Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mazda MX3 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

98 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

125,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1991 to 1999 model years. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seat Belts is the most frequently named component, appearing in 32 of 98 complaints (32.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting88.2%
Engine operation77.1%
Electrical and battery issues55.1%
Steering behavior33.1%
Braking behavior22.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Seat Belts
32
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
10
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing
10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
7
Electrical System
4
Electrical System:Ignition
4
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
4
Air Bags:Frontal
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seat Belts32
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor10
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission7
Electrical System4
Electrical System:Ignition4
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs4
Air Bags:Frontal3

Seat Belts: 32; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 10; Seat Belts:Front:Webbing: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 7; Electrical System: 4; Electrical System:Ignition: 4; Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
9
150,000 and above
9
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9999
150,000 and above9

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 9

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 73 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
12
1996
5
1997
10
1998
17
1999
13
2000
5
2001
4
2002
3
2003
3
2004
4
2005
4
2006
2
2008
3
2009
3
2010
2
2011
3
2016
2
2017
1
2018
1
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199512
19965
199710
199817
199913
20005
20014
20023
20033
20044
20054
20062
20083
20093
20102
20113
20162
20171
20181
20191

1995: 12; 1996: 5; 1997: 10; 1998: 17; 1999: 13; 2000: 5; 2001: 4; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 4; 2006: 2; 2008: 3; 2009: 3; 2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2016: 2; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Seat Belts leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10155312 · 2006-04-13 (April 13, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LOST FIRST AND SECOND GEARS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED TO 30 MPH AND LOST THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS. IT WAS COASTED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 180,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155312 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10129851 · 2005-07-24 (July 24, 2005)

EVER SINCE I GOT MY CAR IT SEEMS ALL WE'VE HAD TO DO IS RELPLACE PARTS. WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START. UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN OUR CAR WAS FAILING TO GO AND GETTING STUCK EVEY TIME WE CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I GOT THE IDEA THAT IT WASN'T HOW I WAS HANDILING IT, THAT THEIR WAS A MANU. PROBLEM. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY ANYMORE TO GET IT REPLACED. EVERYTIME I TRY TO PUT ON THE GAS IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. NOW IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS.

Owner-reported narrative. 150,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10129851 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10041896 · 2003-09-29 (September 29, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 83,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041896 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 819120 · 1998-01-13 (January 13, 1998)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ENGINE CUTS OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS. DEALER STATED POSSIBLE COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 819120 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10366606 · 2010-11-17 (November 17, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE BACK POSITION AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE EMERGENCY RELEASE BUTTON TO GET OUT OF THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF RECALL 97V211000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: WEBBING). THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT HE HAD TO HAVE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH REPAIRED BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED. HE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE INS…

Owner-reported narrative. 145,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10366606 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10838633 · 2016-02-26 (February 26, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10838633 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10888982 · 2016-07-27 (July 27, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE SPARKS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE TO BE SALVAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 170,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10888982 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 868289 · 2000-08-22 (August 22, 2000)

WHENEVER APPLYING BRAKES SUDDENL THEY WOULD LOCK UP EACH TIME. BRAKES WOULD WORK FINE WHEN NOT APPLIED SUDDENLY. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK THEM OUT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 868289 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 958931 · 1995-01-19 (January 19, 1995)

BRAKES ARE FAILING AND THE CAR ACCELERATES AT THE SAME TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 958931 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1991
0
1992
3
1993
3
1999
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19910
19923
19933
19990

1991: 0; 1992: 3; 1993: 3; 1999: 0

Year-by-year records

Mazda MX3 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
199110Not available
1992443+3
19935230
199910Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

98 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

25.5%Usable mileage25 / 98 records
78.6%Valid incident date77 / 98 records
100.0%Valid filing date98 / 98 records
78.6%Ordered incident and filing dates77 / 98 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1991199219931999
Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1534.1%
ODI 10291250 · 205,658 mi

1992 TO 1993 MAZDA MX-3 AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RECALL MAZDA DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT IN SPITE OF THE DOCUMENTATION THAT WAS PROVIDED. THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NHTSA ORDERED THE RECALL AND NOT MAZDA. *TR

Look up ODI 10291250 at NHTSA ↗

1732.7%
ODI 10227763 · 93,200 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT CORD CAME OFFTRACK. THE DEALER IS CHARGING OVER $1,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RECALL WAS PREVIOUSLY REPARIED ON THE VEHICLE IN LATE 2000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,200.

Look up ODI 10227763 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

715.9%
ODI 10141402 · 113,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL 97V211000 FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WAS ISSUED. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL NOT LOCK TO KEEP THE OCCUPANT FROM MOVING FORWARD. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE DEALER WANTED HIM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL COMPONENT WAS DIFFERENT THAN THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED ON VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM

Look up ODI 10141402 at NHTSA ↗

35.8%
ODI 10131002 · 130,431 mi

DT: 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 72803 IN APRIL 2005 CONCERNING THE SEAT BELTS. THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPAIRED IN APRIL 2005. THE SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AT LEAST 3 TIMES SINCE THEY WERE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN BACK 3 TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY ASKED THE CONSUMER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR A FOURTH TIME. THIS STARTED OUT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN ON BOTH SIDES. THE SEAT BELTS WERE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS, AND THEY WOULD NOT RELEASE AUTOMATICALLY AND MUST BE RELEASED MANUA…

Look up ODI 10131002 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Webbing
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

511.4%
ODI 10021184 · 53,000 mi

SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 97V211000 IS RECURRING WITH SAME SYMPTOMS OF SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING WHEN DOOR IS OPENED TO EXIT VEHICLE. IS THE CAUSE NOW THE SAME AS IT WAS WHEN FIRST REPAIRED AND IF SO, DOES THE SAME RECALL APPLY AS IT SEEMS THE CAUSE REMAINS A DEFECT? *JB

Look up ODI 10021184 at NHTSA ↗

59.6%
ODI 10156596 · 113,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE SEAT BELTS THE CONTACT HAS TO REACH AROUND TO THE BACK SEAT. AN NHTSA RECALL, # 97V211000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES CONCERNING THE SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED WAS IN 2004. THE LAST TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN. THE CONTACT WIL…

Look up ODI 10156596 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.3%
ODI 10155312 · 180,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LOST FIRST AND SECOND GEARS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED TO 30 MPH AND LOST THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS. IT WAS COASTED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10155312 at NHTSA ↗

611.5%
ODI 10129851 · 150,100 mi

EVER SINCE I GOT MY CAR IT SEEMS ALL WE'VE HAD TO DO IS RELPLACE PARTS. WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START. UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN OUR CAR WAS FAILING TO GO AND GETTING STUCK EVEY TIME WE CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I GOT THE IDEA THAT IT WASN'T HOW I WAS HANDILING IT, THAT THEIR WAS A MANU. PROBLEM. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY ANYMORE TO GET IT REPLACED. EVERYTIME I TRY TO PUT ON THE GAS IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. NOW IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS.

Look up ODI 10129851 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

24.5%
ODI 10041896 · 83,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK

Look up ODI 10041896 at NHTSA ↗

23.8%
ODI 10838633

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10838633 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.3%
ODI 847800

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. COMMON PROBLEM. DLR REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR., BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 847800 at NHTSA ↗

35.8%
ODI 10098025

REPLACED DISTIRBUTOR. *JB

Look up ODI 10098025 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

36.8%
ODI 10227855 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE MOVED UNCONTROLLABLY. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT COILS SPRINGS FAILED. THE MAZDA DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V116000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10227855 at NHTSA ↗

11.9%
ODI 780087

FRONT SPRING COIL FAILED, CAUSING FRONT END NOISE PRIOR TO RECALL. ALSO FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL.

Look up ODI 780087 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
1100.0%
ODI 965278

DURING HEAD ON COLLISION DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, VEHICLE TOTALLED. TT

Look up ODI 965278 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.8%
ODI 971008

DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT END COLLISION. TT

Look up ODI 971008 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Seat Belts93,150–154,500 mi122,000 mi8
ODI 10291250 · 205,658 mi

1992 TO 1993 MAZDA MX-3 AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RECALL MAZDA DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT IN SPITE OF THE DOCUMENTATION THAT WAS PROVIDED. THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NHTSA ORDERED THE RECALL AND NOT MAZDA. *TR

Look up ODI 10291250 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10414636 · 168,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED CONTINUOUSLY. THE COIL SPRING WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT THE FIRST THREE TIMES THE FAILURE OCCURRED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE FOR BOTH FAILURES (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 97V116000 - SUSPENSION: FRONT: SPRINGS: COIL SPRINGS AND 97V211000- SEAT BELTS: FRONT: WEBBING) YET THE PARTS W…

Look up ODI 10414636 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10227763 · 93,200 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT CORD CAME OFFTRACK. THE DEALER IS CHARGING OVER $1,000 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RECALL WAS PREVIOUSLY REPARIED ON THE VEHICLE IN LATE 2000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,200.

Look up ODI 10227763 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:RetractorToo few reports for a range121,716 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10141402 · 113,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL 97V211000 FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WAS ISSUED. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL NOT LOCK TO KEEP THE OCCUPANT FROM MOVING FORWARD. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE DEALER WANTED HIM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL COMPONENT WAS DIFFERENT THAN THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED ON VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM

Look up ODI 10141402 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10131002 · 130,431 mi

DT: 1993 MAZDA MX3. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 72803 IN APRIL 2005 CONCERNING THE SEAT BELTS. THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPAIRED IN APRIL 2005. THE SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AT LEAST 3 TIMES SINCE THEY WERE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN BACK 3 TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY ASKED THE CONSUMER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR A FOURTH TIME. THIS STARTED OUT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN ON BOTH SIDES. THE SEAT BELTS WERE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS, AND THEY WOULD NOT RELEASE AUTOMATICALLY AND MUST BE RELEASED MANUA…

Look up ODI 10131002 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:WebbingToo few reports for a range115,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10021184 · 53,000 mi

SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 97V211000 IS RECURRING WITH SAME SYMPTOMS OF SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING WHEN DOOR IS OPENED TO EXIT VEHICLE. IS THE CAUSE NOW THE SAME AS IT WAS WHEN FIRST REPAIRED AND IF SO, DOES THE SAME RECALL APPLY AS IT SEEMS THE CAUSE REMAINS A DEFECT? *JB

Look up ODI 10021184 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10320085 · 120,000 mi

TL* CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOES NOT EXTRACT THE WEBBING PROPERLY. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT A PRIOR RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 1998. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 97V211000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: WEBBING). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,500.

Look up ODI 10320085 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10156596 · 113,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE SEAT BELTS THE CONTACT HAS TO REACH AROUND TO THE BACK SEAT. AN NHTSA RECALL, # 97V211000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES CONCERNING THE SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED WAS IN 2004. THE LAST TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN. THE CONTACT WIL…

Look up ODI 10156596 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range150,100 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10155312 · 180,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LOST FIRST AND SECOND GEARS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED TO 30 MPH AND LOST THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS. IT WAS COASTED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10155312 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10129851 · 150,100 mi

EVER SINCE I GOT MY CAR IT SEEMS ALL WE'VE HAD TO DO IS RELPLACE PARTS. WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START. UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN OUR CAR WAS FAILING TO GO AND GETTING STUCK EVEY TIME WE CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I GOT THE IDEA THAT IT WASN'T HOW I WAS HANDILING IT, THAT THEIR WAS A MANU. PROBLEM. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY ANYMORE TO GET IT REPLACED. EVERYTIME I TRY TO PUT ON THE GAS IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. NOW IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS.

Look up ODI 10129851 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10129853 · 150,100 mi

EVER SINCE I GOT MY CAR IT SEEMS ALL WE'VE HAD TO DO IS RELPLACE PARTS. WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START. UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN OUR CAR WAS FAILING TO GO AND GETTING STUCK EVEY TIME WE CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I GOT THE IDEA THAT IT WASN'T HOW I WAS HANDILING IT, THAT THEIR WAS A MANU. PROBLEM. I SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY ANYMORE TO GET IT REPLACED. EVERYTIME I TRY TO PUT ON THE GAS IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. NOW IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS.

Look up ODI 10129853 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range170,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10041896 · 83,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK

Look up ODI 10041896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10888982 · 170,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 MAZDA MX3. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE SPARKS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE TO BE SALVAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

Look up ODI 10888982 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11012643 · 175,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED NORTH KANSAS CITY MAZDA (LOCATED IN NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO) WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER PICKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOT…

Look up ODI 11012643 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsToo few reports for a range100,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10227855 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA MX3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE MOVED UNCONTROLLABLY. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT COILS SPRINGS FAILED. THE MAZDA DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V116000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10227855 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 27 reports

1993: 7 complaints · 1999: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1993117
1999111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
19934660
1999010

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSeat BeltsSeat Belts:Front:RetractorSeat Belts:Front:WebbingPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical SystemElectrical System:IgnitionSuspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsAir Bags:Frontal
Seat Belts—00000
1
ODI 758148

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO NORTHPARK MAZDA/ISUZU AND THE GUY AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE MY RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHOMEVER DID IT BEFORE PUT DEFECTIVE PARTS ON IT BECAUSE THEY ARE MESSING UP TO THIS DATE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH BOTH AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS AND BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS.

Look up ODI 758148 at NHTSA ↗

0
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor0—000000
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing00—00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000—0000
Electrical System0000—000
Electrical System:Ignition00000—00
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
1
ODI 758148

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO NORTHPARK MAZDA/ISUZU AND THE GUY AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE MY RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER IF THAT IS TRUE THEN WHOMEVER DID IT BEFORE PUT DEFECTIVE PARTS ON IT BECAUSE THEY ARE MESSING UP TO THIS DATE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH BOTH AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS AND BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS.

Look up ODI 758148 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Air Bags:Frontal0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10041896 · 83,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. NO SPARKS WERE COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE PLUGS.*AK

Look up ODI 10041896 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 819120

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ENGINE CUTS OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS. DEALER STATED POSSIBLE COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. *AK

Look up ODI 819120 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 847800

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. COMMON PROBLEM. DLR REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR., BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 113,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10141402 · 113,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL 97V211000 FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WAS ISSUED. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL NOT LOCK TO KEEP THE OCCUPANT FROM MOVING FORWARD. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE DEALER WANTED HIM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL COMPONENT WAS DIFFERENT THAN THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED ON VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM

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ODI 809286

RETRACTORS WONT STAY LOCKED. WARNING LIGHT ON DASH READS, SEAT BELTS ARE LOOSE. *AK

Look up ODI 809286 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 819120

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ENGINE CUTS OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS. DEALER STATED POSSIBLE COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. *AK

Look up ODI 819120 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b