1994 Mazda MX-3

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1994 Mazda MX-3
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:26:51.959Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1994: 19 complaints

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.

SUSPENSION

9 of 19 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs.

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

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

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

AIR BAGS

6 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR FISH TAILED, TOTALLED CAR, AIR BAG BURNED FACE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950518

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

VISIBILITY

1 of 19 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.

STEERING

1 of 19 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 19 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19941012 — PE (closed 19941221)

ALTERNATOR FIRES

I 19941130 — EA (closed 19971126)

AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL

R 19970915 — suspension

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

I 19980303 — RQ (closed 19981116)

FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Mazda MX-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 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, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.