VehicleVerdict

1994 Mazda MX-6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 71 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.7 times the median MX-6 year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 14 MX-6 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (14), engine (9), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

71

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other MX-6 years?

MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mazda MX-6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1420%
Engine913%
Brakes811%
Electrical System811%
Airbags57%
Fuel System46%
Seat Belts34%
Body & Structure34%
Latches & Locks34%
Seats34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Lighting23%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Child Seat11%
Steering11%
Other11%

Does the 1994 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

4 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.

99V358000LightingDecember 17, 1999 · 40,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT WIRE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS SOLDERED TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Consequence

THE FAILURE OF THIS WIRE COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH LEVER.

99I005000TransmissionAugust 16, 1999 · 47,651 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET CAN FAIL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER, SEVERE LACK OF POWER, AND/OR A TRANSMISSION WHICH STAYS IN THIRD GEAR. IN SOME CASES, THE "OD OFF" LIGHT MAY ALSO FLASH.

Consequence

A DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF INCREASED SPEED DUE TO THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AND IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AT NO CHARGE. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS NECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET FROR 9 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MAZDA WILL REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION FOR $2,696.00. THE MAZDA REP WILL ALLOW ME A TOTAL OF $750.00 TOWARD THE REPAIR. SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT, I FEEL THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1994 MAZDA. I BELIEVE THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME MORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 24, 1999

“IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND ENGINE VALVES ARE FAULTY. I HAVE SEEN MANY TSB'S ABOUT ALL RELATED PROBLEMS...IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE MAZDA IS TAKING CARE OF THE PROBLEMS!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 6, 1999

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX-6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2016

“WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 40-50 MPH AND APPLYING BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, VEHICLE TO SKID INTO A POLE, AND DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO LOCK , CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. ALSO, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER IMPACT WHICH FORCED DRIVER BACKWARDS. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 1999 · crash

“WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 40-50 MPH AND APPLYING BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, VEHICLE TO SKID INTO A POLE, AND DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO LOCK , CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. ALSO, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER IMPACT WHICH FORCED DRIVER BACKWARDS. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 3, 1999 · crash

1994 Mazda MX-6 — common questions

Is the 1994 Mazda MX-6 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 71 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 14 MX-6 years. It is one of the MX-6 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 MX-6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 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 1994 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.