- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Vehicle safety record
1991 Mazda MPV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 1991 Mazda MPV with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (15) and the transmission & drivetrain (15). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1990 has 49 and the 1992 has 61.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical MPV year, for its age
#38 most complained-about 1991 vehicle
- Complaints
- 67
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1991 Mazda MPV problems
Share of all 67 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1991 Mazda MPV recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Inconsistent braking and premature activation of the abssystem can cause sudden stops or increased braking distances, and result inincreased risk of vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Replace the rear brake assemblies with assemblies whose friction characteristics do not change. This will reduce the risk of premature abs system activation.
What owners say
Be the first MPV owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
67 complaints about the 1991 Mazda MPV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
The front wheel skidded and the front brake locked up while driving on light snow covered highway. It caused the steering wheel to become immobilized. The driver was unable to maneuver the car and it overturned. *Tr
Paint is chipping and fading all over the van especially on the back and the roof. I saw lots of models on the road with the same paint problem. *Jb
The seat belts on my 1991 mazda mpv are simply falling apart. The fuel vapor separator does an inadequate job of keeping gasoline fumes out of the vehicle. There have been recalls on both of these items. When I took it in to the local dealer they only performed an inspection. Both issues remain unresolved. Besides not ever buying another mazda ever. I would like to see these safety issues resolved. *Nm
Paint started to chip away. Transmission was replaced for the second time.
While driving, consumer had to stop suddenly and applied brake pedal abruptly. The anti-lock brake system failed and consumer collided with another vehicle. The brakes locked up. Ts
Consumer states the right rear audio speaker caught fire while driving.*Jb
At the time I had this component failure, I did not know what the problem was. I took this vehicle to an authorized mazda dealer who proceeded to take a full 10 minutes to look at this vehicle and tell me there was not a problem with it. I previously filed a complaint and to my knowledge did not receive any feedback. During the time I had this failed component on my fuel system, I developed a chronic asthma condition. Another dealer finally found a crack in the fuel vapor separator one year later when I took...
Read the full complaint
this vehicle back for another inspection. It took 4 months after the second mazda dealer found the crack for me to obtain a replacement part for the failed component. The dealer never informed me it was unsafe to continue driving this car reeking of fuel odors. I would like an investigation to be conducted on a formal level. I believe mazda failed to inform their customers of dangers associated with driving a car that may have fuel vapors leaking into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. I believe the authoirzed dealer failed to warn of the potential dangers of fuel odors in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It seems by reading the recall letters issued in april 1998 and jan 1999 that the first letter reflected an attitude of nonchalance, and mazda implied that there was really no cause for concern, or true belief that this recall should be taken seriously. Though I did take it seriously and had my car inspected for the failed component, the authorized mazda dealer did not seem concerned that i, a consumer in good faith, was placed in harms way. Along with my children. Please respond to my request and advise if I need to channel or redirect my efforts to have this investigation request somewhere else. Sincerely, [[redacted]]. *Ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).
While traveling and when depressing brakes there was extended stopping distance which caused vehicle to run into another vehicle. *Ak the consumer was traveling 45 mph at the time the brake failed. *Yh
Consumer has been experiencing an ongoing problem with an oil leak that is causing smoke and a horrible smell, vehicle has been taken to a dealer 5 times and the problem has not been remedied, valve cover gaskets were replaced several times, rear cap seals replaced, and o rings were replaced. *Slc
Automatic transmission, which had a transmission cooler, failed prematurely at 64,000 miles.*Ak
Repair shop notified me that this problem was known to mazda and is in a tsb regarding rocker arms which were modified . How can mazda be allowed to sell a known defect to consumers. Is there any repair compensation allowed to owners? Thank you.
Firestone fr 680 asrws tire (p205 70 r14) experienced tread separation on both front tires, consumer is requesting all 4 tire be replaced. *Slc
Key switch getting hot and you can smell wires burning
While driving stepped on brake pedal, and it went all the way to the floor. Vehicle has rear anti-lock braking system, but the system will lock up. This has happened each time brakes were pressed hard. Left reasr wheel locks up, and application of brakes cause sideways skid. Problem reoccurred after many brake replacements. Recall was received for this problem. *Ak *ml
The engine head gasket blew, causing water / coolant leakage, causing engine to overheat. Vehicle was inspected by dealer and independent shops. *Ak *yc
Van has paint primer failure, and the paint just flakes off. I realize this is not a safety issue, but thought I would report it anyway. I have had my van to two car painting companies who have confirmed for me that the paint coming off is due to primer failure. I have written the manufacturer, and they have advised me that the car is out of warranty of which I am well aware, however, the hood has a large area where the paint has come off, and the hatch has a large strip where the paint has come off, and it is...
Read the full complaint
coming off in smaller spots all over the van. I am left with the option of paying for the paint myself which is approx. $2,000 Since the entire van has to be stripped, or selling or trading it in at a loss due to the current paint condition. I know my van, which is white, is not the only one with this paint condition as I have seen several others around town whose paint condition is the same as mine, coming off in the same places as mine. I may have wasted my time filling out this report, but feel I have nothing to lose at this point. Thank you for your time. No safety defect listed. *Ak
While driving on freeway 40mph heard a snap, vehicle stopped running.Contacted dealer. *Ak
Parked vehicle. Was getting out when the locks failed to release. Had to force lock up to release. Relocked door once outside. Then tried to unlock door after returning & lock would not release. Took to dealer & informed locking mechanism inside door was broken & need to be fixed. *Ak
Experienced problems with engine noise (ticking lifters & piston slap) at 40k; dealer replaced short block engine, but problem was back by 60k. In spite of changing the oil every 2k, using a synthetic (mobil 1 and other friction reducers - slick 50, prolong) my problem persisted. If I allowed the oil to stay in w/o changing for more than 2k I would get this loud, terrible ticking noise when I started in the morning and even while at highway speeds you could hear this ticking over the highway noise. I have lived...
Read the full complaint
with this problem during the life of this engine feeling powerless to do anything about it. Even though I was able to get good service from my engine, I have no doubt that it could have performed even longer if this problem didn't exist.
Engine check light came on. Temperature read hot. Attempted to pull the car over and all indicator lights were on. The car died. Car towed to dealer, would not start. Dealer discovered a hole in radiator and blown head gaskets. Internal damage and consumer has no car. *Ak
CRACKED ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD.
FRONT STRUTS FAILED, CAUSING NOISE.
Engine lifters went bad two years ago , so the dealer has replaced the lifters . Owner took vehicle into dealer for inspection and was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. *Ak
ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED.
Vehicle has had numerous brake jobs because of the improper recall remedy. The brakes have been wearing out in the front because the rear is not operating properly. *Ak
Mazda MPV: every year compared
All MPV years1991 Mazda MPV vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Mazda MPV | 67 | 3 | C | |
| 1991 Mazda 626 | 64 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda Protege | 51 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda Navajo | 40 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 21 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda 323 | 20 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda 929 | 18 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda B-Series Truck | 14 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1991 Mazda MX-6 | 14 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1991 Mazda MPV
Does the 1991 Mazda MPV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1991 Mazda MPV: switch (October 2015); buckle assembly (May 1995); shoes / linings (February 1992). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mazda MPV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (15), transmission & drivetrain (15), engine & cooling (14).
How many complaints has the 1991 Mazda MPV had?
67 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 17, 1994 and the latest on October 5, 2008. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1991 Mazda MPV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 41 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Mazda MPV year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda MPV years have the most complaints?
2000 (149), 2002 (125), 2003 (114). See every Mazda MPV year compared.
What should I do if my 1991 Mazda MPV has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data