Mazda MX-3 recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Mazda MX-3, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Mazda MX-3. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Mazda MX-3, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1991–1999 with 8 recall campaigns and 155 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1993 (3), 1992 (3), and 1995 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1993 (67), 1992 (49), and 1994 (20).
- Top recall themes: Electrical, Seats and restraints, and Steering and suspension.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Seat belts, Suspension:front:springs:coil springs, Air bags:frontal.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 1992–1993These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
- 15V674000 · Electrical system: Switch
Seats and restraints
1 campaign · Years: 1992–1993These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
- 97V211000 · Seat belts: Webbing
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 1992–1995These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 97V116000 · Suspension: Coil springs
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Mazda MX-3 in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts, Suspension:front:springs:coil springs, Air bags:frontal.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, other. |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting, Visibility:power window devices and controls. |
| 1995 | 1 | 12 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1994 | 1 | 20 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front:springs:coil springs, Air bags:frontal, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1993 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Power train:automatic transmission, Seat belts:front:webbing. |
| 1993 | 3 | 67 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Power train:automatic transmission, Seat belts:front:webbing. |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:retractor, Seat belts:front:webbing. |
| 1992 | 3 | 49 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:retractor, Seat belts:front:webbing. |
| 1991 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Suspension , Electrical system and Seat belts
Other Mazda Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Mazda models.
- 323 1986–1994
- 626 1981–2002
- 929 1988–1996
- B-Series 1981–2010
- CX-3 2016–2022
- CX-30 2020–2027
- CX-5 2013–2027
- CX-50 2023–2027
- CX-7 2007–2012
- CX-70 2025–2027
- CX-9 2007–2027
- CX-90 2024–2027
- GLC 1981–1986
- Mazda2 2011–2021
- Mazda3 2004–2027
- Mazda5 2006–2015
- Mazda6 2003–2021
- Millenia 1995–2002
- MPV 1989–2006
- MX-5 1990–2027
- MX-6 1988–1997
- Navajo 1991–1994
- Protege 1990–2003
- RX-7 1981–1996
- RX-8 2004–2012
- Tribute 2001–2011
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.