1992 Mazda MX-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1992 Mazda MX-3: 3 recalls, 45 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #97V116000 · 1997 · 25,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V211000 · 1997 · 134,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly can become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Why it matters: A seat occupant May not be properly restrained in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passive shoulder belt assembly with a modified one (with additional dust lip) in vehicles which have experienced a problem. In vehicles in which the automatic shoulder belt functions properly, the rails will be inspected and replaced with modified rails if they exceed the…
Electrical Vehicle recall #15V674000 · 2015 · 1,368,500 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch May become conductive and overheat.
Why it matters: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (31): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Suspension (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1992 Mazda MX-3 has 45 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 MX-3 model years for complaints (2.4× the average MX-3 year). Complaints peaked in 1998 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles.
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1992 Mazda MX-3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1992 Mazda MX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1992 Mazda MX-3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1992 Mazda MX-3 problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (31), suspension (6), electrical (5).
What gas mileage does the 1992 Mazda MX-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1992 Mazda MX-3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.