1996 Mazda MX-3
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Mazda MX-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.
1996 Mazda MX-3 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1996 Mazda MX-3 recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1996 Mazda MX-3.
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.
1996 Mazda MX-3 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1996 Mazda MX-3 MPG & running costs
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 1996 Mazda MX-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Mazda MX-3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 8
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.
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 dealerâÂÂs responsibility to comply with Feder…
Bulletin 09-003-20-3671 · Equipment, Electrical System · Jan 2020Speedometer replacement procedure
Bulletin 0900716 · Electrical System · Feb 2016PRE-PAINTING PREPARATIONS FOR FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. *YC
Bulletin 97102302097 · Structure · Oct 1997PARTIAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT (PCV SYSTEM MODIFICATION). *TW
Bulletin 004/97B · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1997USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW
Bulletin 008/97 · Equipment · May 1997PARTS REPLACEMENT AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TW
Bulletin 007/97T · Air Bags · Apr 1997MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW
Bulletin 001/97G · Electrical System · Apr 1997WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW
Bulletin 003/97G · Electrical System · Jan 1997Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MX-3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 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 2015Source: 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.