1997 Mazda MPV Engine problems

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mazda mpv. While the vehicle was parked at a car wash, smoke fumes appeared from the hood of the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that heavy fumes of smoke were seen coming from the hood of the vehicle before it stalled after the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer could not be reached. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Driving uphill on i-70 at the speed limit (55) the car lost all power, the driver steered to the shoulder. The engine compartment began smoking. By the time the fire department arrived the mazda mpv ('97) was consumed in fire. *Nm

Engine knocking, svc dept advised us to mazda oil additive, but still knocks even though low miles. Also, the transmission will get stuck when trying to back up and turning wheel to the right. Also, very dangerous/near collision because the transmission would go into 4wd on its own while we were driving 65 on the interstate in heavy traffic.

Have cold engine knock since vehicle was new. Dealer says knock is normal for that engine. Knock is consistently getting worse as engine wears and getting close to the three year expiration of warranty. I do not feel the manufacturer will acknowledge the engine problem and make appropriate repairs &/or engine replacement. They seem to be attempting to allow the warranty period to expire causing unecessary expenses to be paid by the owner. *Ak

CONSUMER CONCERNED WITH COLD ENGINE NOISE. NLM

Consumer parked vehicle and 5-10 minutes later was told that van was on fire. Fire dept. Said rear tail pipe came into contact with pine straw that was on the ground where catalytic converter contacts pine straw, starting a fire. Fire dept. Ph. #770-513-5500. *Ak