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Vehicle Stats/Mazda/MPV Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Mazda MPV Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β€” NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 617 complaints and 26 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Mazda MPV options? We analyzed 7 model years (2000–2006) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

617
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
26
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
53
Crash-Related
crash complaints
13
Fire-Related
fire complaints
84
Injuries Reported
across all years
7
Years Analyzed
2000–2006

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Found a Mazda MPV? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns β€” they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mazda MPV has 617 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2000–2006. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2006 drew the fewest.

Mazda MPV β€” key reliability facts
Make
Mazda
Model
MPV
Model years analyzed
2000–2006 (7 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
617
Safety recall campaigns
26
Crash-related complaints
53
Fire-related complaints
13
Worst model year (by complaints)
2000 (155 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2006 (12 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Β· Data last refreshed Aug 15, 2026
This MPV has 26 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free β†’

By model year

Mazda MPV: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β€” lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2000155 complaints2002125 complaints2003114 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
200612 complaints200542 complaints200173 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β€” lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2000 Mazda MPV? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year β€” averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free β†’

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars β€” Excellent
4 stars β€” Good
3 stars β€” Average
2 stars β€” Below average
1 star β€” Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The MAZDA MPV has 617 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 53 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 617 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 26 federal recall campaigns
  • 53 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2000
155
2001
73
2002
125
2003
114
2005
42
2006
12

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

26 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V282000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSOctober 6, 2004
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V282000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSOctober 6, 2004
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V109000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSSeptember 3, 2004
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V109000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSSeptember 3, 2004
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

#03V206000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTSMay 6, 2003
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

#03V206000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTSMay 6, 2003
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#02V196001AIR BAGS:FRONTALMay 8, 2002
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V404000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V402000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V781000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V404000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V402000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

#04V234000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#01V382000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V402000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V781000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#04V073000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

#04V234000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#02V078000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

#03V053000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2006. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 617 NHTSA complaints β€” these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
POWER TRAIN134 complaints
02
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING127 complaints
03
AIR BAGS69 complaints
04
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM64 complaints
05
STRUCTURE44 complaints
06
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL36 complaints
07
TIRES35 complaints
08
SERVICE BRAKES33 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

617 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

CrashSERVICE BRAKESJan 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Mazda MPV. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result of the failure, the contact crashed into a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. The driver's side air bag deployed; however, the passenger’s side air bag did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V781000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the VIN was included; however, the vehicle had previously been repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 251,000.

AIR BAGSMay 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 Mazda MPV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V404000 (Air Bags) however, the nearest dealer location was nearly 5 hours away. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and attempted to send a mechanic from the dealer to the residence for the recall repair however, the dealer declined. The contact was then referred to a Subaru dealer for assistance; however, the manufacturer failed to send the part to the dealer. The contact had gone back and forth with the manufacturer and other dealers but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

SERVICE BRAKESMay 2018

I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK DOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP I PRESS THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND IT STILL DID NOT STOP I PULLED UP MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THAT DID NOT WORK SO FINALLY I GOT THE CAR TO STOP BECAUSE I KEPT PUMPING THE BRAKES AND THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I THREW IT IN PARK I WAS SO SCARED I SEARCHED AROUND FOR RECALLS ON THE BRAKE AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE ONLY RECALL I SEEN WAS IN 2017 IN DETROIT. PLEASE ANYTHING SUGGESTIONS

UNKNOWN OR OTHERDec 2017

DOS NOTE TUN ON CHECKLIGHT.ENGINE WENT OUT RUNNING ANDE DOS NOTE GIVE CONDE.TRIED WIHT OTHER ECU ANDE HACE THE DAME.

ENGINEDec 2017

ENGINE STALLS OR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHEN AUTO MOVES FROM HIGH SPEED TO LOW SPEED. MAZDA 6 W/ 3.0 LITER ENGINE, WHICH IS THE SAME ENGINE AS THIS UNIT, HAS A SIMILAR ISSUE - SEE HERE: HTTP://WWW.6CREW.COM/FILES/TSB/01-016-06-2135.PDF THIS IS HAPPENING PERSISTENTLY FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS.

STRUCTURESep 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

Read 14 more owner reports
AIR BAGSJul 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH BOMMARITO MAZDA SERVICE (4198 I-70 NORTH OUTER RD, ST PETERS, MO 63376) WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT YET RECEIVED THE REPAIR PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

STRUCTUREMay 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS WAS RUSTED AND SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,473.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,INTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINEMar 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RANDOM FAILURE AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED, INCLUDING THE SERVICE ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS) SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR WITH A DEALER WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

AIR BAGSFeb 2017

IN AUGUST OF 2016 RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MAZDA STATING MAZDA DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN MAZDA 2005 MPV. THE RECALL NOTICE CONTINUES TO STATE DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HIGH LEVELS OF HUMIDITY CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG TO RUPTURE AND COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. ON 10-31-16, I CALLED OAK TREE MAZDA, SAN JOSE TO SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT. I PROVIDED THEM WITH MY VIN NUMBER AND WAS TOLD BY THE PARTS DEPARTMENT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK AND WOULD NEED TO ORDER IT. THE SAID AS SOON AS THE PART CAME IN THEY WOULD CALL ME TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR. NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK WITHIN 1 MONTH. CALLED AGAIN AND WAS IN ESSENCE TOLD THE SAME INFORMATION TAT THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK WITH INFORMATION. PROVIDED THEM WITH MY CORRECT PHONE NUMBER AND AS OF THIS DATE, 2-9-17 HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK TO SCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT. PLEASE ASSIST ME IN GETTING THIS ISSUE FIXED SO WE CAN DRIVE OUR VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS INVOLVES THE "TAKATA RECALL" AS OUR PAPERWORK JUST INDICATES, FRONT AIR BAG INFLATOR.

AIR BAGSNov 2016

TAKATA RECALL HAS AFFECTED MY VEHICLE AND AFTER 7 MONTHS THE COMPANY NOR THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS DONE ANYTHING TO ADDRESS THE DEFECTIVE PART. WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED TO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS TERRIBLY OBSTRUCTIVE TO OUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS. I BELIEVE FAR TOO MUCH TIME HAS ELAPSED AND STILL THE COMPANY NOR THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS ADDRESSED THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE.

AIR BAGSOct 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESSep 2016

MY VEHICLE IS UNDER NATIONAL RECALL HIGHWAY SAFETY RECALL, DUE TO MANUFACTURING ISSUES. I NEED TO TRADE MY VEHICLE IN AND I'M BEING OVER CHARGED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT WORRY TO BE ON THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL I SHOULD GET AN MANUFACTURE DISCOUNT ON AN USED/NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR MANUFACTURED MISTAKES AND I SHOULD NOT BE OVER CHARGED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT WORTHY OF THE PRICE TAG ON THEM. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

AIR BAGSAug 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

WHEELSJul 2015

WHEN LOOKING AT MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED GREASE STREAKS DRIPPING FROM A LINE ON MY ALLOY WHEEL. AFTER CLEANING THE GREASE OFF, WE NOTICED A CRACK COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SPOKES ON MY RIM. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED TO MY VEHICLE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT BUT I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOT A PATTERN OF DEFECTS. I WAS TOLD ON BOTH OCCASIONS, AT MAZDA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MAZDA USA TOLD ME NO PATTERN OF INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AND ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE ON THEIR END ALTHOUGH THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SAY OTHERWISE.

AIR BAGSNov 2014

MY VEHICLE IS LISTED IN THE OCT 22, 2014 NHTSA PRESS RELEASE AS BEING INCLUDED IN THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (800) 222-5500 ON OCT 23 BUT, AFTER A FEW DAYS, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THEIR DATABASE AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER IN GUAM, TRIPLE J MOTORS (671) 648-2277, WHERE I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER RESPONDED TO ME VIA EMAIL ON OCT 29, STATING THAT ACCORDING TO MAZDA, THE AIRBAG RECALL "IS ONLY EXTENDED TO VEHICLES PURCHASED IN HAWAII, PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS". I'M NOT SURE IF MAZDA IS CORRECT IN EXCLUDING GUAM BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA PRESS RELEASE IT "APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM RELATED TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO CONSISTENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURES" AND THE REGIONAL RECALL INCLUDED GUAM IN THE LIST OF AREAS. PLEASE VERIFY THIS AND LET ME KNOW. I AM CURRENTLY NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN FEAR OF THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

ENGINEMay 2014

VEHICLE IS MANIFESTING ROUGH IDLE WHEN TURNED-ON WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND/OR FLASHING. ENGINE AND VEHICLE IS JERKING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED LAST YEAR THROUGH DEALERSHIP BUT THIS KEPT HAPPENING FOR THE THIRD TIME WITHIN A YEAR. DEALERSHIP INDICATED ENGINE MISFIRING DUE TO BURNT ENGINE COIL. IF THIS KEEPS HAPPENING EVEN AFTER BEING REPAIRED FOR SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN A YEAR, SOMETHING IS TERRIBLY WRONG WITH MAZDA ENGINEERING. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY ISSUE SPECIALLY FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHER MOTORISTS, AND THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE SHOULD BE SUBJECT FOR RECALL. *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFeb 2013

THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE ON THESE VANS IS SERIOUSLY FLAWED AND IS PRONE TO FAILURE WHICH STALLS THE ENGINE AND PUTS OCCUPANTS IN PERIL AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED WITHOUT POWER BRAKING OR STEERING. ONCE STALLED, THE ENGINE CAN OFTEN FAIL TO RESTART, LEAVING THE DRIVER UNPREPARED AND PARALYZED TO REACT. BACKGROUND - APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR VAN USED (2-3 YRS OLD / 30K MILES), WE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING RANDOMLY AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ENGINE STALLING WAS NOT A RESULT OF NOT MAINTAINING AN IDLE WELL ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WAS RANDOM AND OFTEN FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE RUNNING EXTREMELY ROUGH, ONCE THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART (BUT THEN WOULD GO AWAY COMPLETELY UNDETECTED). I CANNOT STRESS HOW UNPREDICTABLE THE ENGINE WAS OVER THE YEAR WE EXPERIENCED THIS INTERMITTENT STALLING. EVERY 1-3 WEEKS IT WOULD STALL AND SOMETIMES WE'D BE STRANDED 1-30 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING AND RUNNING NORMALLY (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AFTER ENGINE SAT AND RESTARTED. LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN PROBLEMS STARTED AND WOULD CYCLE OFF ONCE ENGINE RAN AND COMPUTER CHECKED SENSORS. WHY THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA? REAL ISSUE I HAVE WITH HERE IS THAT THE VAN WOULD RANDOMLY FAIL TO IDLE AND STALL THE MOTOR WHEN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS OVER THE YEAR (6/2009 - 6/2010) THIS WENT UNIDENTIFIED. AS A PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN OUR HOUSEHOLD FOR FOUR CHILDREN (AS MOST VANS ARE), MY WIFE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE STARTING IN BEGINNING OF 2010 BECAUSE OF HER EXPERIENCES AND SUBSEQUENT FEARS AFTER MANY CLOSE CALLS IN WHICH SHE COULDN'T STEER OR BRAKE IN A SAFE OR RELIABLE MANNER. THE DRIVER MUST SHIFT TO NEUTRAL (WHILE AT 70+ MPH), AND ATTEMPT TO TURN THE ENGINE OVER, TO GAIN CONTROL AGAIN. TAKE ACTION ON THIS AS IT IS FAR TOO COMMON AND DANGEROUS TO IGNORE. MAZDA MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF THESE VEHICLES. *TR

ENGINEJun 2012

I WAS DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC . LANE NEXT TO ME STARTED MOVING, SO I DECIDED TO CHANGE LANE, FIND A EMPTY SPACE BETWEEN 2 VEHICLES AND DECIDED TO MAKE A TURN. MY MAZDA STALLED , AND DID NOT MOVE. I HAD TO PUT IT BACK TO "PARK", STOP THE CAR, AND RESTART, AFTER THAT IT RAN OK. ALL THIS WAS ON A FREEWAY WITH MOVING TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE, WHEN MY WHEELS WERE TURNED AND PARTIALLY ON THE NEXT LANE AND CAR BODY WAS STANDING STILL. I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE , DUE TO IAC VALVE GETTING CLOGGED UP. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL . *TR

ENGINEJun 2012

I WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO MY DRIVE WAY, WAITING TO CLEAR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS CLEARED, I FOUND A GAP BEFORE THE NEXT CAR COMES MY WAY AND I DECIDED IT WAS SAFE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. I TURNED THE WHEELS OF MY MAZDA MPV , BUT CAR WENT STALLED, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD TO STOP THE ENGINE, AND RESTART THE CAR. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE DUE TO CLOGGED UP IAC VALVE. THIS IS A VERY BIG RISK TO THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Showing 20 of 617 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Mazda MPV

These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations β€” here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mazda MPV, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mazda MPV has 617 complaints on record across 7 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mazda MPV has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 53 of the Mazda MPV's 617 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mazda MPV vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two Mazda MPV vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mazda MPV has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Mazda MPV by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mazda MPV.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Mazda MPV reliability β€” frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda MPV reliable?

Poor. The Mazda MPV has 617 NHTSA owner complaints and 26 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Mazda MPV years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (155 complaints), 2002 (125 complaints), 2003 (114 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Mazda MPV problems?

Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (134 complaints); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (127 complaints); AIR BAGS (69 complaints).

Does the Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes β€” 26 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mazda MPV. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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