1994 Mazda Mx-3 problems
The Mazda MX-3 is a 2+2-seat, front-wheel drive coupé of a kammback design, manufactured and marketed by Mazda. It was first introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1991 and marketed until 1998.
The MX-3 was also marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan. In Australia it was marketed as the Eunos 30X until late 1996 when it became the Mazda-Eunos 30X.
History
The MX-3's platform is called the EC platform, and shares much with the BG platform of the contemporary Familia/323/Protegé. The first model year was available in Japan, Europe, Australia, and North America where it went on sale in September 1991, as a 1992. Originally available with a single-cam 1.6-liter inline-four or the 1.8-liter twin-cam V6, a few more engines were available as development continued. In the summer of 1991, the Autozam AZ-3 was added to the Japanese market lineup. It was known by two names;"Autozam" was meant to be Mazda's more youthful brand, so it combined a somewhat lower price with a sportier (but smaller) twin-cam 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and also sold as the Eunos Presso, a companion, affordable sports hatchback to the Eunos Roadster.
The small displacement V6 was offered to set the small coupé apart in the marketplace, while providing a balanced, smooth running engine. Project Manager Tadayuki Hayashi had also used to be an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed engines with a peaky power delivery - the little V6 delivered its peak torque at an unusually high 5,300 rpm.
In January 1994, a DOHC version of the familiar B6 engine, the B6D, replaced the previous version. This provided a useful power increase but conversely also made the considerably more expensive V6 version less desirable. Sales of the V6 in the United States market came to an end after the 1994 model year, although they continued in Canada, Japan and many other export markets. While called K8-DE in North American specs, Japanese and other markets received an engine called the K8-ZE. Aside from emissions equipment and varying power claims due to myriad ratings methods, the differences are negligible.
Mazda referred to the car as a four-seater, but the rear seats were ostensibly designed to hold people of "AF 50" dimensions (50th percentile, Asian Female) and the car was a de facto 2+2 design. The MX-3 was only manufactured for one generation as the MX-5 proved more popular. As the Japanese asset price bubble effects became noticeable, Mazda had to cut back models that weren't selling well and the MX-3 was cancelled.
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Common 1994 Mazda Mx-3 problems
The Mazda MX-3 from 1994 is known for its reliability and great performance, with only minor issues reported by owners. The most common problems include:
- Transmission problems: Although not a widespread issue, transmission problems have been reported in some cases. It is essential to thoroughly inspect the transmission when considering purchasing a used MX-3, especially if the car has a history of high mileage or rough usage .
- Engine reliability: The engines in the MX-3 are generally reliable, with inline four-cylinder units borrowed from the 323 model and a V6 with minor changes from the ZO6 . However, the six-cylinder engines may have increased oil consumption, which can be expensive to treat. Timing belts should be replaced every 100,000 kilometers, and rollers should be replaced along with them .
- Suspension: The suspension on the MX-3 is designed to be sporty, which may lead to issues such as stabilizer bushing wear and steering rack oil seal leaks over time . These components typically need to be replaced between 60,000 and 80,000 kilometers for bushings and up to 300,000 kilometers for steering rack oil seals .
- Braking system: The braking system on the MX-3 is generally reliable, with disc brakes on all four wheels for most versions. However, drum brakes may be used on the rear wheels for some of the weaker models .
In summary, the Mazda MX-3 from 1994 is a reliable and fun sports car with great gas mileage and handling. While there are some common issues, such as cosmetic headlight oxidation and potential transmission problems, the car's overall performance and reliability make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues and ensure the car's longevity.
Is Mazda MX-3 reliable?
Owns this car
It was Super reliable and never ever gave me trouble. It got through the snow like it was a sled. I only wished mine had power windows and locks, can't ask for it all! I would recommend this for any one who is looking at a reliable fun car with great gas mileage.
What is the problem with the Mazda mx3 engine?
The MX-3 has known issues with the water pump leaking, causing overheating. This seems to be a particular problem on the V6 engine. If you have noticed that the water levels in the coolant reservoir are very low, or there is water leaking onto the ground then this will be the most likely cause.
What is the top speed of a 1995 Mazda MX-3?
Performance. The V6 MX-3 has a factory claimed top speed of 202 km/h (126 mph) in European trim.
What years was the Mazda mx3 produced?
The Mazda MX-3 was a four-seat hatchback produced from September 1991 to 1998.
1994 Mazda Mx-3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mx-3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Mazda Mx-3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Mazda Mx-3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Mazda Mx-3.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-02
- VIN: JM1EC435XR0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER PARKING IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE REALIZED THAT THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V116000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. MAH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-10
- VIN: JM1EC4354R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX-3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE ROTATION OF THE COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE TIRE MUST BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V116000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL OR ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE CONTACT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,200.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-01
- VIN: JM1EC4359R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA MX-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CD AXLES ON BOTH SIDES TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE CD AXLES WERE REPLACED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-21
- VIN: JM1EC435XR0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED DUE TO A PUNCTURE FROM A FRACTURED COIL SPRING. THERE IS A RECALL, # 97V116000 FOR THE COIL SPRING ON THE CONTACTS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE RECALL ONLY APPLIES TO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT STATES. THE CONTACT USE TO LIVE IN NEBRASKA AND COMMUTED TO A SALT STATE, IOWA, AND NOW LIVES IN FLORIDA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE RECALL LETTER AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY WITHOUT THE RECALL LETTER. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-01
- VIN: JM1EC4351R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 97V116000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION FRONT SPRINGS COIL SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-28
- VIN: JM1EC4356R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 10 MPH OR LESS CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE AND NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE REPAIR SHOP NOTIFIED A LOCAL MAZDA DEALER.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-28
- VIN: JM1EC4356R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: EITHER DEC 2000 OR JAN 2001 MY MAZDA MX-3 HAD A FRONT COIL SPRING BREAK. MY MECHANIC CONTACTED MAZDA DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE AND SHOWED THE COIL TO HIM. MY MECHANIC FELT THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THE DISTRICT REP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING MAZDA COULD DO. I CONTACTED MAZDA MYSELF AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, I FOUND YOUR WEBSITE AND CONVEYED THE INFORMATION FOUND TO MAZDA AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE MX-3 ONLY THE MX-6. THEY SAID YOUR WEBSITE WAS INCORRECT. TODAY MY SECOND COIL SPRING DID BREAK AND THIS TIME IT POPPED MY TIRE INSTANTLY. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO HAWLEY'S GARAGE IN EAST LONGMEADOW, MA WHERE THE FIRST COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED. UPON BEING TOWED MORE DAMAGED TO MY CAR WAS INSTILLED TO WHAT EXTENT THE DAMAGE IS, IS NOT KNOWN TILL THE MECHANIC CHECKS THIS OUT. I FEEL THAT ALL OF THIS SHOULD AND COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF MAZDA HAD JUST DONE THE RIGHT THING A FEW YEARS BACK AND FIXED AND PREVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. MY MECHANIC DID FIX THE FIRST COIL SPRING BACK WHEN IT WAS BROKEN AND I WILL HAVE HIM REPLACE THIS ONE ALSO. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE BUT I WILL BE SURE TO KEEP THIS ONE.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-13
- VIN: JM1EC435XR0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE LEFT FRONT (DRIVER'S SIDE) COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. THE TIRE AND RIM WERE DAMAGED, LEAVING ME STRANDED ON HIGHWAY. *NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE ROLLING WINDOW DOWN WOULD HAVE TO PULL WINDOW UP BY HAND. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFOMATON. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-16
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HOOD UNLATCHED, AND BLOCK EDTHE DRIVER'S VIEW. PUT EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON AND PULLED OVER. HOOD SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER, BUT CONTACRF INSURANCE CO. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN LEVEL IN FUEL TANK IS LOW, RPMS HIGH, AND GOING AROUND CORNER, ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER MOMENTARILY. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-09
- VIN: JM1EC4352R0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE STARTED OFF, A LOUD "CLUNK" NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LEFT FRONT END HAD COLLAPSED. DROVE TO MIDAS DEALER & HALF WAY TO DEALER THE TIRE BLEW. AT MIDAS, MECHANIC NOTICED CRACKED IN COIL SPRINGS. THAT CAUSED THE BREAK IN THE WHEEL WELL.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1EC4353R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS TRAVELING IN 1ST GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SHORT. HAD APPLIED BRAKES LIGHTLY BUT QUICKLY, AND TAPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW BROKE DUE TO METAL PIECE ON COVER OF AIR BAG. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DURING A VEHICLE COLLISION THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG, RESULTING IN INJURIES .
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1EC4357R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 25 MPH REAR END CRASH IN WHICH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, SPEED 25MPH, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING BURNS TO FACE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1EC4354R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR FISHTALED, SPUN INTO THE WALL ON FREEWAY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1EC4354R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR FISH TAILED, TOTALLED CAR, AIR BAG BURNED FACE. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1EC4350R0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TIE ROD END BROKE, CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK UP/LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
1994 Mazda Mx-3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Mazda Mx-3.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WASHINGTON, DC. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, CORROSIVE PITS CAN DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING. REPEATED USE CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE COIL SPRING TO BREAK AND A TIRE COULD BE PUNCTURED FROM CONTACT WITH THE BROKEN COIL SPRING.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GUARD ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL PREVENT THE BROKEN COIL SPRING FROM CONTACTING THE TIRE. IN ADDITION TO PERFORMING THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, MAZDA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR THE LIFT OF THE VEHICLE. IF OWNERS HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THESE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, DUE TO ROAD SALT DAMAGE, MAZDA WILL REIMBURSE THESE OWNERS FOR REASONABLE EXPENSES.
Negative 1994 Mazda Mx-3 car reviews
Positive 1994 Mazda Mx-3 car reviews
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I bought this car right out of high school and it has been great for me. It handles great and is very fun to drive. Although I have had some problems with the battery, I still love the hatchback! I've driven it almost into the ground several times with no oil for a week, but it still keeps going. Overall, I have really enjoyed owning this car.
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You've got yourself an excellent car there! It's real fun to drive and reliable, and the driver seat is very comfortable for long trips. Not only that, it's also economical and fast when you need it to be. I can understand why it's hard to find at dealers, since owners like to keep hold of their MX3's.
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Hey there! I bought this car when I was a senior in high school and it has been a great ride so far. It's super economical and has amazing gas mileage. Although, I have had a few issues with the battery losing its ability to charge, the fan belt snapping, and the Air Conditioner refusing to get fixed. But overall, I love the handling and the rougher ride. It makes me feel like I'm in a tire commercial on a winding road! The acceleration is decent, but I would have preferred a manual transmission. Turning is a breeze at high speeds and it zips around heavy SUV's like it's nothing. This car is really special to me, I don't know why. It's a great car for new/young drivers. Thanks for reading!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to let you know that I've had an mx-3 for a couple of years now and I really like it. How about you?
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This would be a great car, as long as you stick with the standard transmission. Unfortunately, the Auto-Tran is the same one used in the Ford Escort. While it may have saved Ford money on manufacturing costs, it's undersized for the 130 Hp engine of the MX-3. I've already had to replace my transmission and may have to do so again.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Mazda Mx-3 problems:
1994 Mazda MX-3 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1994 Mazda MX-3? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1994 Mazda MX-3.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1994 Mazda MX-3 GS V6 Idling Issues ...
Mar 7, 2007 ... That being said, from what you describe, running fine, then idles rough, but starts back up and idles smooth, but stalls when trying to take off ...
1992 Mazda Mx-3: NO SPARK!!! | Mazda World Forum
Jun 5, 2007 ... Everywhere I've read, yes, they are common problems in the V6 MX3. Unfortunately, a refurbed one at an auto-parts store costs around $500 ...
Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Sep 12, 2003 ... Common MX6 problems · Transmission jerks hard occasionally going from first to second gear; feels like you hit one huge pot hole. · Driver's side ...
Mazda MX-3... any good? — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Nov 6, 1999 ... I have had no problems with my car. The only thing is, it is so low to the ground and many a times have I scraped. It's been a very reliable car ...
Other years of Mazda Mx-3
Are you having problems with your 1994 Mazda Mx-3?
Rico Satterfield 2024-05-22
I have experienced several issues with this car, including the air conditioner requiring multiple replacements, seat belt problems, and rubber warping on all windows. Despite these challenges, I have taken the necessary steps to address these issues and have a record of all the work that has been done. It is worth noting that these issues arose shortly after the warranty period ended.
Theron Boehm 2024-04-28
Not bad! The drive is very smooth and comfortable. Although the pickup is a little sluggish, it's still a great ride. However, the visibility out the rear driver side is very poor.