1996 Mazda Mx-3 problems

General information about Mazda-Mx-3
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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 1996 Mazda Mx-3 problems

The Mazda MX-3, produced from 1991 to 1998, is known for its sporty appearance and handling. However, there are several common problems that owners have reported, particularly with the 1996 model.

Performance: While the MX-3 is known for its good handling and less than inspiring engine on the street, it can feel like the circus on the track, providing a user-friendly and enjoyable driving experience.

In conclusion, while the Mazda MX-3 is a sporty and attractive car, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems, particularly with the transmission, engine reliability, suspension and steering, and body corrosion.

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.

1996 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:

Visibility problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mazda Mx-3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Mazda Mx-3 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mazda Mx-3.

2013-08-08

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-06-01
VIN: JM1BK143461
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WINDOWS CANNOT OPEN IN HOT WEATHER. DEALER'S SERVICE MECHANICS ALWAYS JUST CLEAN THE RUBBER SEAL TRACT AND LUBRICATE IT, AND SO DO WE. WINDOWS GET STUCK AGAIN AFTER 3 DAYS. IT'S DANGEROUS, BECAUSE IF IN AN ACCIDENT, ONE CANNOT GET OUT THRU THE WINDOW. THERE ARE SO MANY CANALS NEXT TO SOUTH FLORIDA ROADS- AND SO MANY DEATH BY DROWNING IN THE CAR... NOT TALKING ABOUT INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO GET OUT FROM THE CAR TO PAY TOLLS AND GET THRU GATED COMMUNITY ENTRANCE. MECHANICS IN THE DEALERSHIP ARE SAYING, THAT THIS MODEL OF MAZDA HAS THIS PROBLEM AND THEY CANNOT DO MORE, BECAUSE EVEN IF THEY WOULD PUT NEW RUBBER SEALS OR DOOR, IT WOULD BE DOING THE SAME. *TR

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2009-04-07

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-30
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MX-3 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DIMLY LIT. AS A RESULT, VEHICLES IN THE REAR COULD NOT SEE THE LIGHTS UNTIL THEY WERE CLOSE UP ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE LIGHTS ARE POORLY ILLUMINATED AND COULD CAUSE A SEVERE CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND CALLING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,150.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Mazda Mx-3 problems:

1992 Mazda Mx-3: NO SPARK!!! | Mazda World Forum

https://www.mazdaworld.org/threads/1992-mazda-mx-3-no-spark.63913/

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 ...

What are common Mazda MX-5 Miata issues and problems? - Quora

https://www.quora.com/What-are-common-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-issues-and-problems

Nov 28, 2015 ... What are common Mazda MX-5 Miata issues and problems? ... 1996 P package, Montego blue · Author has ... 2014 also had issues with the Mazda 3 and ...

Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum

https://www.mx6.com/threads/common-mx6-problems.71843/

Sep 12, 2003 ... Hadn't noticed any of the other problems though. '91 Miata, BEGi s2 turbo kit (GT2560r), Full 3" exhaust, Torsen LSD, AEM WBO2, 460cc ...