Mazda Navajo problems
The Mazda Navajo is a mid-size SUV manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the Japanese automaker Mazda, and is a rebadged version of the first generation Ford Explorer. It was Mazda's first SUV, and was offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Navajo won the 1991 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, but because of its Explorer origins, its reputation deteriorated amid the Firestone and Ford tire controversy.
Differences
The Navajo featured a few minor changes from the Explorer it was based on. It got a revised front fascia, new taillamps and wheels, and the bumpers were painted dark gray (resulting in the deletion of all chrome trim). The interior was largely shared between the two model lines, with the Navajo receiving its own lettering for the instrument panel (in line with other Mazda vehicles), and Mazda lettering was added to the Ford steering wheel hub.
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Mazda Navajo model years
Common Mazda Navajo problems
The Mazda Navajo, a badge-engineered version of the Ford Explorer, was produced between 1991 and 1994. Despite being a product of a successful partnership between Mazda and Ford, the Navajo had its share of issues, as reported by owners.
One common problem with the Mazda Navajo is a crank but no start condition. This issue affects 7 Navajo owners, as reported on RepairPal. The engine cranks, but it fails to start, making the vehicle inoperable. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty ignition system, a malfunctioning fuel system, or a problem with the engine's internal components.
Another issue reported by Navajo owners is a problem with the throttle. Specifically, some owners have reported that the throttle can become gummed up with dirt and debris, causing the engine to run poorly or even stall. This issue can be resolved by cleaning the throttle body, as described in a forum post on Cargurus. This issue is not unique to the Navajo, as it can affect any vehicle with a throttle body.
While there are only 3 complaints on file for the Mazda Navajo on CarComplaints.com, these complaints highlight some of the issues that Navajo owners have experienced. For example, one owner reported a problem with the brakes, while another reported a problem with the transmission. These issues, while not as widespread as the crank but no start condition or the throttle issue, can still be frustrating for Navajo owners.
In summary, the Mazda Navajo, like any vehicle, has its share of issues. The most common issues reported by Navajo owners include a crank but no start condition and a problem with the throttle. While there are fewer complaints on file for the Navajo than for some other vehicles, the complaints that have been filed highlight some of the issues that Navajo owners have experienced.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Navajo years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Navajo cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Navajo model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Navajo model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Navajo years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Navajo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Navajo , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Navajo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Navajo model years
A total of 9 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Navajo model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Navajo model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 173 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Navajo . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Navajo vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-03-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4F2CU44XXRU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: STARTED VEHICLE SNOWY DAY TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER - SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THROUGH HEATING AND DEFROST VENTS, SMELLED LIKE PINE NEEDLES. TURNED CAR OFF SMOKE PROCEEDED TO GET WORSE - CALLED FIRE DEPT. SUV WAS THEN ON FIRE, SUV IS COMPLETELY TOTALED - FROM READING OTHER INCIDENTS I REALLY THINK THIS A FAULT WHERE DEBRIS GETS IN THE FAN COMPARTMENT AND CATCHES ON FIRE - SOME TYPE OF NOTICE SHOULD BE SENT TO PEOPLE WITH NAVAJO MAZDAS AND FORD RANGERS/EXPLORERS THAT HAVE THIS TYPE OF FAN COMPARTMENT.*TR
Mazda Navajo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2006-09-30
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE ON A TIRE RECALL FROM YEARS AGO. I BOUGHT A NEW MAZDA NAVAJO IN 1993 AND IT HAD FIRESTONE ATX TIRES. THEY FAILED WAY BEFORE ANY RECALL SO I REPLACED THEM AT MY COST WITH THE SAME. THESE TIRES FAILED ALSO SO I REPLACED THEM WITH SOMETHING ELSE. 2 SETS (10 TIRES) AT MY COST. WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT I GOT NOTHING. IN FACT, I DIDN'T EVEN OWN THE VEHICLE ANYMORE. MY COMPLAINT IS...WHEN IT TAKES SO LONG TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM, WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO HAD PROBLEMS BEFORE THE RECALL? THEY CAN FIND ME 10 YEARS LATER, BUT WHY DON'T I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO GET COMPENSATED FOR RISKING MY LIFE AND PAYING OUT OF POCKET? *NM
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-03
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S MAZDA SUV WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF FAULTY WORK PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BY TECHNICIANS AT PEP BOYS.*MR THE CONSUMER PURCHASED RIMS FROM A LOCAL RETAILER, HOWEVER WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED ALL 4 OF THE RIMS HAD STAINS, RUST/ BLEMISHES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP DESTROYED HIS TRANSMISSION AND THE IGNITION.*JB
Mazda Navajo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2003-11-20
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE SUNROOF OF THE VEHICLE WAS BLOWN OFF BY THE WIND. THE SUNROOF TILTS UP AT THE REAR AND THE DEALER CAN NOT EXPLAIN HOW THE ROOF COULD BE LOST. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART, BUT THE CONSUMER'S VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. *PH
Mazda Navajo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-05-07
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR BUMPER SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME WHILE PULLING A TRAILER. *NLM
Mazda Navajo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2003-04-30
- VIN: 4F2CU44X6MU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SHORT IN CONNECTION AT THE FUEL TANK. PLASTIC IS MELTED THROUGH, THERE APPEARS TO BE SCORING ON THE INSIDE OF THE UNIT THAT WOULD BE INDICATIVE OF SPARK AND OR HIGH HEAT. CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE AND OR EXPLOSION. ESPECIALLY IF THIS HAD OCCOURED DURING A TIME FRAME WHEN WARM TEMPERATURES WOULD HAVE MADE FOR HIGH FUEL VAPOR CONTENT (I.E. IT OCCOURED IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER AS OPPOSED TO STRANDING ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM AS IT DID)
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-19
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION AND EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED. *JB
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2003-01-23
- VIN: 4F2CU44X1RU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS FUEL PUMP AND CRANK SENSOR FAILURE. TS
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-18
- Date Complaint: 2002-07-18
- VIN: 1YVGE22D6R5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mazda Navajo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-16
- VIN: 4F2CU44X2MU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: A SHORT OCCURRED AT THE JUNCTION OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE FUEL TANK. THE SHORT MELTED THE PLASTIC CONNECTION AND BURNED THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY TO THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF IGNITION INSIDE THE GAS TANK. THIS CLEARLY COULD HAVE LEAD TO A FIRE OR EXPLOSION OF THE GAS TANK.
Mazda Navajo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2001-12-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEADS WERE SEVERLY CRACKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE THERE HAVE , NOT ONLY BEEN SO MANY INSTANCES BUT MANY TIMES, AS WITH THIS CASE THE HEADS WERE SO SEVERLY CRACKED THAT ONLY COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS ACCEPTABLE. *AK
Mazda Navajo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-31
- VIN: 4F2CU44XXMU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P23 75R15, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL FIVE TIRES. TIRES TREAD SEPARATED FROM RIM.*AK
Mazda Navajo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-15
- VIN: 4F2CU44X0PU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEADS WERE SEVERLY CRACKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE THERE HAVE , NOT ONLY BEEN SO MANY INSTANCES BUT MANY TIMES, AS WITH THIS CASE THE HEADS WERE SO SEVERLY CRACKED THAT ONLY COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS ACCEPTABLE.*AK
Mazda Navajo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-03
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC SPARE TIRE CABLE HAD SNAPPED AND CAUSED TIRE TO COME LOOSE. HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DEALERSHIP.*AK
Mazda Navajo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-26
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-17
- VIN: 4F2CU44X5PU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, WAS ABLE TO PULL VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES AND SAW THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAD COME COMPLETLEY APART AND WAS IN SHREDS AROUND THE WHEEL, ALL 4 TIRES WERE REPLACED AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Navajo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the Mazda Navajo.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Navajo 1994
- Report Received Date: 2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
- Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- Model: Mazda Navajo 1992
- Report Received Date: 2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
- Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- Model: Mazda Navajo 1993
- Report Received Date: 2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
- Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- Model: Mazda Navajo 1991
- Report Received Date: 2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
- Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- Model: Mazda Navajo 1994
- Report Received Date: 1999-11-24
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
- Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
Latest negative Mazda Navajo car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Navajo car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1994
I see that you own a Navajo and have had it lifted 6 inches, as well as adding some performance parts. It's great to hear that it's holding up well! Of course, like any truck, it may experience some normal wear and tear, such as tire alignments. Overall, it sounds like your Navajo is your little big baby.
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Vehicle year: 1993
Best vehicle you've ever owned! That's great to hear. It sounds like it's been reliable for you, especially in the snow with its 4 wheel drive. It's understandable that you want to keep it running for as long as possible. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
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Vehicle year: 1992
Hello! I just wanted to mention that the Navajo and the Ford Explorer are very similar cars. Interestingly, the Explorer has a Consumer rating of 8.3 while the Navajo has a rating of 6.6. They are essentially the same car, with only a Mazda insignia on the Navajo. I recently had a tuneup and added some Slick50 to my Navajo, and it's running great despite having 146,000 miles on it!
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Vehicle year: 1994
Hi there! I just wanted to share a quick story about my 1992 Navajo LX 4WD. I owned it until 1999 when I was rear-ended on the Belt Parkway in Queens, NY. Believe it or not, there wasn't a scratch on it! The solid rear bumper really did its job. Unfortunately, the other driver didn't stick around and their car was completely totaled. On a more positive note, my Navajo was a champ in the upstate NY snowstorms, easily handling 2 feet of snow with no problem.
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Vehicle year: 1994
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share a little bit about my car. I bought it from Utah back in the spring of 2001 and it's been a great ride ever since. When I first got it, I installed some top-of-the-line Monroe shocks, put on four brand new tires, and added a K&N air filter. It's been 137,000 miles and it still runs like a dream!
Are you having problems with your Mazda Navajo?
Owen Kuhn 2025-02-06
Vehicle year: 1994
Hi there! On 9-5-1993, I visited a Ford dealer and stumbled upon a brand new 1994 Mazda Navajo LX 4WD. At first, I thought it was a bit strange until I noticed the 1994 Explorer parked right next to it, which looked identical. I returned on 9-12-1993 and to my surprise, the Mazda Navajo was still there! So, I decided to buy it and I'm happy to say that I still have it today.
Juston Conroy 2025-02-04
Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Navajo. I bought it back in 1992 when it was one year old and had 20,000 miles on it. Since then, I've put another 90,000 miles on it and I have to say, it's been incredibly reliable. I've never had to do any major repairs on it. It even has a tow package with 3.73 rear end gears and it tows large loads like a champ (although I usually don't go faster than 65 MPH). And get this, even after 112k miles, the engine has never burned a drop of oil! Thanks for listening to my story.
Pietro Rosenbaum 2025-01-16
Vehicle year: 1992
Same as the Ford Explorer. Engine is bullet proof. 175,000 miles and still going strong and not burning any oil.
Porter Casper 2024-10-29
Vehicle year: 1991
Although my Indian friends were offended by the name of my car and even went as far as to key it, I am confident in stating that it is the worst car I have ever owned, and it does not score more than a 1 in any category. However, I am grateful that the situation did not escalate further.
Justen Smith 2024-09-21
Vehicle year: 1993
Although my Indian friends were offended by the name of my car and even went as far as to key it, I am confident in stating that it is the worst car I have ever owned, and it does not score more than a 1 in any category. However, I am grateful that the situation did not escalate further.