Model year guide

1994 Mazda MX-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Mazda MX-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.

1994 Mazda MX-3 — representative photo
Representative photo

1994 Mazda MX-3 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints20
Combined20–28 mpg

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

1994 Mazda MX-3 recalls 1

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs NHTSA Campaign #97V116000 · 22/07/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WASHINGTON, DC. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, CORROSIVE PITS CAN DEVELOP ON 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 REPL…

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.

1994 Mazda MX-3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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.

1994 Mazda MX-3 MPG & running costs

Combined20–28 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,875
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume80 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 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 1994 Mazda MX-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,375
Fuel only$14,375
Per mile$0.19

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
165.7 in
Width
66.9 in
Height
51.6 in
Wheelbase
96.9 in
Curb weight
2,414–2,582 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 Mazda MX-3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE Closed

NHTSA #RQ98001 · Suspension · opened Mar 1998 · closed Nov 1998

AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL Closed

NHTSA #EA94039 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 1994 · closed Nov 1997

ALTERNATOR FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE94075 · Electrical System · opened Oct 1994 · closed Dec 1994

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 32

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 32.

Radio Unlocking Codes.

Bulletin MT-002-22 · Electrical System · Feb 2022

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-009-19-3566 · Electrical System · Jan 2019

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-034-18-3430a · Vehicle Speed Control, Equipment · Oct 2018

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-034-18-3430 · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2018

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-035-17-3080 · Electrical System, Equipment · Aug 2017

Speedometer replacement procedure

Bulletin 0900716 · Electrical System · Feb 2016

IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE LISTED BELOW WHEN REPLACING A SPEEDOMETER.NOTE:•MAZDA VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED WITH TAMPER-PROOF SPEEDOMETERS.•WHEN A SPEEDOMETER IS REPLACED, THE NEW SPEEDOMETER WILL READ ZERO (0) MILES.•THIS PROC…

Bulletin 09-034-14-2956 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Aug 2014

BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. *TT

Bulletin 0102504 · Electrical System · Jul 2004

SPEEDOMETER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

Bulletin 0902604 · Equipment · Jul 2004

EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. *TT

Bulletin 00299 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MX-3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 Mazda MX-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could cause an electrical short to develop over time. This could result in smoke and/or fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Transport Canada #2015489 · Oct 2015

Suspension

IN AREAS OF HIGH ROAD SALT USE (ALL PROVINCES EAST OF THE MANITOBA BORDER), CORROSIVE PITS MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE COIL SPRING TO BREAK AT A POINT 1.0 TO 1.5 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE COIL SPRING. THIS COULD CAUSE A TIRE TO BE PUNCTURED FROM CONTACT WITH THE BROKEN SPRING. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INST…

Transport Canada #1997134 · Jul 1997

Electrical

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES. WATER AND ROAD SALT CAN ENTER THE ALTERNATOR THROUGH A PRODUCTION PIN HOLE IN THE BUS BAR POSSIBLY CREATING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BUS BAR AND THE ALTERNATOR HEAT SHIELD. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND A MODIFIED HEAT SHIELD WILL…

Transport Canada #1994138 · Aug 1994

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mazda MX-3

The Mazda MX-3 is a 2+2-seat, front-wheel drive coupé of a kammback design, manufactured and marketed by Mazda. It was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1991 and marketed until 1998.

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

1994 Mazda MX-3 vehicles on record

1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C500205241 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JM1EC4332R0301585 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C200205253 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C200203876 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13B200113714 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13B200120601 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C200203085 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C200206072 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JM1EC435XR0309628 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13C200206720 1994 Mazda MX-3 1994 Mazda MX-3JMZEC13A2N0121248

Other Mazda MX-3 model years

2008 2005 1998 1997 1996 1995 1993 1992 1991

1994 Mazda MX-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1994 Mazda MX-3. 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 1994 Mazda MX-3?

Across all 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, air bags, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 get?

The 1994 Mazda MX-3 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

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