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Mazda MPVModel year report

2004 Mazda MPV Problems

Complaints
71filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
55,000miles, 45 complaints with mileage
Recalls
52 do-not-drive
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, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mazda MPV (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2004 Mazda MPV most often write about ignition coil failures that bring on misfires, rough running and a flashing check engine light, commonly after rain or damp weather, and about a transmission that shifts harshly or slips. A large share of filings also concern the passenger-side air bag inflator recall and the difficulty of getting the parts, plus cooling fan and door concerns.

  1. Electrical system

    Ignition coil failure and misfire, often in wet weather

    • 18 complaints (25%)
    • median 43,500 mi at 4.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $950 (median of 6 quotes)
    • filed 2006–2012

    Complaints describe the van bucking, lurching or shaking, losing power and turning on the check engine light, with diagnostics pointing to one or more failed ignition coils. Several owners say it happens most often in rain or damp conditions, and some report the coils were replaced repeatedly and that spark plugs were replaced at the same time. According to complaints, dealers told owners the problem was common on this model and in some cases covered the repair on a goodwill basis after the warranty ended; owners add that insulating or replacing coil boots did not always prevent a repeat. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 80,000 miles, frequently after driving in rain.

    What to check: Ask for service records showing ignition coil and spark plug replacement and when it was last done; check the engine bay for moisture-related corrosion around the coils and look for a stored misfire code.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Vehicle was lurching, no warning light was on. It took a while to figure out the rear coil was bad. We spent $1200 getting a tune up and that didn't fix the problem took a while to figure it out. Also, the transmission failed on this vehicle completely at 55 thousand miles. We had taken it in 3 times before it failed and they said nothing was wrong with it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10490620, filed 2012-12, 26,000 miles

    “We have 2004 Mazda MPV which we bought new. While it was still under warranty, we had to have coils replaced. We thought it was odd that we would be having to replace coils on such a new vehicle. After investigation, we found that this is a common occurrence with the year MPV we have. Apparently there is a design flaw which allows moisture to get to the coils, causing them to short out. We mentioned this to fitzgerald Mazda in annapolis, md where we were having it serviced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10323829, filed 2010-04, 23,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Passenger air bag inflator recall and parts delays

    • 12 complaints (17%)
    • median 51,000 mi at 11.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 2004–2017

    Many complaints are about the passenger-side frontal air bag inflator recall rather than an observed failure: owners say they were told the remedy parts were not available and that no repair date could be given. Some report the air bag light staying on after the vehicle was repaired under an earlier campaign, and some complain that only the passenger side was covered and that driver-side inflators were discontinued. A few filings describe air bags not deploying in a collision. Mostly filed years after purchase, from roughly 50,000 miles upward or with mileage not reported.

    Recall 19V781000 · DO NOT DRIVERecall 18V402000 · DO NOT DRIVE2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the VIN against open Mazda recalls and ask for written confirmation that the passenger inflator campaign was completed; confirm the air bag warning light goes out after the bulb check.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I went into the dealership to get my safety recalls done at the Mazda dealership on torrance but they said I needed to fill out a form and to wait for them to receive the auto parts. It has been more than 6 months since I went, I have not heard from the at all.”

    NHTSA complaint #11002067, filed 2017-06

    “Why does recall only cover the passengers side air bag inflator? What company manufactured the drivers side air bag inflator? I would like the drivers side replaced also. I was told by service department that Mazda will not cover replacement of drivers side air bag inflator. I asked parts department if I could purchase drivers side inflator. They said that the part was discontinued. I don't feel safe driving my vehicle. What is the solution to this problem?”

    NHTSA complaint #10680075, filed 2015-01
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Harsh or delayed transmission shifts

    • 8 complaints (11%)
    • median 32,138 mi at 3.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2004–2012

    Owners describe a jolt or slam when the van changes gear, often around the 2-to-3 shift or near 20 mph, and in cold weather some report slipping before the gear engages. Complaints mention transmission range sensor replacement, extended warranty repairs and, in a few cases, a full transmission failure. Several owners say the symptoms returned after repairs, and some report the transmission warning light coming on. Reported from a few thousand miles up to roughly 70,000 miles, with several cases in cold weather below about 40 degrees.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Drive the van from cold and through the 2-to-3 shift, watching for a jolt or delay; ask whether the transmission range sensor or fluid service was done and whether the transmission has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a 2004 MPV arch 28, 2005. To date, I have had this van in for warranty service to replace ignition coils three times: 10/31/06 '' 31,770mi - #4 coil replaced. Transmission range sensor replaced also 12/05/06 '' 33,229mi - #4 coil replaced again 1/08/07 '' 34,708mi - #6 coil replaced. Today as I was driving, the same symptoms '' steering wheel vibration, bucking, lurching '' occurred as before when the other coils failed. The cel came on, I checked for the code and I discovered that the #5 coil has failed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10188280, filed 2007-04, 31,777 miles

    “On my Mazda MPV in temperatures below 40 degrees the transmission slips when shifting into 3rd gear. This causes loss of power and a whiplash action when the transmission re-engages. In high traffic situations this can be very dangerous.”

    NHTSA complaint #10176899, filed 2006-12, 34,000 miles
  4. Engine cooling

    Cooling fan runs on after shutdown

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe the radiator or air conditioning fan continuing to run for several minutes after the engine is switched off, sometimes with a loud hum and dimming lights when it kicks in. Some owners were told the fan module needed replacement, and one complained the engine ran hot with an unusual smell. The fan behaviour is described as intermittent and gradually more frequent. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 80,000 miles.

    What to check: After a test drive, switch off and listen for the fan running on for several minutes; ask whether the fan control module has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2004 Mazda MPV: I have had to replace all 6 ignition coils in my van - the van would shake and seem to be stalling and the engine light would come on. This started in july 2007 and continued so far through jan 2010 (when 4 coils and all my spark plugs needed to be replaced at once !). I have also had the car in during oct 2008 because the fan would continue running for several minutes after the van was shut off. My dealer told me this is a ford issue. When will Mazda be required to pay for all these expensive repairs??”

    NHTSA complaint #10325579, filed 2010-04, 50,000 miles

    “My radiator fan constantly runs intermittently but with increasing lengths of time, regardless of the weather (hot, cold.) the engine does not overheat. But the lights dim at night when the fan kicks in and creates a loud humming sound that is becoming more irritating. I read on the web that many earlier models of the Mazda had a recall for the fan control module up to 2003. My vehicle is not in the recall, but I noticed a lot of people on the web have models after the recall period and we all have the same problem as the recalled modules. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10452380, filed 2012-03, 70,000 miles

Buying note. Look for service records covering ignition coils and transmission work, since those are the repairs owners most often describe, and confirm any open air bag inflator recall has actually been completed on the specific vehicle. A cold start and a wet-weather test drive will show much of what the complaints are about.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 71 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda MPV. 45 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns (2 marked do-not-drive) and 106 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.

Also reported: Engine (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine cooling: “My 2004 Mazda MPV suffered the same problem as many other consumers. On two different occasions I had to replace all of the coils and plugs on my vehicle. The first instance was just after the warranty expired and involved one of the rear coils but the said I should replace all three rear coils. The second incident occurred two months later to the front coil and I replaced all of those - total cost $900. I complained to Mazda but they wouldn't do anything for me. This should be recalled and owners compensated.”

NHTSA complaint #10325086, filed 2010-04, 63,000 miles

Air bags: “I had a single car accident in my 2004 Mazda MPV van with front end sustaining damage with no deployment of front or side airbags. I sustained significant head and facial trauma.”

NHTSA complaint #10100367, filed 2004-11, 14,700 miles

Electrical system: “Like many other Mazda MPV owners, I've experienced problems with the vehicle's ignition coils. In august 2008, the vehicle was riding very rough and hesitating on the highway. The diagnostics for the check engine light showed that one of the ignition coils had misfired. I had the coil replaced and, at the recommendation of the dealership, replaced the spark plugs. At that time, my vehicle with approximately 35,000 miles on it, was out of warranty. I paid $476 for the repair but was ultimately reimbursed by Mazda on a customer goodwill basis. …”

NHTSA complaint #10289849, filed 2009-10, 35,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “2004 Mazda MPV - transmission issues and engine coil failures. Transmission has shift shock, where the vehicle slams into the next gear at 20 MPH. The shock sends the vehicle dangerously forward. Mazda had two service bulletins for this defect which included replacing sensors and switches. Mazda also supplied a diagram to instruct drivers to wiggle the gear selector between gears. None of this solved the problems. Engine coils were replaced three times at 24,000 miles, 32,000 miles, and 35,000 miles. This caused the vehicle to stop running correctly while driving.”

NHTSA complaint #10172841, filed 2006-11, 4,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

42% of the 45 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,000 and 79,600 miles.

9%0–109%10–2524%25–5029%50–7516%75–1009%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (45 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 55,000 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.

’04’06’089’10’12’15’17’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
MPV · sedan FWDnot rated5 / 5———

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 2004 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
MPV FWD3.0L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162318$3,700

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

Recall details for the 2004 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. 106 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 106 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mazda MPV

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20061238,9442—18—Not enough data
20053653,4143—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20047155,0005—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200311337,5864—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200212460,9504—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20017071,7503—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200014975,8275—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199819113,0001—17—Stable
199722100,0001—17—Stable
199618122,7951—17—Stable
199519132,5001—19—Stable
199436125,0001—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199351117,0001—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199261142,0001—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19916695,0003—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199047134,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198922—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 2004 Mazda MPV?

Owners of the 2004 Mazda MPV most often write about ignition coil failures that bring on misfires, rough running and a flashing check engine light, commonly after rain or damp weather, and about a transmission that shifts harshly or slips. The issues reported most often: Ignition coil failure and misfire, often in wet weather; Passenger air bag inflator recall and parts delays; Harsh or delayed transmission shifts.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mazda MPV have?

NHTSA recorded 71 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda MPV as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2004 Mazda MPV is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 23 complaints (32% of the total), followed by air bags with 14.

Has the 2004 Mazda MPV been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mazda MPV get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Mazda MPV (MPV, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 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 2004 Mazda MPV reported?

Among the 45 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 34,000 and 79,600 miles; 42% 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.