logo
Add complaint

1992 Mazda 323 problems

mazda logo

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.

1992 Mazda 323

Social links

Common 1992 Mazda 323 problems

The 1992 Mazda 323 is known for several common problems that owners frequently report. Here are some of the most prevalent issues and their details:

  • Engine cranking, but won't start: This issue is usually due to a malfunctioning air flow sensor, which is a common failure point in the 323. The solution is to replace the faulty air flow sensor with a new one.
  • Rough idling, misfiring, and check engine light: This problem is often 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, which can be done without any significant cost.
  • ABS warning light: The ABS sensors are known to fail on the 323, causing the ABS warning light to appear on the dashboard. The solution is to run a diagnostic check to identify the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Oil leaks: The oil sump on the 323 is known for corroding, causing oil to leak onto the ground. The solution is to replace the corroded oil sump with a new one.
  • Exhaust problems: The front exhaust down pipe is prone to failure on the 323, causing a growling noise from the front of the car at the back of the engine. The solution is to replace the front exhaust down pipe.
  • Engine misfiring: This problem is often caused by a faulty ignition coil, which can cause the engine to misfire and the engine management warning light to appear on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the faulty ignition coil or all the ignition coils for optimum performance.
  • Rattling from the exhaust: This problem is often caused by corroded rivets that secure the fuel tank heatshield, causing the heatshield to rattle. The solution is to replace the broken rivets with nuts and bolts.
  • Sticky accelerator pedal: This problem is often caused by a damaged or worn out throttle position sensor, which can cause the accelerator pedal to feel sticky until the car warms up. The solution is to replace the faulty throttle position sensor.
  • Blown head gasket: This problem is often indicated by smoke from the exhaust and loss of performance. The solution is to take the car to a workshop and have a TK test carried to chemically detect if combustion from the engine cylinders is finding its way into the coolant.

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1992 Mazda 323. It is important to note that not all cars of this make and model will experience these problems, and some may experience issues not listed here. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or detect these problems early on, potentially saving car owners from costly repairs.

1992 Mazda 323 engine

1992 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
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1992 Mazda 323 complaints

The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Mazda 323.

2002-07-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-06-28
  • 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
Add Complaint
2001-07-05

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-07-02
  • VIN: ADD
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING, STUCK IN TRACK. *AK
Add Complaint
2000-10-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-26
  • VIN: JM1BG2328N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEATBELT RAIL WAS FAULTY PER RECALL NOTICE 97V-211 AND THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE, THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. NLM
Add Complaint
2000-07-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: INTERMITTLEY DRIVER SHOULDER BELT LOCKS UP WHILE IN USE WHICH CAUSES THE DRIVER NOT ABLE TO MOVE SAFETY, AND MAY RESULT A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. RETRACTOR IS BROKEN AND NEED TO REPLACE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Add Complaint
1999-09-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-10
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JM1BG2326N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS OFTEN DO NOT RETRACT UPON OPENING OF DOOR,ONCE IT RETRACTED SO TIGHTLY ON MY SON I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME GETTING HIM OUT. ALSO THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF INTERMITTANTLY EVEN THOUGH WE ARE PROPERLY BELTED. I DO NOT TRUST THESE BELTS TO KEEP US SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT.
Add Complaint
1998-12-31

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2327N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT BUZZER GOING OFF. CONSUMER HAD REPAIRS DONE APPROXIMATELY TWO YEAR AGO, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED AGAIN. DEALER/MFR. NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. *AK
Add Complaint
1998-01-08

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: GREAT CAR, NEVER SPENT A DIME ON IT.
Add Complaint
1997-05-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: EA94039, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR IN THE FORWARD POSITION. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
Add Complaint
1996-08-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2323N0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MAKES NOISE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE STOPPED AND CABLE IS COMING LOOSE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
Add Complaint
1996-06-06

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-25
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE SHOULDER SEAT BELTS ARE STUCK AND ONLY MEETING HALF WAY. *AK
Add Complaint
1996-03-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JM1BG2325N0
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: FAILURE ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS, THE SEAT RECLINED TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. *AK
Add Complaint
1996-01-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-02
  • VIN: JM1BG2329N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED MALFUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EA94-039. TT
Add Complaint
1996-01-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-02
  • VIN: JM1BG2329N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED MALFUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EA94-039. TT
Add Complaint
1995-06-05

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-05
  • VIN: JM1BG2326N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKED UP, CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS IN CAR AND RETRACTOR LOCKED UP ON HER. TT
Add Complaint
1995-04-19

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: BOLT TO REAR SPINDLE BENT, CAUSING SPINDLE TO BREAK OFF. *SKD
Add Complaint
1995-04-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-01-05
  • VIN: JM1BG2320N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTERMITTENTLY, AND WHEN CLOSE OVER RETRACT, EA94-039 ACTIVE. TT
Add Complaint

1992 Mazda 323 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 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.
Leave your review of 1992 Mazda 323

Other years of Mazda 323

mazda 323 1993 photo
323 1993
Mazda

13

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 323 1994 photo
323 1994
Mazda

11

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 323 1995 photo
323 1995
Mazda

4

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 323 1986 photo
323 1986
Mazda

4

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 323 1987 photo
323 1987
Mazda

10

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 323 1988 photo
323 1988
Mazda

41

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1992 Mazda 323?

Add car complaint
1992 Mazda 323 photo