VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda MX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.9 times the median MX-3 year — the 1993 model ranks #1 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 45% of all reports (31 of 69), far ahead of electrical system at 8.

69

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other MX-3 years?

MX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda MX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts3145%
Electrical System812%
Transmission710%
Airbags46%
Visibility & Wipers46%
Speed Control34%
Suspension34%
Brakes34%
Other23%
Engine23%
Lighting11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 1993 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.

“RECALL 97V211000, AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RAIL. CONTACTED THE DEALER IN OCT. 23, 1998. AS OF NOW THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. THE SHOUDLER BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE WHICH WON'T PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. DEALER IS HIXSON AUTO PLACE, 2506 MACARTHER DRIVE, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71301, PHONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 23, 1998

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 22, 2016 · fire

“TRANSMISSION HOLD BUTTON LOCKS TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AND REQUIRES UP-SHIFTING FROM GEAR AT WHICH HOLD IS ENGAGED. WITH TRANSMISSION IN "D" AND HAVING AUTOMATICALLY UPSHIFTED INTO OVERDRIVE, HOLD LIGHT WILL FLASH AND TRANSMISSION WILL DOWNSHIFT, CAUSING A SUDDEN/RADICAL SLOWDOWN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 1997

“NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT CAUSED INJURY TO PASSENGERS, SAFETY HARNESS FOR THE SHOULDER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR CAUSING PASSENGER TO BE THROWN AROUND THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 5, 1999

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT RESTRAINT IS STUCK MIDWAY ON THE RAIL WHICH IS A VERY DANGEROUS POSITION IF A WRECK WERE TO OCCUR. THE POWER SUNROOF OPENS ALL THE WAY BUT WILL NOT CLOSE. IT REQUIRES A MANUAL CRANK IN ORDER TO CLOSE IT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 7, 1999

1993 Mazda MX-3 — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda MX-3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 8 MX-3 years. It is one of the MX-3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 MX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (31 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda MX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 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 1993 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.