Mazda MPV Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 936 consumer complaints across the 17 model years of the Mazda MPV (1989–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 149. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (201 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All MPV model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 12 | 38,944 | 2 | 97 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 36 | 53,414 | 3 | 103 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 71 | 55,000 | 5 | 106 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 113 | 37,586 | 4 | 100 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 124 | 60,950 | 4 | 99 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 70 | 71,750 | 3 | 88 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 149 | 75,827 | 5 | 86 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 19 | 113,000 | 1 | 54 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 22 | 100,000 | 1 | 43 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 18 | 122,795 | 1 | 8 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 19 | 132,500 | 1 | 7 | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 36 | 125,000 | 1 | 7 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 51 | 117,000 | 1 | 7 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 61 | 142,000 | 1 | 6 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 66 | 95,000 | 3 | 6 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 47 | 134,000 | 3 | 6 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | — | 5 | 0 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain201 25%
- Engine cooling196 24%
- Air bags102 12%
- Brakes89 11%
- Electrical system84 10%
- Seat belts51 6.2%
- Body and structure50 6.1%
- Tires45 5.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “My vehicle has les than 84,000 miles on it and all of a sudden the check engine light came on while I was driving and a technician later told me that there is a problem in the spark plug system. I also had a windshield wiper pop off while in use going down the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11089778, filed 2018-04, 82,600 miles2003: “My 2003 Mazda MPV has a horrible transmission shifting problem. Took it to dealer and they said it's the transmission control module. They charged me 1,500 dollars to install new and and reflash it and the transmission still doesn't shift properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11173211, filed 2019-01, 115,000 miles2001: “On may the 5th 2014 while sitting still and the engine not running the passenger seat airbag deployed causing deep bruising and a cracked rib to my daughter who was sitting in the seat at the time. Since then I have been afraid to drive my vehicle which is a 2001 Mazda MPV. This is the only vehicle that I have and can not afford another because I am disabled and draw ssi. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #10605463, filed 2014-06, 140,000 milesOther Mazda models
3,125 complaintsMazda MAZDA3
2,991 complaintsMazda CX-5
2,469 complaintsMazda MAZDA6
2,232 complaintsMazda Tribute
2,098 complaintsMazda CX-9
1,493 complaintsMazda CX-7
1,133 complaintsMazda Protege
1,074 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology