Mazda Glc 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.

photo of Mazda Glc car production

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Mazda Glc model years

mazda glc 1985 photo
Glc 1985
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mazda glc 1984 photo
Glc 1984
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mazda glc 1982 photo
Glc 1982
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Common Mazda Glc problems

The Mazda GLC, also known as the Mazda Familia, is a compact car that was popular in the 1980s. While the car was generally well-regarded, there were some common problems that owners reported.

One of the most common problems with the Mazda GLC was related to the engine. The 1.5 liter E5 engine, which was standard equipment in the 1985 GLC, was known to have issues with loss of power during acceleration. This problem was often attributed to the carburetor, which could become clogged or dirty over time. In some cases, the carburetor may have needed to be cleaned or replaced in order to resolve the issue.

Another issue that was reported by some owners of the Mazda GLC was related to the catalytic converter. In 1985, the GLC was recalled to replace the catalytic converter due to concerns about its performance and durability. This recall was likely related to the fact that the catalytic converter was a relatively new technology at the time, and early versions of the part may have been prone to failure.

In addition to these engine-related problems, some owners of the Mazda GLC reported issues with the interior of the car. For example, the cone-shaped speedometer glass, which was a popular feature in Japanese cars of the era, was known to distort the gauges and make them difficult to read. This could be a particular problem for drivers who relied on their gauges to monitor the performance of the car.

Other owners of the Mazda GLC reported issues with the exterior of the car, such as paint that was prone to fading or peeling. This was particularly common in areas where the car was exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as the sun could roast patches of paint off the car, leaving it vulnerable to rust and other forms of damage.

Despite these issues, the Mazda GLC was generally well-regarded by owners and critics alike. The car was known for its nimble handling and peppy performance, and it was often praised for its comfortable and spacious interior. While there were some common problems with the car, many owners found that these issues could be resolved with routine maintenance and repairs.

Mazda Glc

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Glc years

We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Glc cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Mazda Glc model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Glc model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Glc years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mazda Glc car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Glc , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Seats problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Visibility problems

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

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Glc model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Glc . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Glc vehicles.

List of Mazda Glc complaints

Mazda Glc 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-25
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JM1BD2219F0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER UP FRONT OF THE MOTOR WAS SEEN BY JOE AT PINE VALLEY AUTO REPAIR ON 2/24/2001 PHONE NUMBER IS 619 445-9336 WHEN HE SAID HE WOULD NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO FIX THE EXHAUST LEAK THAT DAY HE INSTRUCTED ME TO SHOW UP ON 4/25/2001 THE FOLLOWING DAY. UPON REACHING THE HIGHWAY EXIT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE I COULD EVEN GET BACK TO THE SHOP. IT WAS TOWED TO SHOP FOR $90, BY RECOMENDATION OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL. A FIRE TRUCK WAS PRESENT AND I SIGNED A REPORT WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I WAS FURTHER INFORMED THAT IF THE MANUFACTURE COULD BE FOUND RESPONSIBLE A SETTLEMENT OF UPWARDS BOUND OF $10,000 COULD BE CLAIMED. WHEN I OPENED CLAIM #050286623 WITH MY ADJUSTER CINDY 1800-456-4642 SHE TOLD ME 9 DAYS AFTER FILING THE CLAIM THAT LIABILITY WOULD NOT COVER FIRES ON MAY 3RD, 2001. SHE THEN REFERRED ME TO NHTSA.*AK
Mazda Glc 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-04-07
  • VIN: JM1BD2316E0
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: OUTBOARD REAR SEAT MOUNTS AND INBOARD DRIVER SEAT MOUNT CRACKED (FATIGUED).AW
Mazda Glc 1982
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-10
  • Date Complaint: 1995-10-10
  • VIN: JM1BD5210C0
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHILE GETTING IN DRIVERS SEAT, SEAT BACK BROKE. TT
Mazda Glc 1982
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-03
  • Date Complaint: 1995-07-07
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CRANKSHAFT HAS BROKEN, VEHICLE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Mazda Glc 1982
  • Date Of Incident: 1985-05-30
  • Date Complaint: 1995-05-30
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: INTERIOR WINDSHIELD BUBBLED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION. TT

Latest 5 recalls Mazda Glc

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Mazda Glc.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mazda Glc 1985
  • Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
  • Model: Mazda Glc 1984
  • Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
  • Model: Mazda Glc 1982
  • Report Received Date: 1985-10-23
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: FITTING OF THE BALL JOINT BETWEEN THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND THE CONNECTING ROD MAY BE TIGHT CAUSING BINDING WHICH AFFECTS THE THROTTLE RETURN ACTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BINDING OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CONNECTING ROD COULD RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE CONNECTING ROD WITH ONE DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR.
  • Model: Mazda Glc 1982
  • Report Received Date: 1985-09-04
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: IN CERTAIN HIGH SALT AREAS, THE IDLER ARM IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT WHICH CAUSES THE DUST SEAL TO DETERIORATE RESULTING IN IDLER ARM PIN CORROSION. THIS CAUSES THE PIN TO FREEZE AND BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN IDLER ARM PIN COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE PIN WITH ONE OF IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANT QUALITY.
  • Model: Mazda Glc 1982
  • Report Received Date: 1984-08-08
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
  • Summary: REAR LAMPS DO NOT MEET THE MAXIMUM INTENSITY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT". THE LAMPS PRODUCE TOO MUCH LIGHT.
  • Remedy: LIGHT BULBS WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT TYPE AND THE LABEL THAT SPECIFIES THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL BE CHANGED.

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Mazda Glc photo