1994 Mazda MX-3
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1996 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 19 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041130
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 ODI report, 20030315
5 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR FISH TAILED, TOTALLED CAR, AIR BAG BURNED FACE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950518
1 of 19 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041128
1 of 19 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130207
SAFETY TIMELINE
ALTERNATOR FIRES
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MIN
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 TH
Campaign 97V116000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Mazda MX-3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V116000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1994 Mazda MX-3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Mazda MX-3?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:springs:coil springs, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.