Model year guide

1994 Mazda MX-6

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Mazda MX-6 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

1994 Mazda MX-6 — representative photo
Representative photo

1994 Mazda MX-6 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints55
Combined20–26 mpg

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

1994 Mazda MX-6 recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #15V674000 · manufacturer #8715J · 19/10/2015

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #05E065000 · 05/10/2005

CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS …

Fix: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #99V358000 · manufacturer #87004 · 17/12/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT WIRE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS SOLDERED TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH LEVER.

Power Train:manual Transmission NHTSA Campaign #99I005000 · 16/08/1999

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET CAN FAIL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER, SEVERE LACK OF POWER, AND/OR A TRANSMISSION WHICH STAYS IN THIRD GEAR. IN SOME CASES, THE "OD OFF" LIGHT MAY ALSO FLASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AND IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AT NO CHARGE. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS NECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET FROR 9 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION.

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-6 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
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.

1994 Mazda MX-6 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1994 Mazda MX-6 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1994 Mazda MX-6 MPG & running costs

Combined20–26 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,425
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume80 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,125 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-6 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,125
Fuel only$17,125
Per mile$0.23

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
181.9 in
Width
68.9 in
Height
51.6 in
Wheelbase
102.8 in
Curb weight
2,624–2,800 lb
Front track
59.1 in
Rear track
59.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 Mazda MX-6 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

HEADLIGHT FAILURE Closed

OBTAINED RECALL 99V-358

NHTSA #RQ99022 · Exterior Lighting · opened Dec 1999 · closed Aug 2000

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 40

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 40.

Radio Unlocking Codes.

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

In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.

Bulletin 00-003-19-3583 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Diesel · Mar 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 09-009-19-3566 · 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

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MX-6. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 Mazda MX-6. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the headlight lead wire may break at the point where it is soldered to the headlight switch. This could result in loss of headlight function. Correction: Dealers will inspect the headlight lead wire and, if necessary, replace the headlight switch.

Transport Canada #2000031 · Feb 2000

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mazda MX-6

The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive sport compact coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.

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

1994 Mazda MX-6 vehicles on record

Other Mazda MX-6 model years

1994 Mazda MX-6 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Mazda MX-6 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1994 Mazda MX-6. 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-6?

Across all 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine and engine cooling.

What is the 1994 Mazda MX-6 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1994 Mazda MX-6 crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Mazda MX-6 get?

The 1994 Mazda MX-6 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–26 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.