1994 Mazda Navajo

Introduction

The 1994 Mazda Navajo is a compact pickup truck that was jointly developed with Ford Motor Company. It came with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The standard engine was a 2.3-liter inline-4 that produced 130 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 145 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while the V6 engine could also be fitted with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

People who own the Mazda Navajo like its affordable price, good fuel economy, and comfortable seats. However, they dislike its cramped interior, lack of power, and poor reliability.

Engine

2.3-liter I4

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking internally, overheating, loss of coolant
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Shifter cable breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, gears popping out of place
  • Solution: Replace shifter cable
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears smoothly, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension struts leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise while driving, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, battery warning light on
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle not starting, battery going dead quickly
  • Solution: Test electrical system for parasitic drain, replace faulty component
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Brown or orange discoloration on metal surfaces
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to roll up or down windows
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The Mazda Navajo has several common issues that can be costly to repair. The most severe issues are related to the engine, with the intake manifold gasket failure and blown head gasket being particularly problematic. The transmission can also experience problems, such as slipping and shifter cable breakage. Other issues include suspension strut leaks, electrical problems like alternator failure and battery drain, and exterior rust. The interior is relatively reliable, but power window failure can occur. Overall, the Mazda Navajo is a vehicle with known reliability issues that can result in significant repair costs.