VehicleVerdict

1991 Mazda Navajo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 57 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Navajo year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 5 Navajo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (10), transmission (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

3

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Navajo years?

Navajo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted77 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 57 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 28 complaints1994: 77 complaints
Navajo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navajo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Mazda Navajo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1018%
Transmission712%
Brakes611%
Electrical System611%
Speed Control611%
Fuel System47%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Steering35%
Body & Structure35%
Engine35%
Suspension24%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)24%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%

Does the 1991 Mazda Navajo have recalls?

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

00T005000Tires & WheelsAugust 21, 2000 · 14,400,000 units

Defect

TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Consequence

IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

97V235002Body & StructureFebruary 25, 1998 · 23,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.

Consequence

UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.

96V024002BrakesFebruary 28, 1996 · 2,500 units

Defect

THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Consequence

IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM FULLY ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

91V189001TransmissionNovember 4, 1991 · 33,540 units

Defect

WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.

Consequence

DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.

91V028000Body & StructureFebruary 13, 1991 · 10,000 units

Defect

REAR BUMPER MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH.

Consequence

BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPERMOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.

Remedy

INSTALL TWO ADDITIONAL BRACKETS, ONE ADDITIONAL BAR AND ASSOCIATED FASTENERS TO PREVENT BUMPER SEPARATION.

91V020000Fuel SystemJanuary 5, 1991 · 6,424 units

Defect

FRONT HEAT SHIELD EXTENSION MAY CONTACT THE UPPER FRONT CORNER OF PLASTIC FUEL TANK DAMAGING OR PUNCTURING THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

SUCH FUEL TANK DAMAGE COULD ALLOW VAPOR AND OR FUEL TOESCAPE; THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.

Remedy

RELOCATE HEAT SHIELD; REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING 70MPH RIGHT REAR PASSENGER FIRESTONE ATX TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL, AND GO UNDER A SEMI -TRAILER AND ROLL OVER. VEHICLE WAS A MAZDA NAVAJO. DOT # WIHLAT51561. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 30, 2000 · crash

“VEHICLE WON'T GO INTO REVERSE DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO, BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE REAR END, AND VEHICLE SQUEAKS WHEN CONSUMER GOES OVER A SPEED BUMP. IN ADDITION, AND A PART TO THE BRAKES MELTED AND THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM STAYS ON. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, AND THE BRAKES HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 12, 1996

“THE PROPORTIONING VALVE FAILED "CLOSED" AND DID NOT ALLOW FOR THE BRAKE FLUID TO GO TO THE REAR BRAKES, AS A RESULT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN THE FRONT TIRES LOCKING UP AND SKIDDED CAUSING COLLISION. *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 1997

“THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLLOVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 8, 1996 · crash

“VEHICLE STALLED AND THEN WAS RESTARTED; VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT RAN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED TO SMOKE HEAVILY FROM THE REAR; WHAT WAS FOUND WAS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WHICH MELTED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE TANK; THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1991 Mazda Navajo — common questions

Is the 1991 Mazda Navajo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 57 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 5 Navajo years. It is one of the Navajo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Navajo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (10 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 1991 Mazda Navajo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Mazda Navajo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Mazda Navajo under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mazda Navajo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Navajo years to avoid are 1994, 1991. The cleanest record among Navajo 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.