1990 Mazda 323: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 mazda 323. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and whenever the vehicle idled excessively the rpms also increased. The dealer was notified and stated that there was nothing that they could do. The dealer also told him to contact the manufacturer for further instructions. There was only one dealer in his area which is not a certified mazda dealer. The failure mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2008
“The driver was sitting at an intersection without warning another vehicle rear ended the vehicle in front. The left side and right side seat belts disengaged on their own,the seat belts retractor was not retractable. No injuries to report. The driver was able to drive to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the seat belts needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2005
“Consumer states dealer told her that they were not going to accept her recall notice because car was to old and seat belt will not stick.*jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2002
Show 4 more owner reports
“When closing door seat belt does not retract. Can hear clicking sound, but seatbelt does not go back in. Dealer contacted. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2002
“Recall # 97v211000, shoulder belts; when owner arrived for scheduled appointment he was informed that parts were not available to correct recall. Owner has contacted dealer on (3) other occasions. The dealer is not able to tell owner when parts will be available. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1998
“Motor belt/shoulder failed prior to recall notice, during recall repair extra charges due to parts not included in recall notice.(97v-211) mjs”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1996
“Owner states that seat belts on drivers side do not retract. He notes that he had seat belts on driver's side repaired and then the other side went out. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSIVE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE (WITH ADDITIONAL DUST LIP) IN VEHICLES WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM. IN VEHICLES IN WHICH THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, THE RAILS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED WITH MODIFIED RAILS IF THEY EXCEED THE INSPECTION CRITERIA.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 323 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Mazda 323 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mazda 323. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1990 Mazda 323 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.