1992 Mazda MX3
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 44 |
| 1993 | 52 |
| 1999 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
68% of complaints: seat belts — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IMPACT FROM A 3:00 POSITION SPEED 5 MPH, LAP/SHOULDER BELT RETRACT FAILED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950616
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030607
THE SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CAME LOOSE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950522
16% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040423
11% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and module.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160727
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030929
2% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 1 distinct report on file, most commonly citing cruise control.
2% of complaints: structure — 1 distinct report on file, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180525
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
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSIVE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE (WITH ADDITIONAL DUST LIP) IN VEHICLES WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM. IN VEHICLES IN WHICH THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT F
Campaign 97V211000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Mazda MX3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V116000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V211000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1992 Mazda MX3 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 1992 Mazda MX3?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Mazda MX3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.