2003 Mazda MPV Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 14%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mazda MPV, 14% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2003 Mazda MPV lx with 35,000 miles ignition coil failure after driving through rainstorm in extremely rural area. I was driving alone and had to limp the vehicle 30 miles back to town at 25 MPH. Only one place in town could fix it and it was an expensive repair. I have been told this is a common issue with the Mazda MPV and if so, there should be a recall for the poorly designed coil.”
NHTSA complaint #10355181, filed 2010-09, 35,246 miles“Every time this Mazda MPV gets a little wet it will not go over 40 MPH. I have contacted the dealership with no return phone call or email. The coils allow moisture to get in which will cause the vehicle to think it is overheating and will not go no matter what you do. I was on the highway when this happened in jacksonville during rush hour and being stuck in the middle of no where because of a faulty coil that the dealership does not want to take responsibility for, is beyond frustrating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586423, filed 2014-05, 146,000 miles“Browsing the complaints 2002 - 2006 for the Mazda MPV, I think you will find many of the same complaints regarding the ignition coils. I have a 2003 MPV and had 3 coils and all 6 plugs replaced in the spring at a cost of $700. I now have one or more coils failing again and am faced with a similar charge. This should definitely be a recall issue as it is an obvious design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10200818, filed 2007-08, 65,000 miles“I have had four different coils replaced on a 2003 Mazda MPV van, each costing over $1,000 in total and four different visits and rentals. I seem to notice that this is a common complaint. This has happened from about 2 years until 4 years after purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10277210, filed 2009-07, 20,000 miles“2003 Mazda MPV. 70,276 miles. 3/8/11 - started running rough. Two rear coils bad; dealer repaired all three rear coils because (according to dealer) once one goes, they all go. ($855.01) one week later - 3/16/11, rough idle and odor of gasoline. Check engine light goes on. 70,339 miles. Dealer replaced all 3 front coils. ($463.76) I am told this is a *common problem* with mpvs. Dealer told me he has seen many of them coming in, and it was a good thing I was having it taken care of promptly. If I did not, the catalytic converter goes bad as a result...cost of replacement of the cc: $1,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10392028, filed 2011-03, 70,276 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10222576Sep 16, 2022Mazda can no longer support the replacement of immobilizer units LC62-67-5G2* or DC69-67-5G2* because the supplier is no longer in existence.
- 10217209Jul 18, 2022In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274Jun 22, 2022This 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…
- 10209778Mar 17, 2022The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 10205994Dec 21, 2021Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged…
- 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…
- 10188016Feb 8, 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 13 | 18% |
| 2003 | 16 | 14% |
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 8 | 11% |
| 2000 | 11 | 7% |
| 1998 | 3 | 16% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1995 | 1 | 5% |
| 1993 | 7 | 14% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 3 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda MPV
35 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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