1993 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.

1993 Mazda 323

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Common 1993 Mazda 323 problems

The Mazda 323, produced in 1993, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are related to the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and other components.

  • Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in some Mazda 323 models has been known to have issues, including slipping gears, rough shifting, and transmission failure. These issues can be expensive to fix and may require a complete transmission replacement .
  • Suspension Issues: The Mazda 323 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: The Mazda 323 has a relatively simple electrical system, but some models have had issues with the alternator, starter motor, and battery. These issues can lead to problems starting the car or running the electrical system properly .
  • Rust: The Mazda 323 is known to be prone to rust, 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 .
  • Air Flow Sensor Failure: The air flow sensor is a common part to fail on the Mazda 323. If the ABS warning light has appeared on the dashboard, it will most likely be caused by a faulty ABS sensor. A diagnostic check should be run to see which wheel the faulty sensor is switched on, and the sensor should be replaced to resolve the issue.
  • Oil Sump Corrosion: The oil sump on the Mazda 323 is known for corroding. If oil is leaking onto the ground, it is most likely caused by a corroded oil sump. A replacement oil sump should be fitted to rectify the situation.
  • Exhaust Down Pipe Failure: The front exhaust down pipe is prone to failure on the Mazda 323. If a real growling noise is coming from the front of the car at the back of the engine, the front exhaust down pipe should be replaced to sort the problem.
  • Ignition Coil Faults: If the engine is not idling smoothly, but rather the revs are jumping around, then a faulty ignition coil is the most likely cause. The engine management warning light will most likely have appeared on the dashboard as well. All ignition coils should be changed at the same time for optimum performance.
  • Throttle Position Sensor Damage: If the accelerator pedal feels sticky until the car warms up, the throttle position sensor is most likely damaged or worn out. A replacement sensor should be ordered and easily replaced.

In conclusion, the Mazda 323, produced in 1993, has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are related to the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and other components. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic or specialist to identify any potential problems with the car. Additionally, obtaining a vehicle history report can help identify past accidents or maintenance issues

1993 Mazda 323 engine

1993 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
  • Structure problems
  • Power train problems
  • Parking brake problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Mazda 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Mazda 323 complaints

The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Mazda 323.

2008-03-04

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-02-29
  • VIN: JM1BG2341P0
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA 323. THE CONTACT DROVE A LONG DISTANCE WITHOUT REALIZING THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED. SHE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS FAILURE WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT DID NOT INDICATE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MAZDA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, SPEED, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 275,000. UPDATED 03/18/08. *LJ UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR
2002-04-15

SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2324P0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL, ALSO DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT CLOSE ON SHOULDER HARNESS, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS WILL NOT RETRACT TO SECURE THE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, ALSO THE FRONT DOOR LATCH SWITCH WAS REPLACED, ALSO THE LAP BELT MOTORS ARE NOT RETRACTING, THE BELT OR SHOULDER BELT MOTOR ARE NOT TIGHTENING.
1999-12-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-23
  • VIN: JM1BG2321P0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSIVE SHOULDER RESTRAINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT WHEN CAR IS STARTED. THE CABLE APPEARS TO HAVE COME OFF ITS TRACT AND IS HANGING LOOSE. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
1999-10-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2329P0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION LEAKING CAUSING VIBRATION AT IDLE,JERKING AND HESITATION. NLM
1999-10-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2329P0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PAN GASKET AND BELT FAILURES. NLM
1999-10-05

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2329P0
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: CONSUMER HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH KEYS. NLM
1999-10-05

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1BG2329P0
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TRUNK FAILED. NLM
1998-11-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-15
  • VIN: JM1BG2324P0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CHOKES UP, DOES GO INTO REVERSE OR FORWARD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1997-08-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-27
  • VIN: JM1BG234XP0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ABRUPT/CATASTROPHIC ENGINE SYSTEM FAILURE. VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. WILL NOT RESTART.AD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER AND DEALER DID NOT KNOW CAUSE OF PROBLEM. THINKS, HOWEVER, IT IS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. MANUFACTURER/DEALER STALLING REPAIRS. *AK
1996-07-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-17
  • VIN: JM1BG2323P0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHEN LEFT FRONT PASSIVE SHOULDER BELT ENGAGES, THE BELT TIGHTENS/CRUSHES YOUR CHEST. *SD
1995-12-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL TIGHTEN WHEN USED W/NO WARNING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-12-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM STOPPED MIDWAY W/PASSENGER SIDE EXPERIENCING SAME INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-08-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
  • VIN: JM1BG2329N0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: EA94-039 ACTIVE, LAP/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT RETRACT AND FASTEN PROPERLY. WARNING LIGHTS AND BEEPS INTERMITTENTLY EVEN WHEN BELTS ARE FASTENED. TT

1993 Mazda 323 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 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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