Vehicles / Mazda / MPV / 2003

2003 Mazda MPV

113 federal complaints (141 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 125 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 18 model years of the Mazda MPV →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
113
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
35
Engine & cooling
29
Electrical system
16
Air bags
10
Speed control
9
Body & structure
8
Brakes
7
Other
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 25 complaints01 years old: 22 complaints2 years old: 8 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 8 complaints56 years old: 11 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 112 of 113 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 21 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 16 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 10 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 3 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 79 of 113 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

35 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT THE CONSUMER'S PREGNANT WIFE. *MR THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

29 complaint records
"2003 HONDA MAZDA MVP. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH CYLINDER COILS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TGW..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

16 complaint records
"2003 MAZDAMPV STARTED TO STALL AND LOSE POWER. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED FAILURE OF IGNITION COIL 1 AND 3. I HAD THEM REPLACED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V282000EquipmentTHE 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.Normally free
04V109000EquipmentCERTAIN 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...Normally free
03V206000Exterior LightingON 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.Normally free
03V053000Exterior LightingON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2006035
2006-02-10
Engine14,855Certain vehicles previously updated following an emission recall concerning the PCV hose may experience throttle icing during cold weather operation.
2005082
2005-03-30
Other38,579On certain vehicles, the liftgate stay dampers and stud bolts may rust and stick together, causing the stud bolds to break off.
2003178
2003-07-29
Airbag13,324On certain vehicle, the airbag warning labels on the sun visors are English only. This does not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208. Correction: Mazda will mail owners corrected replacement labels and installation instructions.
2003047
2003-02-25
Electrical14,715On certain vehicles, the front fog light bulb socket was installed improperly. If the vehicle continues to operate with this condition, the bulb socket and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light housing as a result of exposure...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SA-055-26
Aug 2026
Unknown Or OtherProduct Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
09-022-26
Jul 2026
Visibility/WiperThis 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...
SA-029-26
Apr 2026
Power TrainThis 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.
07-004-25a
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherA 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.
07-004-25
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherA 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
09-038-24
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherIn 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.
SA-011-24b
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherMazda 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.
SA-011-24a
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherMazda 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.
SA-011-24
Feb 2024
WheelsMazda 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.
09-016-23
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemSpeedometer replacement procedure
02-004-22a
Nov 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
09-037-22
Sep 2022
Electrical SystemMazda can no longer support the replacement of immobilizer units LC62-67-5G2* or DC69-67-5G2* because the supplier is no longer in existence.
09-024-22
Jul 2022
Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
01-006-22
Jun 2022
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
02-004-22
May 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
SA-014-22
Mar 2022
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
01-003/22
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemThe Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
00-001-22
Feb 2022
Service BrakesMazda 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.
01-006-21-3779b
Dec 2021
Electrical SystemBattery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
05-002-21-3854
Dec 2021
Power TrainAutomatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE).
01-006-21-3779a
Aug 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
09-025-21-3824
Aug 2021
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver’s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
SA-041-21
Jun 2021
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected.
0900116
Mar 2021
EquipmentService Parts changed for immobilizer unit
01-005-21-3778
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThe Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
01-006-21-3779
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
07-001-21-3775
Jan 2021
EquipmentA 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.
00-001-21-3768
Jan 2021
Power TrainMazda 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.
09-002-21-3770
Jan 2021
EquipmentIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
MT-002-20
Aug 2020
TiresNew CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
09-006-20-3673a
Jul 2020
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
00-001-20-3689
Mar 2020
Service BrakesMazda 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.
09-006-20-3673
Jan 2020
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
02-002-20-3651
Jan 2020
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
09-003-20-3671
Jan 2020
EquipmentIn 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.
07-002-19-3616a
Dec 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityA 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.
07-002-19-3616
Jul 2019
EquipmentA 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.
00-001-19-3560
Jan 2019
EquipmentMazda 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.
00-002-19-3561
Jan 2019
Service BrakesMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program.
09-005-19-3562
Jan 2019
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
09-009-19-3566
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemIn 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.
01-004-19-3558
Jan 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingOn some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration.
09-002-19-3554
Jan 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage.
01-001-19-3551
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
01-002-19-3552
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemThe Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
02-001-19-3550
Jan 2019
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
MT-012-18
Dec 2018
StructureIf a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine.
00-001-18-3446a
Oct 2018
EquipmentMazda 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.
00-003-18-3480a
Oct 2018
Service BrakesMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program.
09-014-18-3443a
Oct 2018
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
09-034-18-3430a
Oct 2018
EquipmentIn 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.
RF-18-03
Sep 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHAUST PIPE GASKET OPEN END: There has been some concern with the open end of hoop design being considered a defect in the gasket for P/N AJ17-40-305. The end of this ?hoop? is intentionally modified to press fix the gasket on the exhaust pipe. NOTE: The ?hoop?
01-016-18-3522
Sep 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingOn some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration.
09-034-18-3430
Aug 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlIn 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.
00-003-18-3480
May 2018
Service BrakesMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer...
07-002-18-3432
Apr 2018
EquipmentA 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.
09-019-18-3450
Mar 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
01-008-18-3451
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
01-009-18-3452
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThe Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
02-006-18-3449
Mar 2018
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.

Showing 60 of 125 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mazda MPV →