1996 Mazda B-Series Truck Problems
- Complaints
- 55filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1996 Mazda B-Series truck most often report windshield wipers and washers that work intermittently or switch on without being selected. Tires that wear unevenly in a cupping pattern, crack on the sidewall, or fail are the other main theme. Mileage is missing from most reports, and most complaints were filed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, while brake, steering and airbag reports are scattered across different parts.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Wipers and washer work intermittently or turn on alone
- 8 complaints (15%)
- median 180,000 mi at 20.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2015
Owners describe wipers that work only at times, stop working completely, or switch on while driving without being selected. Some complaints say the washer also turns on without warning. According to complaints, dealers could not always reproduce the problem and replaced the switch, but the symptom returned. Some owners describe near misses when spray from a passing truck left them unable to see. Mileage is missing from most wiper reports, though a report lists about 180,000 miles, and some say the wipers failed in rain or switched on while driving.
What to check: Ask whether the wiper switch and motor have been tested and whether any repair records show the washer and wiper problems were resolved. On a test drive, run the wipers at each speed and confirm they stop, run and switch off as selected, including in wet conditions.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Windshield wipers fail intermittently. We've taken it into the dealer several times, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. We've had the switch replaced several times, but that has never solved the problem. Since we only use wipers when it rains, the failure has causes a dangerous situation. I been in several near misses when this has occurred, one when a tractor trailer sprayed my windsheild and I couldn't see. Mazda has been unwilling to voluntarily investigate the cause detail. …”
NHTSA complaint #737162, filed 2000-12“Like many others wipers were working intermittently only to stop working completely replaced switch to no avail. Have red its a problem with the general electric module with try replacing that next!”
NHTSA complaint #10807868, filed 2015-12, 180,000 miles - Tires
Uneven tire wear (cupping), sidewall cracks and failures
- 6 complaints (11%)
- typically at 3.9 yrs old
- filed 1996–2001
Owners describe tires that wear unevenly in a cupping pattern after short periods of use, and an owner says this leads to vibration at highway speeds. Other complaints describe sidewall cracks or a slit near the tread. An owner reports a belt separation was found and the tire replaced before it shredded. A complaint says the dealer would not act on cracked tires until they were covered by a recall, and tires that failed before a recall notice were slow to be reimbursed. Mileage is not recorded in these tire reports, and some describe uneven wear appearing after short periods of use.
What to check: Ask whether the tires show cupping or sidewall cracks and check the tire date code and sidewall condition before buying. Ask whether any tire recall or reimbursement program applies to the tire size and brand fitted to the truck.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“These have not been recalled but I do have a small slit starting just below the tire tread on the sidewall. I dont believe the tires to be safe. (I am not looking to do this for new tires, I want my family to be safe) please respond. ( DOT number: tire size: 265-75r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #727482, filed 2000-08“Tires have worn incorrectly after short periods of use. Described as 'cupping' by several different mechanics. Two sets of tires have proven the same results. This ulitmately results in excessive vibration at highway speeds. ( DOT number: tire size: p265/75r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #727083, filed 2000-08
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to check the wiper and washer operation in wet and dry conditions and inspect the tires for uneven wear and sidewall cracks. Because the complaints cluster in older filing years, asking for repair records on the wipers and tires is a practical step.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 26 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck. 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 140,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 31 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires7 13%
- Brakes6 11%
- Steering5 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control5 9.1%
- Seat belts4 7.3%
- Suspension4 7.3%
- Air bags3 5.5%
- Body and structure3 5.5%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Interior lighting (2), Electrical system (1), Equipment (1), Other or unknown (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Consumer complained of ongoing problem with windshield wiper/washer intermittently turn on/off. Vehicle in/out of dealer shop on four occasions, and every time dealer repairs them another problem would arise. Also, signal light would come on/off, and air conditioning stopped running.”
NHTSA complaint #831564, filed 1998-12Tires: “Firestone wilderness at tires p215/75r15 DOT w2hf1pj016 have cracks all the way around tire on sidewall, consumer noticed cracks when recall 00t005 went public in august of 2000, dealer won't do anything until tires are on recall.”
NHTSA complaint #877611, filed 2001-01Brakes: “Metal brake line failed in engine compartment leading to a complete loss of all brake fluid and braking. One brake line corroded through, another line was severely corroded, and the 3rd line is just starting to corrode. There was no warning of any problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10023679, filed 2003-06, 48,500 milesSteering: “While driving along slowly, the steering wheel began to shake & vibrate uncontrollably. I pulled into the median attempting to get out of traffic & then discovered steering was slow & lethargic. While attempting to pull out of traffic & into a parking lot, I heard a loud pop. I got out of the car & discovered the tie rod separated entirely from the right front wheel & slashed the inner tire wheel (resulting in the flat). (tiresize: p22570r14)”
NHTSA complaint #749670, filed 2001-08Mileage when problems were reported
14% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 122,300 and 145,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V414000Oct 23, 2009Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Mazda B-Series Truck 1995–1997, 2001–2003
Mazda is recalling model year 1995 through 1997 and model year 2001 through 2003 trucks equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds) and/or anti-lock brake system (abs) and manufactured on or before december 5, 2002. A component…
Recall details for the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 31 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10170661Jan 9, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019Engine cooling, Fuel system, Equipment. In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop…
- 10153339Jan 14, 2019Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10153311Jan 9, 2019Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full…
- 10153331Jan 3, 2019Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat…
- 10153309Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test…
- 10153308Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery…
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10148068Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Body and structure. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint…
- 10148003Oct 10, 2018Brakes, Equipment. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized…
Other model years of the Mazda B-Series Truck
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 11 | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 37 | 85,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 11 | 7,500 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 16 | 75,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 24 | 64,558 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2003 | 21 | 41,800 | 1 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2002 | 28 | 26,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 37 | 82,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 58 | 73,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 78 | 97,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 67 | 67,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 52 | 80,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 55 | 140,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 42 | 110,550 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 122 | 92,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 9 | 85,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 11 | 123,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 14 | 196,700 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 16 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Mazda B-Series Truck model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck?
Owners of this 1996 Mazda B-Series truck most often report windshield wipers and washers that work intermittently or switch on without being selected. The issues reported most often: Wipers and washer work intermittently or turn on alone; Uneven tire wear (cupping), sidewall cracks and failures.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck have?
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 13 complaints (24% of the total), followed by tires with 7.
Has the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 140,000 miles and the middle half falls between 122,300 and 145,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.