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1993 Mazda MX-3

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1993 MX-3.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 1993 Mazda MX‑3 is a compact passenger car that sits in the middle of the model’s 1992‑1996 production run, sharing the same platform throughout that span. That year recorded the highest volume of owner complaints—66 in total—with seat‑belt issues emerging as the most frequent grievance, and the model was subject to three recalls. Compared with later years, the 1993 MX‑3 stands out as the least reliable point in the series, while the 1996 iteration dropped to just two complaints, marking a clear improvement in durability over time.

Model year1995 1994 1993 1992

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	165.7 in
Overall width	66.9 in
Overall height	51.6 in
Wheelbase	96.9 in
Curb weight	2341 lb
Weight distribution (front / rear)	64/36

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the MX-3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.20 sec — 1992 GS Coupe

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1992	GS Coupe 1.8L V6	8.20 sec	16.40 sec	130 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine GL-5 in the differential.

Lubricants & capacities

Differential Gear Oil	GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.4 Pints
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Power Steering Fluid	DEXRON VI OR MERCON V

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi.

Every 7,500 mi	Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Weatherstrip Seal (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Body Fasteners (torque) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 mi	PCV Hose (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace) · PCV Hose (inspect) · Timing Belt (replace)
At 105,000 mi	Fuel Line (replace) · PCV Valve (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1993 Mazda MX-3 stands out as the peak year for owner complaints in this generation, with 66 reports—a sharp 32 percent increase over the 1992 model and more than triple the 1994 figure. While recalls and investigations remained steady at three each, mirroring the 1992 baseline, the complaint surge was driven primarily by seat belt issues, which accounted for 28 of the 66 reports, alongside electrical and powertrain concerns. This spike suggests that 1993 bore the brunt of unresolved early-production problems, as the trend line shows a rapid decline in complaints, recalls, and technical service bulletins immediately afterward, with 1994 dropping to just 20 complaints and a single recall. The data implies that Mazda addressed many of these faults in later model years, making the 1993 MX-3 a notably problematic outlier. For a buyer, this year represents the highest risk in the generation; a 1994 or newer model would be a far more reliable choice.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

2 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’92’93’94 ’95 ’96

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 66 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Seat Belts28

Electrical System7

Power Train6

Visibility3

Suspension2

Exterior Lighting2

Vehicle Speed Control2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific MX-3. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Maintenance schedules

Frequently asked

Does the 1993 MX-3 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.