1988 Mazda 323 wagon 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.
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Common 1988 Mazda 323 wagon problems
The Mazda 323 wagon 1988 is known for its reliability, as mentioned by several owners. However, there are a few common problems that have been reported by some users.
One of the issues is the car's susceptibility to rust, particularly in the undercarriage and certain areas such as the wheel wells, fuel tank, and tailgate. This can lead to structural damage and decrease the overall lifespan of the vehicle. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent or mitigate rust issues.
Another problem reported by some owners is the potential for engine and transmission issues, especially in high-mileage vehicles or those that have been neglected. These can include problems with the head gasket, timing belt, and water pump, as well as issues with the transmission and transfer case components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, but some parts may be difficult to find or expensive to replace.
The interior of the Mazda 323 wagon 1988 may also experience some issues over time, such as fading paint, buzzing speakers, and frayed upholstery. While these issues may not affect the performance of the vehicle, they can impact its overall appearance and comfort.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, such as problems with the fan switch and tape player. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and may require the assistance of a professional mechanic.
It's important to note that these issues are not universal to all Mazda 323 wagon 1988 models, and many owners have reported few or no problems with their vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address many of these issues, and many parts are still available from Mazda or aftermarket suppliers. Overall, the Mazda 323 wagon 1988 is known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
Was the Mazda 323 a good car?
The Mazda 323 is often considered an excellent car for first-time buyers due to its compact size, fuel economy, and overall reliability.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Mazda 323 GTX have?
132-hp
It cost just under $13,000, which got you all-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 132-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. In its day, the GTX was quite the hot hatch, despite packing a little more than half the horsepower of a modern Ford Focus ST.
What is the fuel consumption of a Mazda 323?
The Mazda 323 currently offers fuel consumption from 7 to 8.7L/100km.
Is a Mazda 323 the same as a Mazda Familia?
The sixth-generation Familia (Mazda 323) debuted in January 1985. It was developed to be a "global, high quality family car." This generation of Familia was given sporty and distinctive styling based around a trapezoid shape, and achieved world-class aerodynamics with its smooth 'flush surfaces' design.
1988 Mazda 323 wagon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda 323 wagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mazda 323 wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Mazda 323 wagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mazda 323 wagon.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: JM1BF2224JD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Mazda 323 wagon problems:
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Sep 27, 2007 ... One common problem i have seen on those is the spray pump bore wears out. ... 1985 mazda 323 wagon · Mazda 323,Mazda 626 ... 1988 lights. Also the ...
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Oct 15, 2015 ... 1988 Mazda 323 GTX (Sold in pieces). Top ... 1996 850R Wagon White. 1997 850 Sedan ... There is a common problem with wires getting pinched, etc.
Other years of Mazda 323 wagon
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