Mazda 323 problems
The Mazda Familia (Japanese: マツダ ファミリア, Matsuda Famiria), also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.
It was marketed as the Familia in Japan, which means "family" in Latin. For export, earlier models were sold with nameplates including: "800", "1000", "1200", and "1300". In North America, the 1200 was replaced by the Mazda GLC, with newer models becoming "323" and "Protegé". In Europe, all Familias sold after 1977 were called "323".
The Familia was also rebranded as the Ford Laser and Ford Meteor in Asia, Oceania, Southern Africa, some Latin American countries and, from 1991, as the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North America. In addition, the Familia name was used as the Mazda Familia Wagon/Van, a badge-engineered version of the Nissan AD wagon (1994–2017) and Toyota Probox (2018–present).
Mazda Familias were manufactured in the Hiroshima Plant and also assembled from "knock-down kits" in various countries including Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Colombia, and New Zealand. Some of these plants kept manufacturing the Familia long after it was discontinued at home.
Social links
Mazda 323 model years
Common Mazda 323 problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems with Mazda 323 cars based on complaints from owners:
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance and inspections, Mazda 323 owners can potentially mitigate these issues and maintain the reliability and performance of their vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda 323 years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda 323 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda 323 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda 323 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda 323 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda 323 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda 323 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 323 model years
A total of 13 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 323 model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 323 model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 185 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda 323 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda 323 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda 323 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2015-02-28
- VIN: JM1NA353XR0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASH STARTED BLINKING A CODE (51) INDICATING FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG MODULE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MAZDA DEALER. THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO ME WITH NO REPAIR. THEY INDICATED THAT MAZDA NO LONGER MAKES OR SUPPLIES THE AIR BAG MODULE. THEY RECOMMENDED FINDING A USED MODULE FROM A JUNK YARD DEALER. I CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATION. THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING; BUY A USED AIR BAG MODULE FROM A JUNK YARD DEALER. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THE USED MODULES SELLING FOR ABOUT 10 TIMES THE PRICE THAT MAZDA CORP HAD SOLD THEM FOR. I ALSO FOUND ENTRIES FROM INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD BEEN INJURED BY THE AIR BAGS. THERE WERE MULTIPLE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE MODULE NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS COULD KILL. I HAVE WRITTEN TO MAZDA CORP. TELLING THEM THAT I EXPECTED THEM TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SYSTEM. A SECRETARY CALLED ME--AND OFFERED TO DO NOTHING. *TR
Mazda 323 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-30
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-01
- VIN: JM1BG2320S0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I WAS USING MY SEAT BELT AS WAS MY PASSENGER. I STOPPED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND STARTED IT, MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT SLIDE BACK OVER MY BODY. MY PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS STILL IN PLACE AS IT HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR AND GOT OUT. THE FOLLOWING DAY MY SEAT BELT WORKED WHEN I FIRST STARTED THE CAR. WHEN I DROVE FOR ABOUT 3 MILES, I STOPPED THE CAR AND GOT OUT. WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND STARTED IT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK AND HAS NOT SINCE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS. THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE WHERE THE GEAR SHIFT IS WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED WHILE THE GEAR IS IN PARK AND STOPS MAKING THE NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE, HOWEVER THE RED SEAT BELT LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLINK. *TR
Mazda 323 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-22
- Date Complaint: 2013-03-22
- VIN: JM1BG2325S0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WORE SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BECAME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE. WHEN I WENT TO GET OUT OF MY CAR THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY STOPPED ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IN THIS POSITION IT MAKES MY CAR TOTALLY UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE. EITHER A RECALL SIMILAR TO 97V211000 SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE 1995 MODEL OR THAT RECALL SHOULD EXTEND TO COVER THE 1995 MODEL BY MAZDA. IT'S THE SAME ISSUE/PROBLEM AND MAZDA IS LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT. *TR
Mazda 323 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-04
- VIN: JM1BG2324L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
Mazda 323 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-29
- Date Complaint: 2008-03-04
- VIN: JM1BG2341P0
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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
Mazda 323 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-11
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BG2324L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
Mazda 323 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BF2224G0
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
- Summary:
Mazda 323 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-15
- VIN: JM1BF2329K0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ALTERNATOR QUIT WHICH CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STOP , THE HEAT LIGHT DIDNT COME ON SO THE CAR RAN HOT AND EXPLODED THE RADIATOR, THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR CRACKED AND SPEWED OUT ALL OF THE WATER , THE BRAKES FAILED TWICE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR BRAKES ,
Mazda 323 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2003-10-23
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE STALLED. *AK
Mazda 323 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-11
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL 95-V-103-005 CONCERNING FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY. CONSUMER STATED THIS RECALL WAS DONE ON 1997. HOWEVER RECALL FAILED.*AK
Mazda 323 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-01-30
- VIN: JM1BG2314R0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MAZDA OF NORTH AMERICA OPERATIONS HAS NOTIFIED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH US FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS-FMVSS208(OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION PASSIVE RESTRAINT REQUIREMENT) SCC
Mazda 323 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2002-07-26
- VIN: JMLHG232N04
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK AND IS OF TRACK, WITH A WIRE EXPOSED. (ABLE TO USE BOTH LAP BELTS, BUT THE AUTOMATIC PART WHICH GOES ACROSS THE CHEST ARE INOPERABLE) THE MOTOR RUNS CONSTANTLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, WHEN THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. *SCC
Mazda 323 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2002-07-25
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
Mazda 323 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-25
- VIN: ADD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED/ ANY TIME. VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.*AK
Mazda 323 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-15
- VIN: JM1BG2324P0
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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.
Latest 5 recalls Mazda 323
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Mazda 323.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda 323 1991
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda 323 1995
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda 323 1994
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda 323 1993
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda 323 1992
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- 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.
Are you having problems with your Mazda 323?
