VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda MX-6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median MX-6 year — the 1993 model ranks #2 of 14 MX-6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (25% of the total).

68

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other MX-6 years?

MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted71 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 42 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 9 complaints1993: 68 complaints1994: 71 complaints1995: 41 complaints1996: 14 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints
MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda MX-6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1725%
Engine913%
Suspension710%
Steering69%
Seat Belts57%
Transmission57%
Electrical System46%
Lighting34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Latches & Locks23%
Other23%
Seats23%
Airbags23%
Fuel System11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 1993 Mazda MX-6 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.

05E065000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 42,962 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.

92V045000SuspensionApril 2, 1992 · 2,450 units

Defect

THE LOWER ARM BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

THE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTRETAINING BOLT CAN RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION FAILING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTIONAND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSPECT THE LOWER BALL JOINT RETAINING BOLTS AND TIGHTEN LOOSE BOLTS TO THE CORRECT TORQUE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE DISC BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE FRONT BRAKES ARE DOING ALL THE STOPPING AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IN A SAFE DISTANCE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE OVERHEATING CAUSING THE BRAKE CHATTER AND INSUFFICIENT BRAKING ACTION. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 12, 1995 · crash

“ENGINE IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN WITH THE SAME BASIC PROBLEM, THAT WHEN ENGINE IS COLD THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE DUE TO CARBON BUILT UP IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER WITHIN THE ENGINE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 26, 1999

“I OWN A 1993 MAZDA MX6, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TWICE AND ONCE ON THE OTHER SIDE, I WENT ON THE NET AND SAW THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS ON THIS MODEL, AND WAS TRYING TO SEE IF I COULD BE REIMBURSED, I HAVE THE BILLS AND DATES THAT THE REPAIRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 5, 2002

“THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT PULLING MY DAUGHTER OFF THE ROAD AND HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPT WITH AN AIR BAG SHE STILL WAS THROWN HEAD FIRST INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 7, 2005 · crash

“I HAVE A 1993 MAZDA MX6 WITH 105,000. IN 1999 THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. THEN, RECENTLY, I'VE HAD MY CAR IN 3 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THEY'VE REPLACED SOLENOIDS, TORQUE CONVERTER, INLINE BOOST VALVE AND SO FAR IT ISN'T FIXED. I'VE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1999

1993 Mazda MX-6 — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda MX-6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 1993 model at #2 of 14 MX-6 years. It is one of the MX-6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 MX-6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), engine (9 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Mazda MX-6. 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-6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda MX-6 years should you avoid?

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.

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.