Owners have filed 65 complaints
about the 1993 Mazda MPV with NHTSA between 1995 and 2022.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Mazda MPV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
360.0%
150,000+ miles
120.0%
When owners complained
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 6Jun 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 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.
EA96031Opened 20 Dec 1996Closed 31 Mar 1998VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATOR
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM LIQUID-VAPOR SEPARATOR MAY FAIL AT NIPPLE FOR FUEL TANK HOSE CONNECTION RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE AREA BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TRIM PANEL.
Recalls on the 1993 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 114,000 milesOakland, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,258 milesRahway, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I COULD NOT RECOGNIZE ANY PRIOR SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN POSSIBLY RELATING TO AN ENGINE KNOCK WHEN THE WIRE GETS VERY HOT BEFORE IGNITION SWITCH SOCKET HAS REPEATEDLY MELTED SINCE THAN. I HAVE TORN OPEN AND INSPECTED EACH INDIVIDUAL WIRE IN THE MAIN HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENTIRE DASH AND EVEN WENT AS FAR AS SEPARATING THE FUSE BLOCK FOR A POSSIBLE SHORT THERE. I HAVE PUT IT IN SHOPS AND NO ONE HAS FOUND ANYTHING WRONG TO CAUSE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10274661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KSCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A DEER. THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED VERY SUDDENLY AND THERE WAS NOT TIME TO EVEN APPLY BRAKES. AS WELL, THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rexville, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THEN STOPPED TO FILL UP WITH GAS. BUT SOON AS HE PUT PUMP INTO FUEL TANK AND TURNED IT ON IT IGNITED. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #895178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash
TIRES
IN 1998 I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY REAR, RIGHT TIRE CAME APART CAUSING ME TO CRASH AGAINS A CONCRETE DIVIDER ON I-95 IN BOCA RATON. TIRES HAD BEEN SERVICES NOT MORE THAT A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRES WHICH I CAN SUBMIT.
NHTSA complaint #738054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 15 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #804919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Milton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1993 MAZDA MVP. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO A SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT PROPERLY COMPLETE SAFETY RECALL 15V-674. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REBUILT THE IGNITION SWITCH INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT WITH A NEW ONE. THE DEALER CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIO, STARTER, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY AND IGNITION. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11468291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,500 milesKlamath Falls, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL 8715J IGNITION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT. I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN (800-222-5500 OPTION #6) AND SPOKE WITH BRIANNA ON JAN. 6, 2016 AT 11:30 A.M. I EXPLAINED THAT MY CAR IS OLD (1993) AND HAS SOME PROBLEMS. I AM IN POOR CONDITION, AS WELL. MY CLOSEST MAZDA DEALER IS OVER 80 MILES AWAY OVER THE MOUNTAINS. MY CAR CANNOT MAKE IT THERE FOR SERVICE. SHE TOLD ME SHOULD WOULD TRY TO ARRANGE TOWING AND WOULD EMAIL ME A REFERENCE NUMBER. AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 2016, I HAVE STILL RECEIVED NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10825911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesOakland, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,258 milesRahway, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I COULD NOT RECOGNIZE ANY PRIOR SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN POSSIBLY RELATING TO AN ENGINE KNOCK WHEN THE WIRE GETS VERY HOT BEFORE IGNITION SWITCH SOCKET HAS REPEATEDLY MELTED SINCE THAN. I HAVE TORN OPEN AND INSPECTED EACH INDIVIDUAL WIRE IN THE MAIN HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENTIRE DASH AND EVEN WENT AS FAR AS SEPARATING THE FUSE BLOCK FOR A POSSIBLE SHORT THERE. I HAVE PUT IT IN SHOPS AND NO ONE HAS FOUND ANYTHING WRONG TO CAUSE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10274661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
TIRES
THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A GUARDRAIL, ROLLOVER AND CAME TO REST IN THE RIGHT LANE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MR
NHTSA complaint #10052206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE HEADLIGHT TURNED ON ALTHOUGH THE SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. *JB *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10009963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Forest, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO TRANSMISSIONS WITH MY MAZDA MPV. THE SECOND FAILURE I WAS TOLD THERE IS A SOFT DEFECT WITH THE MAZDA TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE A 1993 MAZDA MPV.
NHTSA complaint #10003019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Forest, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO TRANSMISSIONS WITH MY MAZDA MPV. THE SECOND FAILURE I WAS TOLD THERE IS A SOFT DEFECT WITH THE MAZDA TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE A 1993 MAZDA MPV.
NHTSA complaint #10003019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KSCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A DEER. THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED VERY SUDDENLY AND THERE WAS NOT TIME TO EVEN APPLY BRAKES. AS WELL, THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION DIED W/O WARNING. LOUD WHINNING NOISE. NO MOVEMENT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #760201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rexville, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THEN STOPPED TO FILL UP WITH GAS. BUT SOON AS HE PUT PUMP INTO FUEL TANK AND TURNED IT ON IT IGNITED. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #895178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kelso, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DIFFICULTIES DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.HOLD LIGHT FLASHES,VAN WONT SHIFT,TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE IN 2 YRS.,CUTTING OUT WHEN DRIVING,REQUESTING INVESTIGATION OF THESE DEFECTS FOR SAFETY .
NHTSA complaint #740665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash
TIRES
IN 1998 I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY REAR, RIGHT TIRE CAME APART CAUSING ME TO CRASH AGAINS A CONCRETE DIVIDER ON I-95 IN BOCA RATON. TIRES HAD BEEN SERVICES NOT MORE THAT A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRES WHICH I CAN SUBMIT.
NHTSA complaint #738054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE MAKES A TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE (TAPPING NOISE). I WAS TOLD THAT LIFTERS ARE NOT GETTING LUBRICATED. ADVISED TO USE THINNER OIL ON NEXT OIL CHANGE. THINNER OIL DID NOT HELP.
NHTSA complaint #720935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING OF TROUBLE.
NHTSA complaint #715676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE TAPPING AT START UP, GETS LOUDER AND MORE FREQUENT UPON ACCELERATION. DEALER SAID HE HAS SEEN THEM DO THIS FROM 50,000 MILES TO 200,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #712435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lapel, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #709598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chanpilly, VA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
WHEN PUTTING THE AIR CONDITIONER ON THERE ARE GAS FUMES COMING FROM THE VENTS AND GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HEADACHES, VOMITING AND NAUSEA..
NHTSA complaint #843491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION DIED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #842975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, NY
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM GROCERY SHOPPING WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE. CAR WAS LOSING POWER SO SHE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR COULD NO LONGER MOVE. HAD TO TOW. A MAJOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY REBUILT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #706028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #540151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATTERY EXPLODED AT ENGINE STARTUP, CAUSING BATTERY ACID TO SPLATTER INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #539641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tobyhanna, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
LOUD TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #540493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM KEEPS FAILING, TIMING BELT KEEPS FAILING. VEHICLE NOT RELIABLE...WOULD NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #702941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM KEEPS FAILING, TIMING BELT KEEPS FAILING. VEHICLE NOT RELIABLE...WOULD NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #702941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.