Before you buy
This 2002 Mazda Mpv has 125 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Mazda Mpv Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2002 Mazda Mpv.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2002 Mazda Mpv Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MAZDA MPV 2002 has 125 NHTSA complaints, with 66 related to transmission/drivetrain issues. Engine problems account for 25 complaints. Four recalls were issued. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Mpv
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 125
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Mazda Mpv problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Mazda Mpv?
The 2002 Mazda MPV is a high-risk purchase due to a heavy concentration of transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs.
Transmission failures can be expensive to repair and may leave you stranded. A high complaint count for a single model year signals a pattern to investigate before buying.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to accept higher maintenance risk and who has a mechanic on standby.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable family minivan or those without funds for unexpected major repairs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Mazda Mpv
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hard shifting, or delayed engagement.
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, or check engine light.
- Test all electrical systems, including power windows and door locks.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic perform a thorough transmission inspection.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shudder or hesitation.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Mazda Mpv, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Mazda MPV has 125 total complaints, with transmission/drivetrain issues accounting for 66 of them. Engine problems (25 complaints) and electrical faults (9 complaints) are also notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With 125 complaints for a single model year, the 2002 MPV has a much higher complaint rate than many other minivans of the same era.
Recall context: Four recalls indicate that Mazda identified safety defects, so verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 66, the highest category.
- Engine problems account for 25 complaints.
- There are 4 crash-related complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures are the most reported issue.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint.
- Electrical faults, including potential fire risks, are reported.
Full breakdown
All 2002 Mazda Mpv complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mazda Mpv. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 66 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | 3 | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Mazda Mpv. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND SHOOK WHILE IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNO…
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT CLASP OR BUCKLE REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE STEEL TAB, AND WILL NOT LOCK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ACTUATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V234000 (VEHICLE SPEED …
TRANSMISSION FAILED, COMPLETELY DISENGAGED. NO WARNING. HAD TO BE TOWED. REQUIRED A $2500.00 COMPLETE OVERHAUL. VERY LOW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE, ALWAYS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. *TR
2002 MAZDA MPV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY WHEN MY MPV WOULDN'T SHIFT SO I COULD PASS A TRUCK. THEN IT STARTED TO LOSE SPEED. WOULD DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT NO SPEED. HAD TO PULL OVER TO BREAKDOWN LANE WHICH BECAME A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE ARE LUCKY WE DIDN'…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES W…
TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 2008, HAD IT REPLACED AND IT FAILED AGAIN IN TWO WEEKS. VAN DROVE FINE UNTIL SUMMER 2011, WHEN I NOTICED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. TOOK THE VAN TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN, BUT WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FINALLY, ON 14 MARCH …
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET. COMING UP TO RED LIGHT. HIT CANCEL ON CRUISE LEVER AND IT DID NOT DISENGAGE. THE TURNED IT OFF WITH THE BUTTON. LIGHT WENT OFF BUT WAS STILL ENGAGED. I ALSO WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES IN A PANIC.....STILL NOT DISENGAG…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE…
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 MAZDA MPV WITH APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES . ON THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2011 WHILE DRIVING HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR THE RIGHT FOG LIGHT STARTED A FIRE IN THE BUMPER. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS MANY YEARS AGO FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. A…
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 MAZDA MPV MINIVAN WITH 91,000 MILES ON IT ON THE FREEWAY AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEAR. IT SEEMED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL AND I BEGAN LOOSING SPEED. I HAVE DONE ALL MAINTENANCE AS WAS SUGGESTED IN THE HANDBOOK BY MAZDA. IN FA…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH A PEDESTRIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THEN TO THE INSUR…
I OWN A 2002 MAZDA MPV. IT HAS ABOUT 94,000 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I WAS TRYING TO INCREASE SPEED BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER, INSTEAD THE CAR BEGAN TO REDLINE AND DECREASE IN SPEED. WHEN I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WAS RUNNING BUT DID N…
2002 MAZDA MPV TRANSMISSION KEPT SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR . *TR
WE HAVE A 2002 MAZDA MPV (FIRST OWNERS) WITH 104K; FOLLOWED ALL MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE. DIED ON THE WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING, HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHOP. THEY WANT 6000$ TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION (WITH A REBUILT ONE). I'M SHOPPING AROUND. THE CAR ISN'T WORTH …
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 67,000 MILES IN OUR 2002 MAZDA MPV2. ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (THANKFULLY CLOSE TO HOME) AT THE START OF RUSH HOUR AND WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN 40MPH - THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT DOWN, THE REVS INCREASED,…
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH NO WARNING, ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE COMPLETED. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Mazda Mpv.
Safety recalls
2002 Mazda Mpv recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Mazda Mpv. Four recalls indicate that Mazda identified safety defects, so verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Mazda Mpv buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Mazda Mpv reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 125 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Mazda MPV is a high-risk purchase due to a heavy concentration of transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda Mpv?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (66 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (25 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Mazda Mpv?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Mazda Mpv?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Mazda Mpv, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 125 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Mazda Mpv have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Mazda Mpv. A major recall area is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES. Four recalls indicate that Mazda identified safety defects, so verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Mazda Mpv?▾
The 2002 Mazda MPV is a high-risk purchase due to a heavy concentration of transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs. Transmission failures can be expensive to repair and may leave you stranded. A high complaint count for a single model year signals a pattern to investigate before buying. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Mpv reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Mazda Mpv based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.