2003 Mazda MPV Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 31%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mazda MPV, 31% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“We had an issue with our 2003 Mazda MPV es van that was reported on this site about 2 months ago. The transmission was shifting harshly between 2nd and 3rd gears. After several attempts to fix the problem, our dealership finally told us the Mazda has identified the problem. They call it shift shock and it requires a reprogramming of the computer.”
NHTSA complaint #10064072, filed 2004-03, 1,000 miles“My 2003 Mazda MPV, the transmission shifts hard between 2nd and 3rd gear. You can feel the transmission slipping and then it hits hard into third gear. I have taken this vehicle three times to the dealer for repair. First time they updated computer info, second time they replaced the TCM, and third time they replaced the tranny fluid which I paid for and the problem still hasn't been solved.”
NHTSA complaint #10146091, filed 2005-12, 14,743 miles“I purchased a 2003 Mazda MPV es on 12/23/03.vehicle has approx 320 miles on it and I'm beginning to experiance and harsh bang on upshift between 2nd and 3rd gear.I found thousands of complaints pertaining to the same problem.I'm trying to find out if theres a fix or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10051491, filed 2004-01, 300 miles“On occasion, upon acceleration, engine slips, then bangs into gear. Took it to the service and they found nothing. Pulling out of the service parking lot it happened to me twice. Also man in front of me in the service line has the same year model and is complaining about the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10050824, filed 2003-12, 25 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10076669Jan 4, 2016Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10098162Apr 30, 2014The vehicles automatic transaxle (atx) may exhibit shift shock while the engine warms from cold to normal operating temperature. The symptom is intermittent, it does not occur…
- 10098161Apr 30, 2014The vehicles automatic transaxle (atx) may exhibit shift shock while the engine warms from cold to normal operating temperature. The symptom is intermittent, it does not occur…
- 10023158Sep 5, 2007Mazda special program (msp03) - shift shock - transmission control module (tcm) reflash. Vehicles built from 4/1/03 through 1/26/04.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 8 | 11% |
| 2003 | 35 | 31% |
| 2002 | 66 | 53% |
| 2001 | 10 | 14% |
| 2000 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 5% |
| 1997 | 2 | 9% |
| 1996 | 2 | 11% |
| 1995 | 2 | 11% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 33% |
| 1992 | 15 | 25% |
| 1991 | 16 | 24% |
| 1990 | 13 | 28% |
| 1989 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda MPV
23 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 28, 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