1986 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.
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Common 1986 Mazda 323 problems
The Mazda 323, produced in 1986, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues include:
- Engine cranking without starting: This issue is often attributed to a malfunctioning air flow sensor, which is a common problem in the 323. The solution is to find a replacement on the parts list for the 323 and install a working one.
- Rough idling and engine misfiring: These issues are usually caused by a loose or corroded ground terminal on the driver's side of the cylinder head. The solution is to restore the ground to the cylinder head without spending any cash.
- ABS warning light: The ABS sensors are known to fail on the 323. If the ABS warning light appears on the dashboard, it is likely caused by a faulty ABS sensor. The solution is to replace the faulty sensor to resolve the issue.
- Oil leak: The oil sump on the 323 is known for corroding, leading to oil leaks. The solution is to fit a replacement oil sump to rectify the situation.
- Exhaust problem: A real growling noise coming from the front of the car at the back of the engine indicates a failing front exhaust down pipe. The solution is to replace the front exhaust down pipe to sort this problem.
- Engine misfiring: This issue is most likely caused by a faulty ignition coil. The solution is to run a diagnostic check to see which coil is faulty and replace it. It is recommended to change all the ignition coils at the same time for optimum performance.
- Excessive rattling from the exhaust: This issue is caused by corroded rivets that secure the fuel tank heatshield. The solution is to replace the broken rivets with nuts and bolts.
- Sticky accelerator pedal: This issue is caused by a damaged or worn-out throttle position sensor. The solution is to replace the sensor with a new one.
- Leaking oil: This issue is caused by a leaking value cover gasket and camshaft oil seal. The solution is to replace the gasket and seal to prevent further oil leaks.
These common problems in the Mazda 323 can be resolved with the appropriate solutions, ensuring that the car remains reliable and safe to drive.
1986 Mazda 323 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda 323 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Mazda 323 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Mazda 323.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BF2224G0
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
- Summary:
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1BF2220G0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WINDOWS IN VEHICLE WERE SMOKEY, AND DOOR WAS MELTED/SHUT. AN INVESTIGATOR INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THAT ORIGINATED FROM A SENSOR DEALING WITH RESTRAINT SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-23
- VIN: JMIAF222G01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE CAR SHUT OFF ALONG WITH THE MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-20
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
Other years of Mazda 323
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