1997 Mazda MPV Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Mazda MPV, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving uphill on I-70 at the speed limit (55) the car lost all power, the driver steered to the shoulder. The engine compartment began smoking. By the time the fire department arrived the Mazda MPV ('97) was consumed in fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10164666, filed 2006-08, 140,000 miles“Engine knocking, svc dept advised us to Mazda oil additive, but still knocks even though low miles. Also, the transmission will get stuck when trying to back up and turning wheel to the right. Also, very dangerous/near collision because the transmission would go into 4wd on its own while we were driving 65 on the interstate in heavy traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #750951, filed 2001-08“Have cold engine knock since vehicle was new. Dealer says knock is normal for that engine. Knock is consistently getting worse as engine wears and getting close to the three year expiration of warranty. I do not feel the manufacturer will acknowledge the engine problem and make appropriate repairs &/or engine replacement. They seem to be attempting to allow the warranty period to expire causing unecessary expenses to be paid by the owner.”
NHTSA complaint #720851, filed 2000-03Related service bulletins
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This 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…
- 10153311Jan 9, 2019On 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…
- 10145242Sep 6, 2018On 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…
- 10213331Feb 15, 2016Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 17% |
| 2004 | 23 | 32% |
| 2003 | 23 | 20% |
| 2002 | 23 | 19% |
| 2001 | 15 | 21% |
| 2000 | 24 | 16% |
| 1998 | 1 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 23% |
| 1996 | 2 | 11% |
| 1995 | 6 | 32% |
| 1994 | 10 | 28% |
| 1993 | 13 | 25% |
| 1992 | 20 | 33% |
| 1991 | 16 | 24% |
| 1990 | 5 | 11% |
| 1989 | 4 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mazda MPV
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mazda MPV
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology