1993 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 1993 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. 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 1993 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.
3. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
What could happen: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
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 1993 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V310002.
- 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:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 12, 2000. 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. 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 1993 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.
5. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.
What could happen: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALLSTUD TO DISENGAGE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
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 1993 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V164002.
- 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:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Summary: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALLSTUD TO DISENGAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
What could happen: WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
The fix: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEH…
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 1993 NAVAJO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V169002.
- 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: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
Summary: THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Consequence: WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
Remedy: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Notes: SYSTEM: EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE; MECHANICAL. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTIPURPOSE VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1993 Mazda Navajo owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (7), Wheels / tires (5), Hydraulic (5), Engine (4), Transmission / drivetrain (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/30/2006 · Wheels / tires
I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE ON A TIRE RECALL FROM YEARS AGO. I BOUGHT A NEW MAZDA NAVAJO IN 1993 AND IT HAD FIRESTONE ATX TIRES. THEY FAILED WAY BEFORE ANY RECALL SO I REPLACED THEM AT MY COST WITH THE SAME. THESE TIRES FAILED ALSO SO I REPLACED THEM WITH SOMETHING ELSE. 2 SETS (10 TIRES) AT MY COST. WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT I G…
12/03/2001 · Brakes
THE HEADS WERE SEVERLY CRACKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE THERE HAVE , NOT ONLY BEEN SO MANY INSTANCES BUT MANY TIMES, AS WITH THIS CASE THE HEADS WERE SO SEVERLY CRACKED THAT ONLY COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS ACCEPTABLE. *AK
08/15/2001 · Engine
THE HEADS WERE SEVERLY CRACKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE THERE HAVE , NOT ONLY BEEN SO MANY INSTANCES BUT MANY TIMES, AS WITH THIS CASE THE HEADS WERE SO SEVERLY CRACKED THAT ONLY COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS ACCEPTABLE.*AK
08/03/2001 · Equipment
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC SPARE TIRE CABLE HAD SNAPPED AND CAUSED TIRE TO COME LOOSE. HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DEALERSHIP.*AK
03/14/2001 · Wheels / tires
THE VEHICLES TIRES EXPERIENCED MANY FAILURES PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000 (FIRESTONE ATX P235/75R15). NLM
10/03/2000 · Body / structure
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE LIFTGATE BRACKET REPAIRED PER RECALL NOTICE 99V-310, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE CLAIMING THAT THE RECALL NOTICE EXPIRED, AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAD THE BRACKET REPLACED BY ANOTHER COMPANY, HOWEVER SINCE THE ORIGINAL BRACKET BROKE THE TAILGATE DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY, THIS IS ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES…
09/13/2000 · Wheels / tires
THESE TIRES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ALL WEATHER STREET TIRES (PER SALESMAN), BUT THESE TIRES CAUSE MY CAR TO SKID OUT OF COMPLETE STOP ON WET PAVEMENT AND SKID AND SLIDE IN SNOW OR SLUSH. HAD AN INSTANCE WHERE ON A WINDY AND WET DAY WHERE THE VEHICLE SLID ACROSS A LANE AND A HALF OF TRAFFIC NEARLY HITTING A TANKER TRUCK. ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT THESE TIRES DO…
08/17/2000 · Wheels / tires
HEADING SOUTH ON I-95 OUTSIDE SAVANNAH, GA, TIRE EXPLODED CAUSING TREAD TO PEEL AND FLY OFF PUTTING CAR IN DANGEROUS SITUATION AND DANGER TO OTHER CARS. WE WERE ABLE TO BRAKE AND WEAVE TO AVOID IMPACT AND OVERTURNING BEFORE COMING TO A STOP OFF HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION TO A LOST TIRE, THE EXPLOSIONAND RUBBER PEELING IN THE AREA OF THE GAS TANK RESULTED IN DA…