1993 Mazda MPV Problems
- Complaints
- 51filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.6L 4-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Mazda MPV (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1993 model year most often describe automatic transmission failures, with these complaints filed between 1997 and 2003. Engine tapping and rocker or lifter noise comes next, and a smaller group of later complaints, filed from 2009 onward, describes an ignition switch that overheats and is tied to a recall. Mileage is recorded in only a few complaints, so the sample says little about how mileage affects these problems.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission failure and replacement
- 13 complaints (25%)
- median 120,000 mi at 8.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2003
Owners describe the transmission losing power, not shifting, cutting out while driving, or failing without warning. Some vehicles had to be towed after the transmission stopped working. Some owners report a transmission rebuilt or replaced, sometimes repeatedly, and an owner says a service contact described a known problem with the transmission. Mileage is recorded for only a few of these, at 120,000 miles and just over 50,000 miles, and all were filed between 1997 and 2003.
What to check: Ask for records of any transmission rebuild or replacement and confirm which parts were installed. On a test drive, check for loss of power, delayed or missing shifts, and any warning lights.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have gone through two transmissions with my Mazda MPV. The second failure I was told there is a soft defect with the Mazda transmissions. I have a 1993 Mazda MPV.”
NHTSA complaint #10003019, filed 2003-01, 120,000 miles“My main concern is the failure of automatic transmission. We want the recall . We don't want anybody getting hurt. This mini-van has just a liitle bit over 50,000 miles. We couldn't believe all the failures happened in the same time. Thank you for your help.”
NHTSA complaint #701483, filed 1998-12 - Engine cooling
Engine tapping and rocker or lifter noise
- 7 complaints (14%)
- typically at 4.3 yrs old
- filed 1996–2000
Owners describe a tapping or knocking noise from the engine, often at startup, that gets louder and more frequent when accelerating. Some tie it to the rocker arms and lifters, and an owner was advised to switch to thinner oil, which the complaint says did not help. Some report repeated rocker and lifter repairs, cylinder head problems, and heavy oil burning, and a complaint links a rocker arm shaft failure to a design issue. Mileage is not recorded for these complaints, though a complaint says the dealer had seen this noise from about 50,000 to 200,000 miles, and all were filed between 1997 and 2000.
What to check: Ask for repair records covering the rocker arms, lifters, and cylinder head, and listen for tapping during a cold startup. Check the oil level between changes, since some complaints mention heavy oil burning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Gear shift indicator not lining up, rocker and lifter problem replace two times. Transmission gave out with no indication. Squeaky steering wheel, engine noisy, now cylinder head troblem.”
NHTSA complaint #540187, filed 1998-08“Engine makes a terrible knocking noise (tapping noise). I was told that lifters are not getting lubricated. Advised to use thinner oil on next oil change. Thinner oil did not help.”
NHTSA complaint #720935, filed 2000-04 - Electrical system
Ignition switch overheating and recall repair
Mentioned in 4 of 23 sampled complaints
Owners describe the ignition switch area getting very hot, a burning odor inside the vehicle while driving, and a melted ignition switch socket. Some received a recall notice for an ignition switch that may overheat, but describe delays in getting parts or a response. A complaint states that the dealer rebuilt the switch instead of replacing it and that other electrical parts were damaged afterward, and another says shops did not find a problem after inspecting the wiring. Where mileage is given, reports fall between 84,258 and 151,500 miles, and these complaints were filed from 2009 to 2022.
What to check: Ask whether recall 15V674000 was completed with a replacement ignition switch and request the paperwork. Check the ignition switch area and its wiring for heat damage or a burning smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I could not recognize any prior symptoms other than possibly relating to an engine knock when the wire gets very hot before ignition switch socket has repeatedly melted since than. I have torn open and inspected each individual wire in the main harness in the engine compartment, the entire dash and even went as far as separating the fuse block for a possible short there. I have put it in shops and no one has found anything wrong to cause it.”
NHTSA complaint #10274661, filed 2009-06, 84,258 miles“1993 Mazda mvp. Consumer writes seeking reimbursement for repairs made related to a safety recall. The consumer stated the dealer did not properly complete safety recall 15v-674. The consumer stated the dealer rebuilt the ignition switch instead of replacing it with a new one. The dealer caused damage to the radio, starter, alternator, battery and ignition. The consumer requested for the ignition switch to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11468291, filed 2022-06
Buying note. Someone considering this model year may want to ask for transmission repair records and confirm whether the ignition switch recall work used a replacement part. A pre-purchase inspection that checks the transmission, engine noise at startup, and the ignition switch area is a practical step, given how these topics appear in the sampled complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 23 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 51 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mazda MPV. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 117,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 7 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.
- Engine cooling13 25%
- Electrical system7 14%
- Air bags5 9.8%
- Brakes5 9.8%
- Fuel system2 3.9%
- Steering2 3.9%
- Suspension2 3.9%
- Tires2 3.9%
- Equipment1 2.0%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We have had numerous difficulties diagnosing the problems with this vehicle.hold light flashes,van wont shift,transmission replaced twice in 2 yrs.,cutting out when driving,requesting investigation of these defects for safety .”
NHTSA complaint #740665, filed 2001-02Engine cooling: “Rocker and lifter replace twice, transmission replaced, failed without warning, cylinder head problems which has resulted in the engine burning excessive oil.”
NHTSA complaint #540188, filed 1998-08Electrical system: “The contact owns a 1993 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that while driving, there was a burning odor was present inside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system) was received in january of 2016. After contacting the dealer, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10821421, filed 2016-01, 114,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 114,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Mazda MPV version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPV RWD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| MPV RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| MPV 4x4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V674000Oct 19, 2015Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Mazda MPV 1989–1998, Protege 1990–1998, 626 1993–1998 +4 more
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points…
Recall details for the 1993 Mazda MPV → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA96031Fuel liquid-vapor separatorClosed · Dec 20, 1996
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. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 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…
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018Vehicle speed control, Equipment. 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…
- 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle 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…
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. 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…
- 10213425Feb 17, 2016Electrical system. Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10098367Aug 15, 2014Equipment. In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer is…
- 10021000Oct 4, 2006Air bags. Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
Other model years of the Mazda MPV
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 12 | 38,944 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 36 | 53,414 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 71 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 113 | 37,586 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 124 | 60,950 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 70 | 71,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 149 | 75,827 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 19 | 113,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 22 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 18 | 122,795 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 19 | 132,500 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 36 | 125,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 51 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 61 | 142,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 66 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 47 | 134,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | — | 5 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
All Mazda MPV model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mazda MPV?
Owners of this 1993 model year most often describe automatic transmission failures, with these complaints filed between 1997 and 2003. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission failure and replacement; Engine tapping and rocker or lifter noise; Ignition switch overheating and recall repair.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Mazda MPV have?
NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mazda MPV as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Mazda MPV is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 17 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 13.
Has the 1993 Mazda MPV been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Mazda MPV get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Mazda MPV (MPV, 2.6L 4-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Mazda MPV reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 117,000 miles and the middle half falls between 114,000 and 120,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.