RoadVitals

1991 Mazda MPV

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.
66
Latest Oct 5, 2008
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.
3
Latest Oct 19, 2015
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.
6
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.
6
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 66 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Mazda MPV, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and transmission categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 24 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

  • Brakes1621.6%
  • Engine1621.6%
  • Seat belts79.5%
  • Electrical45.4%
  • Fuel system45.4%
  • Interior & seats34.1%
  • Powertrain (other)34.1%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Oct 19, 2015
1,368,500 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
The risk: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 8715JView on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
360,433 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INCView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

Feb 27, 1992
95,074 units potentially affected
The defect: THE REAR BRAKE LININGS CAN CHANGE OVER TIME. AS THE BRAKES WEAR, THE COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION CAN INCREASE, PRODUCING INCONSISTENT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM.
The risk: INCONSISTENT BRAKING AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABSSYSTEM CAN CAUSE SUDDEN STOPS OR INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCES, AND RESULT ININCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WITH ASSEMBLIES WHOSE FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS DO NOT CHANGE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF PREMATURE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATION.
MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA96031ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATOR

Opened Dec 20, 1996
Closed Mar 31, 1998

EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATOR MAY FAIL AT NIPPLE FOR FUEL TANK HOSE CONNECTION RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE AREA BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TRIM PANEL.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE96055ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATOR FAILURE

Opened Sep 13, 1996
Closed Dec 20, 1996

RATORS AREEVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATORS ARE ALLEGEDLY FAILING AND LEAKING FUEL LIQUID/VAPOR.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA95005ClosedEngineering Analysis

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

Opened Mar 10, 1995
Closed Aug 1, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 95V103005
EA92008ClosedEngineering Analysis

INCONSIST.BRK PERFORMANCE

Opened Feb 3, 1992
Closed Mar 16, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCKLed to recall 92V027000

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesSteering
Filed Oct 5, 2008

THE FRONT WHEEL SKIDDED AND THE FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON LIGHT SNOW COVERED HIGHWAY. IT CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME IMMOBILIZED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR AND IT OVERTURNED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10244399
Incident
Dec 6, 1996
Mileage
45,000 mi
Filed Aug 7, 2006

PAINT IS CHIPPING AND FADING ALL OVER THE VAN ESPECIALLY ON THE BACK AND THE ROOF. I SAW LOTS OF MODELS ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME PAINT PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10164844
Incident
Jan 1, 2004
Fuel systemSeat belts
Filed May 12, 2006

THE SEAT BELTS ON MY 1991 MAZDA MPV ARE SIMPLY FALLING APART. THE FUEL VAPOR SEPARATOR DOES AN INADEQUATE JOB OF KEEPING GASOLINE FUMES OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON BOTH OF THESE ITEMS. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL DEALER THEY ONLY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION. BOTH ISSUES REMAIN UNRESOLVED. BESIDES NOT EVER BUYING ANOTHER MAZDA EVER. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE SAFETY ISSUES RESOLVED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10157444
Incident
May 12, 2006
Mileage
100,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004

PAINT STARTED TO CHIP AWAY. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME.

NHTSA ID
10071257
Incident
Nov 15, 2003
Mileage
185,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 28, 2003

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY AND APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL ABRUPTLY. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND CONSUMER COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. TS

NHTSA ID
10004777
Incident
Jan 18, 2003
Mileage
90,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 23, 2002
Fire reported

CONSUMER STATES THE RIGHT REAR AUDIO SPEAKER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING.*JB

NHTSA ID
8019221
Incident
Sep 19, 2002
Fuel system
Filed May 15, 2002
2 injuries reported

AT THE TIME I HAD THIS COMPONENT FAILURE, I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED MAZDA DEALER WHO PROCEEDED TO TAKE A FULL 10 MINUTES TO LOOK AT THIS VEHICLE AND TELL ME THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH IT. I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY FEEDBACK. DURING THE TIME I HAD THIS FAILED COMPONENT ON MY FUEL SYSTEM, I DEVELOPED A CHRONIC ASTHMA CONDITION. ANOTHER DEALER FINALLY FOUND A CRACK IN THE FUEL VAPOR SEPARATOR ONE YEAR LATER WHEN I TOOK THIS VEHICLE BACK FOR ANOTHER INSPECTION. IT TOOK 4 MONTHS AFTER THE SECOND MAZDA DEALER FOUND THE CRACK FOR ME TO OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE DEALER NEVER INFORMED ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR REEKING OF FUEL ODORS. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION TO BE CONDUCTED ON A FORMAL LEVEL. I BELIEVE MAZDA FAILED TO INFORM THEIR CUSTOMERS OF DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH DRIVING A CAR THAT MAY HAVE FUEL VAPORS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE AUTHOIRZED DEALER FAILED TO WARN OF THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF FUEL ODORS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS BY READING THE RECALL LETTERS ISSUED IN APRIL 1998 AND JAN 1999 THAT THE FIRST LETTER REFLECTED AN ATTITUDE OF NONCHALANCE, AND MAZDA IMPLIED THAT THERE WAS REALLY NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN, OR TRUE BELIEF THAT THIS RECALL SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THOUGH I DID TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND HAD MY CAR INSPECTED FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT, THE AUTHORIZED MAZDA DEALER DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED THAT I, A CONSUMER IN GOOD FAITH, WAS PLACED IN HARMS WAY. ALONG WITH MY CHILDREN. PLEASE RESPOND TO MY REQUEST AND ADVISE IF I NEED TO CHANNEL OR REDIRECT MY EFFORTS TO HAVE THIS INVESTIGATION REQUEST SOMEWHERE ELSE. SINCERELY, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
761956
Incident
Aug 13, 1998
Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 2001
Crash reported1 injury reported

WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO RUN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH AT THE TIME THE BRAKE FAILED. *YH

NHTSA ID
881387

Manufacturer communications

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

09-009-19-3566

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

09-034-18-3430a

EQUIPMENT; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

09-034-18-3430

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

09-035-17-3080

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

0900716

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Speedometer replacement procedure

09-034-14-2956

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE LISTED BELOW WHEN REPLACING A SPEEDOMETER.NOTE:•MAZDA VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED WITH TAMPER-PROOF SPEEDOMETERS.•WHEN A SPEEDOMETER IS REPLACED, THE NEW SPEEDOMETER WILL READ ZERO (0) MILES.•THIS PROCEDURE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ACCURATELY REPRESENT ACTUAL VEHICLE MILEAGE.•PRIOR TO SPEEDOMETER REMOVAL, COMPLETE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED ON THE “SPEEDOMETER REPLACE-MENT LABEL”. •LABELS CAN ONLY BE ORDERED THROUGH MSTORE, NOT MDCS.

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 MPV by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006122155.6
2005363358.8
2004715353.8
20031134054.5
20021244052.6
2001703053.4
20001495054.3
1999200
1998191051.3
1997221053.5
1996181044.4
1995191041.7
1994361051.8
1993511151.4
1992601252.6
1991Viewing663661.1
1990473467.7
1989225262.4
1988002
1987001
1986001

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.