1993 Mazda 323: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest 323 years (#5 of 5 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 10 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Seat Belts6 complaints

Equipment1 complaint

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint

Parking Brake1 complaint

“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda 323. The contact drove a long distance without realizing that the parking brake was applied. She believed that there was failure with the instrument panel that did not indicate the parking brake was applied. The contact spoke with mazda and they offered no assistance. The VIN, purchase date, engine size, number of cylinders, powertrain, speed, and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 275,000. Updated 03/18/08. *lj updated 03/18/08 *tr”Owner report · Parking Brake · Feb 2008

“Consumer received a recall notice, but problem still exists, driverside seatbelt will not lock at all, also driver's side seatbelt will not close on shoulder harness, dealership is aware of problem.*ak. Consumer stated the passenger side shoulder harness will not retract to secure the passenger in the vehicle, the vehicle was taken to the dealership twice, also the front door latch switch was replaced, also the lap belt motors are not retracting, the belt or shoulder belt motor are not tightening.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2001

“Passive shoulder restraint on driver's side will not retract when car is started. The cable appears to have come off its tract and is hanging loose. I have also experienced intermittent problems with the passive restraint on the passenger side.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 1999

Show 4 more owner reports

“Intermittently while driving vehicle chokes up, does go into reverse or forward. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1998

“Abrupt/catastrophic engine system failure. Vehicle shutdown. Will not restart.ad vehicle towed to dealer and dealer did not know cause of problem. Thinks, however, it is the electronic control module. Manufacturer/dealer stalling repairs. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 1997

“Ea94-039 active, lap/shoulder belt retractor will not retract and fasten properly. Warning lights and beeps intermittently even when belts are fastened. Tt”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1995

“Drivers passive restraint system stopped midway w/passenger side experiencing same intermittently. Please describe details. Tt”Owner report · Seat Belts

Recalls - 2 campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH15V674000 · Oct 2015

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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING97V211000 · Nov 1997

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.

How other years compare

199120 complaints · 2 recalls 199215 complaints · 2 recalls 1993 (this page)10 complaints · 2 recalls 199411 complaints · 2 recalls

Check your exact 323 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1993 Mazda 323 reliable?

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Mazda 323. The most complained-about area is seat belts.

Does the 1993 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.