The air bag light in the dash started blinking a code (51) indicating failure of the air bag module. I took the car to the mazda dealer. They returned the car to me with no repair. They indicated that mazda no longer makes or supplies the air bag module. They recommended finding a used module from a junk yard dealer. I contacted mazda corporation. They told me the same thing; buy a used air bag module from a junk yard dealer. I went online and found the used modules selling for about 10 times the price that mazda corp had sold them for. I also found entries from individuals who had been injured by the air bags. There were multiple recommendations that the module not be replaced because the air bags could kill. I have written to mazda corp. Telling them that I expected them to replace the whole system. A secretary called me--and offered to do nothing.
The worst 1994 Mazda 323 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seat belts6
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts6
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V674000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: webbing
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front seat automatic shoulder belts. The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly can become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
- Risk
- A seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the passive shoulder belt assembly with a modified one (with additional dust lip) in vehicles which have experienced a problem. In vehicles in which the automatic shoulder belt functions properly, the rails will be inspected and replaced with modified rails if they exceed the inspection criteria.
Recall number 97V211000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1994 Mazda 323
Defect investigations
Auto restraint system fail
There is no summary currently available
EA94039
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Mazda 323 23
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak...
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a...
- Battery test procedure requirements. tt
- Speedometer replacement procedure. tt
- Subject on passive seat belt retractor switch. yc
- Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center. yc
- Subject pertaining to mtx overhaul information. yc
What 1994 Mazda 323 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was using my seat belt as was my passenger. I stopped to get out of the car and when I got back in the car and started it, my seat belt would not slide back over my body. My passenger's seat belt was still in place as it had not been removed when I stopped the car and got out. The following day my seat belt worked when I first started the car. When I drove for about 3 miles, I stopped the car and got out. When I got back in the car and started it, the seat belt did not work and has not since in the past couple of days. There is a clicking noise in the center console where the gear shift is when the car is started while the gear is in park and stops making the noise when the car is put into drive, however the red seat belt light continues to blink.
Mazda of north america operations has notified the consumer that the vehicle does not comply with us federal motor vehicle safety standards-fmvss208(occupant crash protection passive restraint requirement) scc
Had one blowout at low speed and one tire with tread seperation. *ak( dot number: tire size: 235/r75/15 )
The fuel usage decreased from 36mpg down to 24mpg; the transmission started making a clicking sound from takeoff; and the suspension started clicking when turning right or left
Rail of the automatic shoulder belt assembly gets jammed in the rail, rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
After repairs were made on recall#97v211 the restraints no longer retract automatically. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.
Seat belt on driver's side will not retract properly and will sometimes jam and tighten up while driving
While in an side collision seat belt did not lock up to protect consumer. A week later consumer received a recall for front seat belts. Vehicle has been totaled. Dealer has not been contacted.
Driver's side passive shoulder belt failed several times.
Compare the 1994 Mazda 323
Other model years
Questions about the 1994 Mazda 323
Is the 1994 Mazda 323 reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1994 Mazda 323, fewer than a typical 323 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 Mazda 323?
Seat belts, with 6 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda 323 have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1994 Mazda 323 seat belts?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V211000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda 323 have the most seat belts problems?
The Mazda 323 model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1990 (13 complaints), 1991 (13 complaints) and 1992 (12 complaints).
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