Model year guide

1987 Mazda 323

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Mazda 323 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 152 on record.

1987 Mazda 323 — representative photo
Representative photo

1987 Mazda 323 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints10
Combined24–27 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1987 Mazda 323 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1987 Mazda 323.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1987 Mazda 323 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1987 Mazda 323 MPG & running costs

Combined24–27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,667
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume88 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,333 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Mazda 323 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,335
Fuel only$13,335
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
161.8–169.7 in
Width
65.0 in
Height
54.7–55.5 in
Wheelbase
94.5 in
Curb weight
2,061–2,172 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Mazda 323 — ranges cover the 9 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

About the Mazda 323

The Mazda Familia , also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1987 Mazda 323 vehicles on record

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Other Mazda 323 model years

2020 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1987 Mazda 323 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Mazda 323 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1987 Mazda 323. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Mazda 323?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Mazda 323 get?

The 1987 Mazda 323 has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.