1991 Mazda Navajo recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
What could happen: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00T005000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-465-1904.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Notes:
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. FRONT HEAT SHIELD EXTENSION MAY CONTACT THE UPPER FRONT CORNER OF PLASTIC FUEL TANK DAMAGING OR PUNCTURING THE FUEL TANK.
What could happen: SUCH FUEL TANK DAMAGE COULD ALLOW VAPOR AND OR FUEL TOESCAPE; THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
The fix: RELOCATE HEAT SHIELD; REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V020000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: FRONT HEAT SHIELD EXTENSION MAY CONTACT THE UPPER FRONT CORNER OF PLASTIC FUEL TANK DAMAGING OR PUNCTURING THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence: SUCH FUEL TANK DAMAGE COULD ALLOW VAPOR AND OR FUEL TOESCAPE; THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
Remedy: RELOCATE HEAT SHIELD; REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT-DUTY TRUCKS BUILT BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
3. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.
What could happen: UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V235002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 16, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AND WARNING LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. REAR BUMPER MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH.
What could happen: BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPERMOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
The fix: INSTALL TWO ADDITIONAL BRACKETS, ONE ADDITIONAL BAR AND ASSOCIATED FASTENERS TO PREVENT BUMPER SEPARATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V028000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary: REAR BUMPER MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH.
Consequence: BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPERMOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
Remedy: INSTALL TWO ADDITIONAL BRACKETS, ONE ADDITIONAL BAR AND ASSOCIATED FASTENERS TO PREVENT BUMPER SEPARATION.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT-DUTY TRUCKS BUILT BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.NOTE: BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL ASSEMBLY SHOULD NOT BE USED UNTILREPAIR PROCEDURE IS COMPLETED.
5. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.
What could happen: IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM FULLY ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V024002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.
Consequence: IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM FULLY ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; POWER ASSIST; PRIMARY; BOOSTER. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, SAN BERNADINO, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, VENTURA, SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, IMPERIAL, AND KERN. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
6. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
What could happen: DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VE…
The fix: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V189001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Consequence: DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPEDWITH A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1991 Mazda Navajo owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (10), Transmission / drivetrain (7), Vehicle Speed Control (7), Brakes (6), Hydraulic (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/20/2003 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE SUNROOF OF THE VEHICLE WAS BLOWN OFF BY THE WIND. THE SUNROOF TILTS UP AT THE REAR AND THE DEALER CAN NOT EXPLAIN HOW THE ROOF COULD BE LOST. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART, BUT THE CONSUMER'S VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. *PH
05/07/2003 · Body / structure
THE REAR BUMPER SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME WHILE PULLING A TRAILER. *NLM
04/30/2003 · Fuel system
SHORT IN CONNECTION AT THE FUEL TANK. PLASTIC IS MELTED THROUGH, THERE APPEARS TO BE SCORING ON THE INSIDE OF THE UNIT THAT WOULD BE INDICATIVE OF SPARK AND OR HIGH HEAT. CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE AND OR EXPLOSION. ESPECIALLY IF THIS HAD OCCOURED DURING A TIME FRAME WHEN WARM TEMPERATURES WOULD HAVE MADE FOR HIGH FUEL VAPOR CONTENT (I.E.…
02/16/2002 · Fuel system
A SHORT OCCURRED AT THE JUNCTION OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE FUEL TANK. THE SHORT MELTED THE PLASTIC CONNECTION AND BURNED THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY TO THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF IGNITION INSIDE THE GAS TANK. THIS CLEARLY COULD HAVE LEAD TO A FIRE OR EXPLOSION OF THE GAS TANK.
08/31/2001 · Wheels / tires
FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P23 75R15, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL FIVE TIRES. TIRES TREAD SEPARATED FROM RIM.*AK
03/05/2001 · Wheels / tires
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE INTO SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE WHERE TECHNICIAN FOUND OUT THAT FRONT TIRES WERE SHOWING TREAD SEPARATION. DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE TIRES.*AK
12/20/2000 · Brakes
THE PROPORTIONING VALVE FAILED "CLOSED" AND DID NOT ALLOW FOR THE BRAKE FLUID TO GO TO THE REAR BRAKES, AS A RESULT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN THE FRONT TIRES LOCKING UP AND SKIDDED CAUSING COLLISION. *MJS
09/29/2000 · Wheels / tires
PEOO 020;CONSUMER WERE INSPECTING TIRES AND NOTICED THAT FRONT REAR TIRES HAD CRACKS ALL AROUND THE TIRES TIRES ARE THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS #AT P23575R15. #DOT W2. *AK THE FRONT TWO TIRE HAD CRACKS ALL AROUND THE WHOLE TIRES. TIRE DEALERS RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BE REPLACED. *YH