RoadVitals

1997 Mazda B-Series Truck Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest Oct 24, 2016
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Suspension711.5%
  • Interior & seats711.5%
  • Engine711.5%
  • Visibility58.2%
  • Transmission58.2%
  • Brakes34.9%
  • Exterior lighting23.3%
  • Electrical23.3%
  • Airbags23.3%
  • Powertrain (other)23.3%
  • Steering23.3%
  • Seat belts11.6%
  • Fuel system11.6%
  • Driver assistance11.6%
  • Body & structure11.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECEIVED BLOWN TIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON US 190. I HAD NO ADVANCE WARNING. THE TREAD IS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VNFC1PR476 TIRESIZE: P225/70R14)

NHTSA ID 759282 · filed Mar 12, 2002

REPLACED MY FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS ALL TERRAIN TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE FAILING. THE TIRES BELTS WERE PEELING FROM THE TIRES. NOW MAZDA CORP. USA OPERATIONS WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? THIS OCCURED AUG. 2000, I MAILED MAZDA ALL PAPERWORK. THEY SAID DENIED, WRONG PURCHASE DATE FOR BUYING TIRES. THE TIRES WERE IN LAYAWAY, SO PLEASE CONTACT MAZDA(USA). FIRESTONE WILDERNESS A/T P215/75R15

NHTSA ID 9004045 · filed Sep 18, 2001
All 13 reports naming tires & wheels

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT AND REAR LEAF SPRING SUPPORT MOUNTS ROTTED AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10281481 · filed Aug 23, 2009

NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER EXPERINCED SEVERE FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATIONS AND DATE THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY EITHER MAZDA OR FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *CB

NHTSA ID 10011347 · filed Mar 5, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK IN MY MAZDA PICKUP TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY RELEASED FALLING BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. FORTUNATELY I WAS GOING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT AT THE TIME AND THERE WAS NO LOSS OF CONTROL. I FOUND THE LARGE TORX-HEAD SCREWS THAT ANCHOR THE SEAT BACK TO THE RECLINING FRAME HAD SHEARED OFF.

NHTSA ID 10149409 · filed Feb 3, 2006

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS. THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. IF VEHICLE IS STALLED AN THEN RESTARTED, ABS LIGHT WILL GO OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKE TO 3 DEALERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON MORE OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS WARM. WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL START OPERATING AT THE HIGHEST SPEED. TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING THEM ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS AND BRAKING. CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. PROBLEM IS REMEDIED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE DOME LIGHT OVER NIGHT AND THEN REPLACING THE NEXT MORNING.*JB

NHTSA ID 10008332 · filed Mar 2, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS. THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. IF VEHICLE IS STALLED AN THEN RESTARTED, ABS LIGHT WILL GO OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKE TO 3 DEALERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON MORE OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS WARM. WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL START OPERATING AT THE HIGHEST SPEED. TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING THEM ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS AND BRAKING. CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. PROBLEM IS REMEDIED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE DOME LIGHT OVER NIGHT AND THEN REPLACING THE NEXT MORNING.*JB

NHTSA ID 10008332 · filed Mar 2, 2003

THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO IN THE FORD RANGERS, MUFFLER AND SHIELD RATTLES TOGETHER

NHTSA ID 727322 · filed Aug 9, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS. THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. IF VEHICLE IS STALLED AN THEN RESTARTED, ABS LIGHT WILL GO OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKE TO 3 DEALERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON MORE OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS WARM. WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL START OPERATING AT THE HIGHEST SPEED. TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING THEM ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS AND BRAKING. CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. PROBLEM IS REMEDIED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE DOME LIGHT OVER NIGHT AND THEN REPLACING THE NEXT MORNING.*JB

NHTSA ID 10008332 · filed Mar 2, 2003

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD JUST TURN ON AND START SPRAYING FLUID -- TOOK MANY ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF.*AK

NHTSA ID 746092 · filed May 29, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN DRIVING, HARD TO ACCELARATE.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ID 8010487 · filed May 24, 2002

WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LINES GEAR SHIFT KNOB CAME OFF, CAUSING DRIVER TO BECOME DESTRUCTIVE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO HIT A CURVE. CONSUMER NOTED SCREW WAS MISSING. *AK

NHTSA ID 870589 · filed Sep 15, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS. THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. IF VEHICLE IS STALLED AN THEN RESTARTED, ABS LIGHT WILL GO OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKE TO 3 DEALERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON MORE OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS WARM. WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL START OPERATING AT THE HIGHEST SPEED. TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING THEM ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS AND BRAKING. CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. PROBLEM IS REMEDIED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE DOME LIGHT OVER NIGHT AND THEN REPLACING THE NEXT MORNING.*JB

NHTSA ID 10008332 · filed Mar 2, 2003

THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY VIBRATED, THE TIRES WERE REPLACED 5 TIMES, ALSO THE ABS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY.*SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10006170 · filed Feb 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT INSPECTION STATION MEYER & SONS, 62 SHEFFIELD ROAD, EGREMONT, MA 01258: DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS CHECK; BUMPERS/FENDERS CHECK BOTH FAILED; THERE IS A CRACK IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT DOME, WHICH DOES NOT AFFECT THE OPERATION OF ANY LIGHTS. THERE IS A LARGE RUST SPOT IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. WE DO NOT BELIEVE A CRACKED LIGHT GLOBE AND RUST HOLES SHOULD FAIL THE TRUCK INSPECTION!!!

NHTSA ID 10918514 · filed Oct 24, 2016

INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON DAY OR NIGHT, BLINDS DRIVER, ALSO REAR OUTSIDE LIGHT STAYS ON BLINDS DRIVERS BEHIND TRUCK

NHTSA ID 727318 · filed Aug 9, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1997 MAZDA PICKUP CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF STICKING CONTACTS IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPDATED 08/28/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10113725 · filed Mar 8, 2005

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS OF IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, FIRST INCIDENT WAS DUE TO FRAYED WIRING VEHICLE ONLY HAD 250 MILES. *MJS

NHTSA ID 552837 · filed Jun 26, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD WITHOUT A SIGNAL ON. CONSUMER VEHICLE VEERED INTO IT. AFTER THE FACT, IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD, AND DRIVER AIRBAG WENT OFF. HOWEVER, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF.*AK

NHTSA ID 865518 · filed Jul 17, 2000

DOME LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. WITH THE DOME LIGHT ON AT NIGHT, DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO SEE OUTSIDE OF THE CAB. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BEGINNING IN APRIL OF 1998. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED 4 TIMES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALER HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. *AK WIPERS GO ON AND OFF WITH OUT THE DRIVER'S ACTION. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED PERMANENT INJURIES. *YH

NHTSA ID 856145 · filed Feb 3, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA B-SERIES 4000. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CLUTCH FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED STEEL CASTING LOCATED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BEHIND THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID 10875985 · filed Jun 22, 2016

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE MAZDA CORPORATION. THE REPAIRS TO THE DIFFERENTIAL WILL BE MADE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK.ET.

NHTSA ID 860519 · filed Apr 18, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, AND THEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONSUMER'S HOUSE, WHERE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT TIE ROD BROKE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10101954 · filed Dec 1, 2004

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 50 MPH. CONSUMER BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY AND TURNED KEY TO OFF POSITION, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITH KEY IN IT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

NHTSA ID 820975 · filed Apr 7, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BUCKLE FAILED. *YH

NHTSA ID 564324 · filed Feb 11, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

UPON FILLING MAZDA 1997 B-2300 TRUCK WITH GAS NOTICED A STREAM OF FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE GAS TANK INCHES AWAY FROM EXHAUST. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10170431 · filed Oct 10, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA B4000( N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH PROCEEDING TO A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY, SMOKE EXPELLED UNDERNEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HOOD AREA WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A TEMPORARY FIX WAS PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME OPERATION. DURING THE TRAVEL THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT INSTALLED A NEW BRAKE RESERVOIR AND DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE TECHNICIAN BLEED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V414000 (VEHICLESPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 165,000

NHTSA ID 10319309 · filed Mar 12, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT INSPECTION STATION MEYER & SONS, 62 SHEFFIELD ROAD, EGREMONT, MA 01258: DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS CHECK; BUMPERS/FENDERS CHECK BOTH FAILED; THERE IS A CRACK IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT DOME, WHICH DOES NOT AFFECT THE OPERATION OF ANY LIGHTS. THERE IS A LARGE RUST SPOT IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. WE DO NOT BELIEVE A CRACKED LIGHT GLOBE AND RUST HOLES SHOULD FAIL THE TRUCK INSPECTION!!!

NHTSA ID 10918514 · filed Oct 24, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .