RoadVitals

2003 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.
113
Latest Jan 31, 2019
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.
4
Latest Jun 10, 2004
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.
14
18 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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.

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

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.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jun 10, 2004
20,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT. THE LABELS SHOW THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE AS 240 KPA/32 PSI WHEN IT SHOULD BE SHOWN AS 240 KPA/35 PSI. AS A RESULT OF THIS ERROR, THE LOAD RATIOS FOR THE 205/65R15 94H AND THE 215/60R16 95H TIRES EXCEED THE LEVELS PERMITTED BY FMVSS 120.
The risk: IF THE TIRE IS OPERATED IN AN UNDER-INFLATED CONDITION, THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL THAT THEY CAN APPLY TO THEIR VEHICLE, OR THEY CAN HAVE A DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL, IF DESIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONSManufacturer number 2104FView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Mar 9, 2004
350 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AIR BAG WARNING LABELS INTENDED FOR THE CANADIAN MARKET. THUS, THE LABELS CONTAIN WARNINGS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH. AS A RESULT, THE AREA OF THE ENGLISH WARNING IS ONLY 16 SQUARE CENTIMETERS, AS OPPOSED TO THE 30 SQUARE CENTIMETERS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AIR BAG CAUTION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WHICH WERE MAILED ON JULY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONSManufacturer number 1804CView on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

Jun 5, 2003
64,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.
The risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONSManufacturer number 1103FView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 31, 2019

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
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Sep 14, 2018

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
Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2018

IT STALLS WITH NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS

NHTSA ID
11110662
Incident
Jul 10, 2018
Mileage
146,930 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 31, 2018

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
Airbags
Filed Aug 16, 2017
1 injury reported

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
Airbags
Filed Aug 14, 2017
1 injury reported

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
Airbags
Filed Sep 30, 2016
1 injury reported

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
EngineSuspension
Filed Mar 29, 2016

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.

09-022-26

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.

SA-029-26

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.).

07-004-25a

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.

07-004-25

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.

09-038-24

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.

SA-011-24b

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

Mazda MPV by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006122155.6
2005363358.8
2004715353.8
2003Viewing1134054.5
20021244052.6
2001703053.4
20001495054.3
1999200
1998191051.3
1997221053.5
1996181044.4
1995191041.7
1994361051.8
1993511151.4
1992601252.6
1991663661.1
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.