VehicleVerdict

1992 Mazda MX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.1 times the median MX-3 year — the 1992 model ranks #2 of 8 MX-3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 64% of all reports (32 of 50), far ahead of suspension at 7.

50

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other MX-3 years?

MX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted69 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 50 complaints1993: 69 complaints1994: 20 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 2 complaints1999: 1 complaints
MX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mazda MX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts3264%
Suspension714%
Electrical System510%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Transmission12%
Engine12%
Other12%

Does the 1992 Mazda MX-3 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V674000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 units

Defect

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. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

Consequence

If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

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. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

97V211000Seat BeltsNovember 18, 1997 · 134,000 units

Defect

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 ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, THE RAILS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED WITH MODIFIED RAILS IF THEY EXCEED THE INSPECTION CRITERIA.

97V116000SuspensionJuly 22, 1997 · 25,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WASHINGTON, DC. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, CORROSIVE PITS CAN DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING. REPEATED USE CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE COIL SPRING TO BREAK AND A TIRE COULD BE PUNCTURED FROM CONTACT WITH THE BROKEN COIL SPRING.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR THE LIFT OF THE VEHICLE. IF OWNERS HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THESE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, DUE TO ROAD SALT DAMAGE, MAZDA WILL REIMBURSE THESE OWNERS FOR REASONABLE EXPENSES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO NORTHPARK MAZDA/ISUZU AND THE GUY AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE MY RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHOMEVER DID IT BEFORE PUT DEFECTIVE PARTS ON IT BECAUSE THEY ARE MESSING UP TO THIS DATE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO NORTHPARK MAZDA/ISUZU AND THE GUY AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE MY RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHOMEVER DID IT BEFORE PUT DEFECTIVE PARTS ON IT BECAUSE THEY ARE MESSING UP TO THIS DATE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE FLOODING. WHEN OCCURRING, CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE 30 AMP FUSE FOR FUEL INJECTORS, AND TRY TO STOP THE FLOOD. REPLACED THE FUSE AND STARTED AGAIN. DEALER NOTIFED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IS WAS THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR NOW. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 30, 1993

“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 THE INSIDE+OUTSIDE OF THE CAR METAL FRAME(BODY)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 12, 2008

1992 Mazda MX-3 — common questions

Is the 1992 Mazda MX-3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 1992 model at #2 of 8 MX-3 years. It is one of the MX-3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 MX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (32 complaints), suspension (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mazda MX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Mazda MX-3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Mazda MX-3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda MX-3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-3 years to avoid are 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among MX-3 years belongs to 1990.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.