1994 Mazda MX-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Mazda MX-3: 1 recall, 19 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #97V116000 · 1997 · 25,000 vehicles
What's wrong: In areas where large quantities of road salt are used, corrosive pits can develop on the surface of the front suspension coil spring. Repeated use can eventually cause the coil spring to break and a tire could be punctured from contact with the broken coil spring.
Why it matters: This condition increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 Mazda MX-3 has 19 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 4 MX-3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 1999 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 95,900 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (10 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Mazda MX-3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 Mazda MX-3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Mazda MX-3 problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (9), airbags (6), steering (1).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Mazda MX-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Mazda MX-3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.