VehicleVerdict

1994 Mazda Navajo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Navajo year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 5 Navajo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (12), body & structure (8), and suspension (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

77

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Navajo years?

Navajo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted77 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 57 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 28 complaints1994: 77 complaints
Navajo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Navajo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mazda Navajo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1216%
Body & Structure810%
Visibility & Wipers79%
Speed Control79%
Suspension79%
Tires & Wheels79%
Transmission68%
Engine68%
Steering34%
Fuel System34%
Latches & Locks23%
Other23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)23%
Electrical System23%
Lighting23%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1994 Mazda Navajo have recalls?

4 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.

99V310002Body & StructureNovember 24, 1999 · 6,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.

Consequence

WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.

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.

94V169002BrakesOctober 31, 1994 · 48,609 units

Defect

THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.

Consequence

WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.

Remedy

A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND WOULD POP OUT. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE BOUNCES OR DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT AND EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY/MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN PUSHED IN, AND THERMOSTAT OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED OF ALL PROBLEMS, SOME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 15, 1998

“RECALL99V310002 CONCERNING HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS. DEALER SAYS IT'S NOT A RECALL, AS WELL AS OWNER'S MILES HAVE EXPIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“CONSUMER'S MAZDA SUV WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF FAULTY WORK PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BY TECHNICIANS AT PEP BOYS.*MR THE CONSUMER PURCHASED RIMS FROM A LOCAL RETAILER, HOWEVER WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED ALL 4 OF THE RIMS HAD STAINS, RUST/ BLEMISHES. THE CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 1, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND WOULD POP OUT. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE BOUNCES OR DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT AND EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY/MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN PUSHED IN, AND THERMOSTAT OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED OF ALL PROBLEMS, SOME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 15, 1998

“THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. YOU CAN SLOW THE CAR, BY BRAKING, BY 15-20 MPH AND THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TO HIT THE OFF SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS COULD LEAD TO UNCONTROLLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 5, 2000

1994 Mazda Navajo — common questions

Is the 1994 Mazda Navajo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 5 Navajo years. It is one of the Navajo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Navajo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mazda Navajo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Mazda Navajo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Mazda Navajo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.