1996 Mazda MPV Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 122,795miles, 1 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.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Mazda MPV (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mazda MPV. The part named most often is air bags, with 3 complaints (17% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (3) and brakes (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 122,795 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Vehicle speed control complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Air bags3 17%
- Brakes2 11%
- Engine cooling2 11%
- Equipment2 11%
- Suspension2 11%
- Tires2 11%
- Other or unknown1 5.6%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Owner has ABS brakes. While trying to depress the ABS brake pedal, vehicle would not stop. Also ABS brakes light would come on at times for no reason. There were numerous brake sensors replaced which did not correct problem.”
NHTSA complaint #820604, filed 1998-01Engine cooling: “Rust caused complete replacement of exhaust sytem after 22,400 miles (3 years). Both dealership where purchased and cole muffler (specialist) state that muffler and exhaust pipes should not rust or deteriorate in this time frame. After muffler separated from exhaust pipe, it remained attached to undercarriage of MPV minivan, and created a hazard by contacting the tire and brakle cables while the car was being operated.”
NHTSA complaint #725856, filed 2000-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 122,795 and 122,795 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Mazda MPV. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPV · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1996 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 | 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 1996 Mazda MPV → · 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. 8 on record; the latest 8 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…
- 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Mazda MPV have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mazda MPV as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Mazda MPV is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 3 complaints (17% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 3.
Has the 1996 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 1996 Mazda MPV get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Mazda MPV (MPV, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Mazda MPV reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 122,795 miles and the middle half falls between 122,795 and 122,795 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.