1991 Mazda 323: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts; the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Took vehicle in for recall 97 v 211 000. After receiving vehicle back seatbelt light comes on, and chime rings when seatbelt is fastened. Please provide any further infomation. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2001
“Recall 97v211000/ manufacturer's recall 72803/ shoulder seat belts. Consumer took vehicle in for an appointment, waited for a couple of hours & found out that dealer didn't have the part. Consumer feels that when appointment was made they could have been advised that the part was out of stock. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2000
“While backing out of a parking spot, the accelerator stuck and vehicle took off in reverse wide open. Driver hit a chain link fence, vehicle spinned around a couple of times, hit a pole and began spinning aroung again before stopping. The vehicle was totalled. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 1998
Show 5 more owner reports
“When driver gets into the vehicle the automatic seat belt jams on anyone that is sitting in the seat, and it very hard to be released from the seat belt. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1998
“The middle backseat and drivers seatbelt have been jamming on and off for awhile. The automatic seatbelt stops on the track. Please describe. Tt”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1993
“Consumer received recall letter 97v211000 concerning automatic shoulder belts. Dealer refused to correct recall problem because there was no mazda mechanic at dealership.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
“The window moulding on the driver's and passenger's side windows is clipped on. The window moulding is not bolded on sercurely. About 2 or 3 years ago while driving the moulding on windshield came off and hit the windshield. The problem was reported to the dealer/manufacturer .the problem has not been corrected. *ak”Owner report · Visibility
“Consumer took vehicle into dealer for recall (97v-211) repair of the inoperative passive restraint system, dealer had no parts availabe to repair the vehicle. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - 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 1991 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 1991 Mazda 323 reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mazda 323. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1991 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.