Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1992 Mazda MX-6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 11% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Consequence
IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RIGHT ANDLEFT UPPER STRUTS IN FRONT END.MECHANIC SAID IT WAS AN INHERENT DEFECT AND WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED ON LATER MODELS.”
“MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOUNTING OFTHE STRUTS WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE EARLY 1992 MODELS AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE IS BUMPS IN THE ROAD. ALSO STATED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN AND IT DID. MAZDA WOULD ONLY PAY FOR PARTS THIS TIME SINCE THE WARRANTY (TIME NOT MILEAGE) HAD EXPIRED.”
“RECALL # 97V211000 MAZDA/AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RAIL; DEALER DID NOT EXPECT SHOUDLER BELT RAIL AS STATED IN RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SYSTEM DID NOT NEED TO BE INSPECTED UNLESS IT WAS NOT WORKING. *AK”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Mazda MX-6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-6 years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1989, 1995. The cleanest record among MX-6 years belongs to 1999.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.