1987 Mazda 323 problems

Common 1987 Mazda 323 problems

The Mazda 323, produced in 1987, has been reported to have several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. The following are detailed explanations of these issues, based on complaints from owners.

1. Squealing Noise from the Front of the Car: The primary cause of this issue is a faulty timing belt tensioner pulley, which is a known weak spot in the 323. The solution is to replace the existing tensioner with an updated one, along with a thicker mounting bracket to reduce vibration.
2. Engine Won't Start: This problem is often attributed to a malfunctioning air flow sensor, which is prone to failure in the 323. The solution is to replace the faulty sensor with a new one from a reliable parts list.
3. Rough Idle and Misfiring: A loose or corroded ground terminal on the driver's side of the cylinder head may cause the engine to misfire and produce a rough idle. This issue can be resolved by restoring the ground to the cylinder head without spending any money.
4. Faulty ABS Sensors: The ABS sensors are a common part to fail in the 323. If the ABS warning light appears on the dashboard, it is likely due to a faulty sensor. Running a diagnostic check will help identify the affected wheel, enabling the replacement of the faulty ABS sensor.
5. Corroded Oil Sump: The oil sump on the 323 is known for corroding, leading to oil leaks. If oil is observed clinging to the bottom of the sump, a replacement oil sump is required to rectify the situation.
6. Failed Front Exhaust Down Pipe: The front exhaust down pipe is prone to failure in the 323, resulting in a growling noise from the front of the car at the back of the engine. Replacing the front exhaust down pipe will resolve this problem.
7. Faulty Ignition Coil: A faulty ignition coil can cause engine misfiring and poor idling in the 323. If the engine management warning light appears on the dashboard, a diagnostic check is recommended to identify the faulty coil. Replacing all ignition coils simultaneously is advised for optimal performance.
8. Rattling Exhaust: The rivets securing the fuel tank heatshield may corrode, causing the heatshield to rattle. Replacing the broken rivets with nuts and bolts will fix this problem.
9. Sticky Accelerator Pedal: A damaged or worn-out throttle position sensor may cause the accelerator pedal to feel sticky until the car warms up. Replacing the sensor with a new one will resolve this issue.

These common problems in the Mazda 323, if not addressed promptly, can lead to more severe issues and affect the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.

1987 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:

• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems
• Power train problems
• Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.