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
- 19
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
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, 2013-02-07
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, 2004-11-30
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, 2004-11-28
Air bags
6 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While attempting to brake, car fish tailed, totalled car, air bag burned face. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18
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.
Show complaint excerpts
Tie rod end broke, causing wheel to lock up/loss of control/accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09
Service brakes
1 of 19 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1994-10-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-21 Alternator fires
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I
1994-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-11-26 Auto restraint system fail
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R
1997-09-15Suspension97V116000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan…
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…
-
I
1998-03-03Recall queryClosed 1998-11-16 Front coil spring fracture
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Mazda MX-3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V116000 · Suspension
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.