1988 Mazda MX6
Only 16 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 16 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 |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 28 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
SEAT LATCH ON DRIVERS SIDE HAS PROBLEM LATCHING AND STICKS WHEN YOU TRY TO UNLATCH IT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950221
1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER. *AK THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SALT CORROSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040107
1 of 16 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH RELEASE OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF MAT.
Remedy: REMOVE PRESENT MAT AND REPLACE WITH NEW IMPROVED MAT.
Campaign 87V149000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR BRAKE DRUMS TRANSPORTED BY TRAIN MAY EXPERIENCE SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE SHOE FROM THE WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER PISTON.
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND IF NO SEPARATION IS FOUND GREASE WILL BE APPLIED TO THE COMPONENT INTERFACE TO LOWER FRICTION AND AVOID SUBSEQUENT RELATIVE MOTION. IF SEPARATION IS FOUND THE WHEEL
Campaign 87V196000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK FIXING BAND RETENTION IS NOT SUFFICIENT, ALLOWING THE BAND TO RUB AGAINST THE FUEL TANK BY VEHICLE VIBRATIONS.
Remedy: REPAIR FUEL FIXING BAND BY INSTALLING A RUBBER SHEET.
Campaign 87V186000 — check if this car was fixed
AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREE F, FROST MAY ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE THROTTLE BODY UNDER EXTENDED CONSTANT SPEED OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW TYPE THERMOSTAT DESIGNED TO RAISE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND WARM THE THROTTLE BODY TO A LEVEL ABOVE FREEZING.
Campaign 88V022000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE
THROTTLE STICKING
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103005 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Mazda MX6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V149000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V196000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V186000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V022000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103005 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Mazda MX6 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 1988 Mazda MX6?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Mazda MX6 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.