RoadVitals

1998 Mazda B-Series Truck

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
67
Latest Oct 28, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Aug 7, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
9
11 injuries, 12 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 67 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Mazda B-Series Truck, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, driver assistance and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 120 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07V347000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 7, 2007
76,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2007, DIRECTING THEM TO HAVE THE SPEED DEACTIVATION CONTROL SWITCH DISCONNECTED TEMPORARILY. A SECOND NOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS WAS IN FEBRUARY 2008 ADVISING THEM TO RETURN TO DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF THE REPAIR PART. OWNERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHO DID NOT RECEIVE A PHASE 2 NOTICE AND HAVE NOT HAD THE RECALL COMPLETED WILL BE NOTIFIED BEGINNING AUGUST 6, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
MAZDA MOTOR CORPManufacturer number 4707HView on NHTSA.gov
06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Jun 13, 2006
58,640 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
UFI FILTERS USAView on NHTSA.gov
00T005000

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Aug 21, 2000
14,400,000 units potentially affected
The defect: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
The risk: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 67
BrakesFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Oct 28, 2022
Crash reportedFire reported4 injuries reported4 deaths reported

Mazdaspeed 3 turbo Vin:[XXX] ************************* Fuel pump EfI 400hp @ idel Turbo propultion not installed Cricket wireless broadband internet Connection.....? Swiage leakage: [XXX] [XXX] West covina sheriff dept. West covina ca INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11491394
Incident
Sep 26, 2020
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 13, 2022
Crash reportedFire reported4 injuries reported4 deaths reported

www.downeynissan.com Titan XD king cab Vin:[XXX]. Mazdaspeed 3 turbo Vin:[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11489227
Incident
Sep 19, 2000
AirbagsDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Sep 30, 2021
Crash reportedFire reported2 injuries reported4 deaths reported

Report s as stolen from Santa Clarita ca newhall. Reporting to the chp.gov [XXX] ca tip line [XXX] Western general insurance, clabasas www.downeynissan.com Management LLC INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11434968
Incident
Sep 30, 2021
Filed Jul 8, 2018

I HAVE A 98 MAZDA WHICH IS MADE BY FORD....VIN STICKER ON THE DOOR STATES SUCH. SAME AS 98 RANGER. BOTH OF MY REAR LEAF SPRING SHACKLES HAVE RUSTED OFF SO SEVERELY THAT THEY WENT THROUGH THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THE REAR END OF THE FRAME IS ROTTING OFF AND THE SPARE TIRE SUPPORT AND TIRE AS WELL. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES AND RUNS GREAT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS MY REAR BUMPER COULD FALL OFF, THE SPARE TIRE COULD FALL OFF, AND THE FRAME ALREADY BROKE LETTING THE LEAF SPRINGS GO RIGHT THROUGH THE BED. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT FORD RANGERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND BEING A DANGER TO NOT ONLY THE PERSON DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ITS OCCUPANTS, BUT ALSO THE FOLLOWING CARS WHEN THE BUMPER FALLS OFF AND SPARE TIRE TOO.

NHTSA ID
11110089
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Mileage
66,000 mi
Filed Sep 15, 2017

HAVE ERRATIC SPEED SPEEDOMETER GOES UP AND DOWN AS I'M DRIVING CAN FILL POWER OF VEHICLE GOES UP AND DOWN. ALSO GAS MILEAGE HAS WENT FROM 20 MILES TO THE GALLON TOO 10 MPG. REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR BUT DIDN'T HELP

NHTSA ID
11023699
Incident
Sep 15, 2017
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2013
Crash reported

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM ENGAGED ON IT'S OWN, CAUSING SEVERE LEFT TURNS AS FRONT WHEEL LOCKS UP. HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES, EVEN THOU FIXED TWICE. THERE IS NO LOCKING HUB CONVERSION AVAILABLE FOR THIS MODEL OR THE FORD RANGER IT'S CLONE. WILL NOT DRIVE THIS ON SNOW OR ICE COVERED ROADS. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM CONSISTENTLY DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN YOU WANT IT TO. TRUCK BUILT BY FORD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10544539
Incident
Nov 23, 2007
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 1, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA B4000. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V062002 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT YET BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT WHEN OR IF THE PARTS HAD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MILEAGE WAS 181,823. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10478191
Incident
Oct 13, 2005
Mileage
181,823 mi
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Mar 24, 2012

I HAVE HAD A HEAD GASKET REPLACE ON THIS 1998 MAZDA B4000 WITHIN 61,000 MILES. THE FIRST HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT WAS 1-21-2008. NOW THE SAME THING SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING AT 78,100 MILES ARE THERE ANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL? I ONLY DRIVE THE TRUCK TO WORK AND BACK WHICH IS ONLY ABOUT 5 MILES FROM MY HOME. ALSO THE FRONT END SUSPENSION MAKES A LOUD SQUEAKING/POPPING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR HIT A ROUGH PLACE IN PAVEMENT. THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" BUZZER KEEPS DINGING AFTER YOU TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10452845
Incident
Mar 20, 2012
Mileage
78,100 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01-010-22

POWER TRAIN

Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. This is caused by a variable valve being stuck in the closed position. When returning from fast idle to normal, the stuck valve suddenly opens due to thermal change around it which causes abnormal noise. To eliminate this concern, the internal design of the exhaust manifold has been modified.

09-024-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.

01-006-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This 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 unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.

02-004-22

SUSPENSION

Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.

SA-014-22

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.

01-003/22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The 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 the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda B-Series Truck by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009450—
2008113055.3
2007373050.2
2006116043.2
2005163359.3
2004243361.9
2003211150.9
2002282050.3
2001373045.1
2000583052.3
1999784053.6
1998Viewing675050.7
1997522047.9
1996552044.2
1995422052.0
19941226360.1
1993921—
1992113261.2
1991144263.2
1990163046.6

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.