1992 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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Common 1992 Mazda Navajo problems
The Mazda Navajo, manufactured by Ford Motor Company for Mazda, is a mid-size SUV based on the first generation Ford Explorer. Despite its short production run from 1991 to 1994, the Navajo has garnered attention for several common issues reported by its owners.
- Fuel Efficiency: One of the most common complaints about the Mazda Navajo is its poor fuel efficiency. The Navajo is equipped with a 4.0-liter Cologne V6 engine, which is known for its high fuel consumption. This issue is especially noticeable during long trips or daily commutes, where the vehicle's gas mileage can significantly impact the owner's budget.
- Rust Issues: The Navajo is prone to rust, particularly in areas where the vehicle is exposed to salt and moisture. This can lead to structural damage and decreased longevity. Rust issues are common in the undercarriage, wheel wells, and around the sunroof. This can make it difficult to find a Navajo in good condition, and can lead to costly repairs.
- Limited Interior Space: The Navajo is only available in a two-door configuration, which limits its interior space and accessibility. This can make it difficult to transport passengers or cargo, and can be a significant drawback for those who need a more spacious vehicle.
- Lack of Luxury Features: Despite being marketed as a modern and competent 4x4, the Navajo lacks many luxury features that are common in modern SUVs. This can make the vehicle feel outdated and less appealing to some buyers, particularly those who are looking for a more comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience.
- Reliability Issues: Some Navajo owners have reported reliability issues with the vehicle, particularly in areas such as the transmission and electrical systems. These issues can lead to costly repairs and decreased longevity, and can be a significant concern for those who are looking for a reliable and durable vehicle.
In summary, the Mazda Navajo is a mid-size SUV that is known for its poor fuel efficiency, rust issues, limited interior space, lack of luxury features, and reliability issues. These issues can make the vehicle less appealing to some buyers, and can lead to costly repairs and decreased longevity. However, for those who are looking for a unique and rare SUV, the Navajo may still be a worthwhile investment.
1992 Mazda Navajo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Navajo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Mazda Navajo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Mazda Navajo complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Mazda Navajo.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DEALER PROMISED CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD EXCHANGE THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES FOR ANOTHER BRAND, THE NEXT DAY THE DEALER (MAZDA) REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WORD AND CONSUMER STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE ATX TIRES. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DEALER PROMISED CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD EXCHANGE THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES FOR ANOTHER BRAND, THE NEXT DAY THE DEALER (MAZDA) REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WORD AND CONSUMER STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE ATX TIRES. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REFUND FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-14
- VIN: 4F2CU42X0NU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR ANTI- LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP. CONSUMER STATES AFRAID THAT ONE DAY THE AUTO MAY NOT STOP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED THREE TIMES.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-20
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE/IS DIFFICULT TO MOVE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-20
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH 4WD MECHANISM WHEN IN REVERSE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-20
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES REPLACED THREE TIMES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-23
- VIN: 4F2CU44X4NU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BELT FAILED CAUSING NOISE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-23
- VIN: 4F2CU44X4NU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LOOSE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD CAUSING NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-23
- VIN: 4F2CU44X4NU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE CALIPER, ROTOR AND PADS FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-16
- VIN: 4F2CU44X1NU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUN ROOF BLEW OFF.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-20
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE SUN ROOF ALL OF A SUDDEN SEPARATED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: 4F2CU44X7NU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: LATCHES ON SUN ROOF FAILED ALLOWING GLASS TO BECOME LOOSE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
- VIN: 4F2CU42X9NU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNFROOF; DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUN ROOF JUST BLEW OFF VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN JULY 1994, AND HAD IT REPAIRED. IT HAPPENED THIS LAST TIME JULY 1997. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4F2CU44X0NU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING COLLISION.
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-19
- VIN: 4F2CU44X2NU
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM AND THE BUSHING FAILURE THE VEHICLE SHAKES. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE MAKES A NOISE AND DOES NOT STOP PORPERLY, TRANSMISSION MOUNTS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO MOVE FOWARD/BACKWARD WHILE STOPPING AND ACELERATION, CONSUMER ALSO HAD SHOCKS AND TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACED.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4F2CU44X1NU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MFR RECALL 61510 REAR LIFTGATE CYLINDERS. BRONX MAZDA PARTS ON ORDER SINCE DEC 95. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 4F2CU42X1NU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BEARING SEIZED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. *SKD
1992 Mazda Navajo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1992 Mazda Navajo.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.
- Consequence: IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM FULLY ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
- Summary: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.
- Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALLSTUD TO DISENGAGE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
Negative 1992 Mazda Navajo car reviews
Positive 1992 Mazda Navajo car reviews
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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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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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I think you have a great truck! It's awesome that it gets you and your friends around all the time. Not only does it look nice, but it also drives great and is awesome on gas. Plus, it's fun to drive! Sounds like it's your best truck yet.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it with 24K miles and have put another 109K on it. I live in Maine and the 4x4 has been a lifesaver during the winters and off-road adventures. The only issue I've had over the years has been with the A.C., which I've had to replace twice. Despite what Consumer Reports may say, I've found this truck to be incredibly reliable. Thanks for listening!
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Your Navajo sounds like a great vehicle! It's impressive that you've been able to use it for almost 20 years without any major issues. Although you've had to deal with some brake pulsation, it's great that you've been able to keep it running smoothly by following the recommended maintenance schedule and changing the oil every 3000 miles. Adding a quart of Slick 50 Teflon coating was a smart move, and it's great to hear that the engine has remained strong even after 221,000 miles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Mazda Navajo problems:
1992 Mazda Navajo Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
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1993 Mazda Navajo Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1993 Mazda Navajo repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Mazda mechanics near you.
Other years of Mazda Navajo
Are you having problems with your 1992 Mazda Navajo?
Maverick Denesik 2024-03-17
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.