PROBLEM. DLR REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR., BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 847800
  20. Filed Sep 8, 1999Chicago, ILCoil springs

    THIS VEHICLE HAD THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD PLACED ON TO PROTECT THE TIRES IF THE SPRINGS BROKE, THE SPRINGS BROKE, AND THE TIRES WERE STILL DAMAGED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 847135
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

26 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
  • 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
  • 01198 May 28, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT ON PASSIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SWITCH. *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
  • 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
  • F003/95 Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HARD START WITH COLD ENGINE. *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.