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1990 Mazda 323 problems

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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.

1990 Mazda 323

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Common 1990 Mazda 323 problems

The 1990 Mazda 323 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is engine problems, specifically jerks or hesitation when accelerating. This can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel filters, or issues with the engine's timing.

Another common problem reported by owners is starting issues. Some 1990 Mazda 323 owners have experienced difficulty starting their cars, often due to faulty temperature switch sensors or issues with the fuel system. In some cases, the car may only start when not connected to the battery, indicating an electrical problem.

Power loss while driving is another issue that some 1990 Mazda 323 owners have reported. This can be caused by various factors, including problems with the fuel system, electrical issues, or issues with the transmission. In some cases, the car may jerk or hesitate while driving, indicating a problem with the engine or transmission.

Other common problems reported by 1990 Mazda 323 owners include issues with the car's suspension, electrical faults, and rust. The car's suspension is known to be prone to wear and tear, particularly on cars that have been driven on rough or poorly maintained roads. This can result in issues such as clunking noises, rough handling, and uneven tire wear

. Electrical faults, such as issues with the alternator, starter motor, and battery, are also relatively common in the 1990 Mazda 323. Rust is also a significant issue, particularly on cars that have been exposed to salt on the roads in winter. Rust can form around the wheel arches, the sills, and the floor pan, which can be an expensive issue to fix

In summary, the 1990 Mazda 323 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These include engine problems, starting issues, power loss while driving, issues with the car's suspension, electrical faults, and rust. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

1990 Mazda 323 engine

1990 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:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Mazda 323 complaints

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda 323.

2010-03-04

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-03-04
  • 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.
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2005-01-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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
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2002-07-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-08
  • 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
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2002-03-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-15
  • VIN: JM1BG2329L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHEN CLOSING DOOR SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. CAN HEAR CLICKING SOUND, BUT SEATBELT DOES NOT GO BACK IN. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
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1999-08-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-28
  • VIN: JM1BG2320L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MOTOR BELT/SHOULDER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, DURING RECALL REPAIR EXTRA CHARGES DUE TO PARTS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NOTICE.(97V-211) MJS
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1998-10-09

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-08
  • VIN: JM1BG2324L0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AW
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1998-10-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2263L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: INTERMITTENTLY THE FRONT SEAT BELTS RETRACT BACK AND FORTH ON THEIR OWN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
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1998-05-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-02
  • VIN: JM1BG2327L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: RECALL # 97V211000, SHOULDER BELTS; WHEN OWNER ARRIVED FOR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT HE WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT RECALL. OWNER HAS CONTACTED DEALER ON (3) OTHER OCCASIONS. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO TELL OWNER WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. *AK
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1997-03-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND THE LIGHT COMES ON.
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1997-01-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-27
  • VIN: JM1B62320L0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: PLASTIC RADIATOR MELTED AND SPLIT OPEN, SPEWING OUT FLUID.
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1996-11-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2324L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: OWNER STATES THAT SEAT BELTS ON DRIVERS SIDE DO NOT RETRACT. HE NOTES THAT HE HAD SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER'S SIDE REPAIRED AND THEN THE OTHER SIDE WENT OUT. *AK
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1996-05-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2323L0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAM GEAR/BOLT SECURING CAM GEAR BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SD
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1996-05-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-28
  • VIN: JM1BG2323L0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SD
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1996-05-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2323L0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV BOOT FAILED. *SD
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1996-05-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2323L0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ODOMETER CABLE BROKE. *SD
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1995-12-18

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: EA94-039 PASSIVE RESTRAINT; DRIVERS SIDE FAILED TO COMPLETE CYCLE AND NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
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1995-09-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-07-15
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES HAVE VERY HIGH METALLIC SOUND WHEN BRAKING ON WET/DRY SURFACE; FOLLOWED BY INCREASE IN BRAKING; ANY SPEED. TT
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1995-06-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-06
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2G1WL54R9L9
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. TT
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1995-06-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE PUSH BUTTON BROKE. PASSENGER SEAT BELT HARDLY IS USED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
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1995-06-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-01-25
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JM1BG2322L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE CAME LOOSE DURING IMPACT. TT
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1995-04-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-05
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT CAME OUT OF THE CAR ONE DAY. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
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1995-03-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-15
  • VIN: JM1BG2327L0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT FASTEN FOR USE. TT
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1990 Mazda 323 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda 323.

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.
1997-11-18
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • 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.
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323 1991
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