EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
2003 Mazda MPV
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 113 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Mazda MPV, most frequently naming the transmission, engine and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 124 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2004 | 7 | 23 |
| Feb 2004 | 3 | 26 |
| Mar 2004 | 1 | 27 |
| Apr 2004 | 4 | 31 |
| May 2004 | 2 | 33 |
| Jun 2004 | 4 | 37 |
| Jul 2004 | 1 | 38 |
| Aug 2004 | 1 | 39 |
| Sep 2004 | 2 | 41 |
| Oct 2004 | 2 | 43 |
| Jan 2005 | 1 | 44 |
| Apr 2005 | 3 | 47 |
| May 2005 | 1 | 48 |
| Jun 2005 | 1 | 49 |
| Aug 2005 | 1 | 50 |
| Sep 2005 | 1 | 51 |
| Dec 2005 | 2 | 53 |
| Mar 2006 | 1 | 54 |
| May 2006 | 4 | 58 |
| Oct 2006 | 1 | 59 |
| Jan 2007 | 1 | 60 |
| Aug 2007 | 2 | 62 |
| Oct 2007 | 3 | 65 |
| Feb 2008 | 1 | 66 |
| Mar 2008 | 3 | 69 |
| Jun 2008 | 1 | 70 |
| Aug 2008 | 1 | 71 |
| Sep 2008 | 1 | 72 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 73 |
| May 2009 | 3 | 76 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 77 |
| Jul 2009 | 3 | 80 |
| Sep 2009 | 1 | 81 |
| Jan 2010 | 2 | 83 |
| Apr 2010 | 1 | 84 |
| Jun 2010 | 1 | 85 |
| Jul 2010 | 1 | 86 |
| Aug 2010 | 1 | 87 |
| Sep 2010 | 2 | 89 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 90 |
| Dec 2010 | 1 | 91 |
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 92 |
| Mar 2011 | 1 | 93 |
| Jun 2011 | 1 | 94 |
| Jul 2011 | 2 | 96 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 97 |
| Oct 2011 | 2 | 99 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 100 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 101 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 102 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 103 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 104 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 105 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 106 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 107 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 109 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 110 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 111 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 112 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 113 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Transmission3324.6%
- Engine2720.1%
- Electrical1611.9%
- Driver assistance107.5%
- Airbags107.5%
- Body & structure86.0%
- Brakes75.2%
- Other / unspecified53.7%
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
4 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.govEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 ID
- 11173211
- Incident
- Nov 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 115,000 mi
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE VANCE WHO IS THE AUTO MANAGER AT SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON AT 955 LANCASTER DRIVE NE SALEM, OREGON 97301. I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES IN JUNE 2018 AND PURCHASED A ROAD HAZARD PLUS WARRANTY. IN BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT I AM REPORTING TO YOU; I REPORTED VANCE FOR BEING VERY UNPROFESSIONAL TO ME IN THE STORE, MAKING DEMEANING COMMENTS TO ME, AND DENYING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ALL SEASON TIRES THAT WERE AVAILABLE ONLINE. I FILED A COMPLAINT IN JULY AFTER GOING IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND VANCE DOING SOMETHING TO MY HEADLIGHTS WHEN HE WAS NOT ASKED TO. I AM REPORTING THAT EVERY PART THAT I REPLACE NEW ON MY CAR; VANCE WENT TO THAT AREA (NEW HEADLIGHTS, NEW ROTORS) AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO GO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL WORK (WHICH I DID ON MY ROTORS, I HAD TO HAVE THEM MACHINED EVEN THOUGH I HAD NEW ONES PUT ON IN 2016. NEW ROTORS LAST MORE THAN 1 BRAKE PAD CHANGE). I RECEIVED THAT WORK ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 AT ANOTHER AUTOMOTIVE SHOP. I WENT TO SEARS ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 BECAUSE MY TIRE WAS LOW. MY TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. VANCE FROM SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON STATED HE WOULD NOT SERVICE MY CAR BECAUSE I FILED A REPORT WITH SEARS CUSTOMER SERVICE. HE STATED I CAN DRIVE TO SEARS IN BEAVERTON, OREGON WHEN VANCE KNEW I HAD A NAIL IN MY TIRE. HE WAS PUTTING MY SAFETY AT RISK. I HAD TO GO BUY ANOTHER TIRE, CALL THE DISTRICT MANAGER (LEO), AND HAVE HIM APPROVE FOR MY TIRE TO BE CHANGED IN SALEM AND TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRE THAT I PAID FOR. LEO WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND FIXED THE SITUATION BUT I AM REPORTING VANCE ATTEMPTING TO COMPROMISE MY SAFETY, WORKING ON AREAS OF MY CAR I DID NOT ASK OR APPROVE, UNPROFESSIONAL ABUSE, AND FOR DISCRIMINATION. THERE ARE OTHER CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE FILED CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS SALEM AUTO SHOP IN SALEM, OREGON BUT THEY WERE STILL ABLE TO UTILIZE THEIR WARRANTY. I APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATI
- NHTSA ID
- 11129590
- Incident
- Sep 10, 2018
- Mileage
- 168,183 mi
IT STALLS WITH NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS
- NHTSA ID
- 11110662
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2018
- Mileage
- 146,930 mi
BOTH SUNVISORS MIRROR HOUSINGS DROPS HANGING FROM THE CABLES EVERY TIME YOU LOWER THE SUNVISORS. IT HAPPENS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. CAN'T VIRTUALLY USE SUNVISORS. *JS
- NHTSA ID
- 11065996
- Incident
- Sep 7, 2017
- Mileage
- 17,500 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT 48 HOURS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE FROM HONDA OF WINTER HAVEN IN WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S RIGHT ARM AND LUNG WERE BRUISED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY THE DRIVER. THE PASSENGER WAS TREATED AND RELEASED. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11015654
- Incident
- Aug 12, 2017
- Mileage
- 81,000 mi
TAKATA RECALL IT SAY SR ON THE SEAT.... THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, MY WIFE AND I WORK FOR A SATELLITE COMPANY AS INSTALLERS. SAT AT 4:30PM WE ARRIVE AT CUSTOMER HOUSE TO PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. .. TURN THE CAR OFF I TAKE THE KEYS AS NORMAL.GREET THE CUSTOMER AND DID A SITE SURVER 5 MIN.. PASS AND WE DECIDED TO GO BACK TO THE CAR TO DO PAPER WORK AND TURN AC ON.... WELL MY WIFE GOT ON TH PASSENGER SIDE AND I IN THE DRIVER SIDE WE CLOSE THE DOOR AND I PRESENT THE KEY TO TURN ON CAR.. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON THE SEAT DEPLOYE AND INJURE MY WIFE ON HER ARMS AND BACK RIB CAGE NECK BONES BREATHING SHARP PAIN ON THE LUNG AREA MAKING HER SHORT OF BREATH. WHILE SHE RECEIVED THE IMPACT WITH OUT EXPECTING THE HIT SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SHOT SHE LOST CONTINENCE AND FALL INTO TRAUMA AND STRESS LEVELS TILL I REALIZE IT WAS THE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED WHILE CAR WAS IN PARK. THIS HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND OFF NO IGNITION KEYS AND HAPPEN WHEN I PRESENTED THE KEY TO TURN IT ON. NOW SHE LEAVES IN FEAR WHAT IF THE NEXT CAR DO THE SAME AND IT HAS AFFECTED HER LIFE PUTTING HER IN PAINFUL MISERY MENTAL AND SUFFERING THE IGNORANCE AND UNPROFESSIONAL HAS AFFECTED MY FAMILY. .. MAZDA IT'S RESPONSIBLE... THANK GOD SHE IT'S ALIVE AND WE WASN'T DRIVING. I DECLARE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE A RE CALL NOW PLEASE. LET'S SAFE LIFE'S. THANK YOU! SOME IT'S LIABLE FOR WHAT HAPPEN TO HER THIS VEHICLE I GOT IT FROM THE HONDA DEALER OF WINTER HAVEN FL THEY HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND KIND TRYING TO HELP US THE BEST WAY. I NEED HELP I AM LOOSING TIME AT WORK AND ALL THE DIFFICULTIES WE GOING THROUGH. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- NHTSA ID
- 11015277
- Incident
- Aug 12, 2017
CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IN PARK. UPON TURNING KEY IN IGNITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MAZDA SERVICE AGENT COULD FIND NO MECHANICAL CAUSE. IT IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. RESULTING AIRBAGS CANNOT BE TURNED ON, LEAVING US WITH A VEHICLE WITH NO AIRBAG PROTECTION. MAZDA DECLINED OUR REQUEST TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG SYSTEM, AND ONLY OFFERED US A 500 CREDIT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS OFFER DOES NOT EQUAL THE BOOK VALUE OF THE CAR, AND CERTAINLY THE REAL VALUE OF A PAID FOR RELIABLE VEHICLE IN GREAT CONDITION.
- NHTSA ID
- 10910749
- Incident
- Aug 27, 2016
- Mileage
- 147,950 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING DUE TO A COIL SPRING FRACTURE THAT RANDOMLY OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO REPLACE FOUR COIL SPRINGS THAT PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE CONTACT LATER OWNED THE VEHICLE IN MID APRIL 2015 AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TWO COIL SPRINGS THAT FRACTURED PREMATURELY. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED A GASKET COVER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO PERMANENT SOLUTION. THA MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ON BACK ORDER SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 10852176
- Incident
- Apr 20, 2015
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.
ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES
This 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 recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 55.6 |
| 2005 | 36 | 3 | 3 | 58.8 |
| 2004 | 71 | 5 | 3 | 53.8 |
| 2003Viewing | 113 | 4 | 0 | 54.5 |
| 2002 | 124 | 4 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2001 | 70 | 3 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2000 | 149 | 5 | 0 | 54.3 |
| 1999 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 51.3 |
| 1997 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 1996 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 44.4 |
| 1995 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 41.7 |
| 1994 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 51.8 |
| 1993 | 51 | 1 | 1 | 51.4 |
| 1992 | 60 | 1 | 2 | 52.6 |
| 1991 | 66 | 3 | 6 | 61.1 |
| 1990 | 47 | 3 | 4 | 67.7 |
| 1989 | 22 | 5 | 2 | 62.4 |
| 1988 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1987 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1986 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
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.