NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 5Mar 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Mazda MPV
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA95005Opened 10 Mar 1995Closed 1 Aug 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
EA92008Opened 3 Feb 1992Closed 16 Mar 1992SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
INCONSIST.BRK PERFORMANCE
PE91134Opened 1 Oct 1991Closed 3 Feb 1992SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
INCONSISTENT BRAKE PERFORM
===
PE91088Opened 18 Jun 1991Closed 21 Oct 1991VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THROTTLE STICKING
Recalls on the 1990 Mazda MPV
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V674000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Risk: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
95V103005
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
92V027000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
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.
Risk: INCONSISTENT BRAKING AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABSSYSTEM CAN CAUSE SUDDEN STOPS OR INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCES, AND RESULT ININCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2015489232,227 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could cause an electrical short to develop over time. This could result in smoke and/or fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall 199508548,568 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE (Takata) ABS PLASTIC FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTONS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BREAK ALLOWING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, A NO LATCH, FALSE LATCH OR FAILURE TO UNLATCH CONDITION COULD OCCUR CREATING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP. CORRECTION: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
Recall 199204220,223 units in Canada
Brakes
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS, AN INCREASE IN THE BRAKE SHOES' COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM. THE NOISE AND BRAKE FEEL OF THIS PHENOMENON MAY STARTLE THE OPERATOR WHO MAY THEN RESPOND INAPPROPRIATELY PRESENTING A POSSIBLE RISK TO VEHICLE SAFETY. CORRECTION: BRAKE LININGS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONES DISPLAYING DIFFERENT FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Brown City, MICrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10852402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesWyoming, MICrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY WHILE I WAS CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL. SUDDENLY, IT DROVE AWAY IN REVERSE, CROSSED THE STREET AND WENT DOWN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY CRASHING INTO THE CORNER OF A GARAGE. IT THEN WENT ACROSS ANOTHER BACK YARD AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER GARAGE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10047682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrash1 injured
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BODY LEFT SIDE WINDOW BROKE. ALSO, CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS FORWARD FACING. *AK THE COLLISION CAUSED THE SIDE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO SHATTER. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE TEMPERED GLASS WAS SUPPOSE TO SHATTER INTO SMALL PIECES, BUT IT DID NOT. *YH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #844785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder, COCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH IGNITION OFF, GEAR INDICATING THE PARK POSITION, TEN YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE GEAR FROM PARK DOWN TO LOW AND INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE ROLLED ABOUT ABOUT 3 FEET, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #825119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
SUSPENSION
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Brown City, MICrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10852402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesWyoming, MICrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY WHILE I WAS CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL. SUDDENLY, IT DROVE AWAY IN REVERSE, CROSSED THE STREET AND WENT DOWN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY CRASHING INTO THE CORNER OF A GARAGE. IT THEN WENT ACROSS ANOTHER BACK YARD AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER GARAGE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10047682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesStrongsville, OH
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR SWAY BAR FAILED. MR SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilo, HI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINT ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #786023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
WHILE DRIVING IN ALL WHEEL DRIVE MODE THE ABS SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY COME TO A STOP. NLM
NHTSA complaint #785225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THREE TIMES SINCE THIS I PURCHASED THIS CAR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND REQUIRED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. ON EACH OCCASION I HAVE REQUESTED SOME INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THESE FAILURES. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I DRIVE MOSTLY ON FREEWAYS AND CONSERVITIVILY AND DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL.
NHTSA complaint #735407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ WATER PUM, AND HEATER CORE FAILED 3 TIMES, SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE..
NHTSA complaint #716559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ WATER PUM, AND HEATER CORE FAILED 3 TIMES, SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE..
NHTSA complaint #716559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
IT IS NOT REIABLE VEHICLE FOR ME, SPEACILLY IF THERE IS A KID. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #716558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ WATER PUM, AND HEATER CORE FAILED 3 TIMES, SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE..
NHTSA complaint #716559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT IS PEELING IN SHEETS ON FRONT BUMPER, HOOD, BACK BUMPER, TAILGATE AND ROOF OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #715715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron PA, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER FIRST OVERHAUL. NLM
NHTSA complaint #548507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrash1 injured
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BODY LEFT SIDE WINDOW BROKE. ALSO, CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS FORWARD FACING. *AK THE COLLISION CAUSED THE SIDE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO SHATTER. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE TEMPERED GLASS WAS SUPPOSE TO SHATTER INTO SMALL PIECES, BUT IT DID NOT. *YH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #844785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenneth City, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF MPV VANS ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME FLAKING PAINT ON THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #705971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stateville, NC
SEAT BELTS
RECALLS 95V103005/92V027000; MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS AND BRAKE LININGS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND THERE ARE TWO RECALLS LISTED. BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD BEEN DONE, AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF. THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RECALL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #822187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder, COCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH IGNITION OFF, GEAR INDICATING THE PARK POSITION, TEN YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE GEAR FROM PARK DOWN TO LOW AND INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE ROLLED ABOUT ABOUT 3 FEET, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #825119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stateville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
RECALLS 95V103005/92V027000; MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS AND BRAKE LININGS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND THERE ARE TWO RECALLS LISTED. BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD BEEN DONE, AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT THE RECALLS HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF. THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RECALL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #822187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andersonville, TN
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
HEATER FAN RELAY CONSTANTLY FAILS.
NHTSA complaint #523262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
SUSPENSION
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
TIRES
TIRES FAILED.DUNLOP SP SPORT D31J P215/65R15.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand P, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, ROOF CRUSHED IN AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT SPOOLED.
NHTSA complaint #542376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT Rainer, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SMOKE AND GAS SMELL FROM ENGINE WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #830929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pimmit, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE HAS PEELING PAINT ON THE HOOD. OWNER HAS NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER MAZDA MPV'S AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #538842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT RUBBER HOSE RUPTURED, CAUSING IT TO LEAK FLUID ALL OVER ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #520265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.