- The problem
- On certain minivans equipped with cruise control, the cruise control actuator cable may be broken due to insufficient strength (group 1). Also included are certain 2000-2001 minivans equipped with cruise control built between march 31, 1999 and march 31, 2001, that have had the cruise control repaired and possibly had a defective cable installed during that repair (group 2).
- The risk
- It is possible that the broken actuator cable may be out of position and could interfere with the operation of the accelerator cable, preventing a decrease in engine speed while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the actuator cable. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 1 began on july 7, 2004. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 2 began on september 10, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Mazda MPV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the 2001 Mazda MPV with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (15) and the airbags (11). Those complaints describe 10 crashes, 2 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2004 for the cables. For comparison, the 2000 has 149 and the 2002 has 125.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical MPV year, for its age
#110 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 10
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 20
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Mazda MPV problems
Share of all 71 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 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
- On certain passenger vehicles, some of the passenger air bag modules were not properly welded and may not deploy in a collision.
- The risk
- The seat occupant may not be properly protected in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Owner notification began october 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: certain mini vans without anti-lock braking systems (abs) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "Passenger car brake systems." Due to inappropriate brake pipe layout, these vehicles do not meet the brake stopping distance with partial failure requirements of the standard.
- The risk
- If partial failure occurred in the braking system, the stopping distance of the vehicle could increase, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify the brake system. Owner notification began january 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.
What owners say
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71 complaints about the 2001 Mazda MPV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
When I initially bought this vehicle it had been through previous owners and I have been trying to fix things but am a single mother of three and I just can afford much but I happen to put the yr make and model into the google one day and notice of recalls and as I read the same as whats I had already noticed had already happened and I figured I could live with it but I woke up one morning got in it and boom driving for ten minutes and boom all of a sudden I have no gears and then I get 1st and nothing else then...
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eventually no reverse , so after almost getting stuck in the cold streets with a baby and my friend, I barely made it home I wanna know why such a nice vehicle is so fuct!!! And why did I get a bunk deal. Like I thought this was my break finally I wont have to worry so much about a vehicle just the other stuff, but to my dismay........... Here we are?????? And if you happen to contact me I can then explain in detail the destruction of this vehicle
My brothers mazda mpv 2001 van has a musty or freon leaking like smell not sure what but when air conditioning is on it's really bad is this harmful to breath for long periods of time for adults and children. I read up on manufacturer defects an no recall was assigned or brought up but several an I mean several complaints and recommended things to do about this ) smell issue) is know by the manufacturer company but om all my research an findings contain no evidence of dealships seeling these vehicle have no record...
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of doing any replacement of parts or maintenance on effective moldy or freon smell maintenance coming from vents only replaced cabin filter on few occasions .The manufactures cause says different please investigate because of it is a mold issue and parts can be replaced because of bad design or even lack of maintenance done at dealership a recall should be the result.I will encourage the nutsa to try first try an get any certified anderson dealership to identify presents of mold coming from vents what they did resolve issue, what they replaced,how often and critical it is to do so because of mold or such unsafe fumes coming in through vents indirect contact with children over long periods of time. How many accounts have there beem or medical respitory faults subject to ever though public was not aware that these mazda vehicles are subject to mold after even a short time driving depending on humidity driving conditioms to me that should be manufacturer company default or recall .A mold issue iin a short or long term with any vehicle should be brought to serious..... Serious. Public attion. Another stupid question that could be asked if even serviced property how does the certified shop or dealership prove that all or 99% or whatevet the good or bad of air is being distributed throughout the vehicle.
Headlight malfunction mazda mpv 2001 while driving my mpv on city streets & freeways, the low beams flicker, or turn off, and the high beam indicator illuminates on dash board. However the high beams do work. When this occurs it persists both when stationary or in motion. The low beams will intermittently and momentarily turn on, later the "high beam" indicator will illuminate that the low beams off again. No reason. I cannot drive at dusk or at night due to the issue of never knowing if the low beams will work...
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or not! If I drive with high beams all other motorists are honking or bothered. I have had the bulbs checked and replaced as well as the fuses, all check out good. An electrical specialist advised that I call mazda and enter complaint due to safety issues, because he cannot trace any faulty wiring. Troubleshooting this has been very costly. They had to review the schematic of the switches on the steering column as well as connections to headlights - no anomalies found. Mazda has responded to my request for assistance.
The spare tire winch mounted centrally under the passengers side second row seat will corrode and jam not allowing for access to the spare tire in a road side emergency.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. The contact stated that after starting the engine, the front passenger seat side airbag erroneously deployed as the passenger was getting into the vehicle. The passenger suffered an injured back during the incident. The contact indicated that during the deployment the air bag did not inflate but was visible from the side of the passenger seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was no notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,446.
On may the 5th 2014 while sitting still and the engine not running the passenger seat airbag deployed causing deep bruising and a cracked rib to my daughter who was sitting in the seat at the time. Since then I have been afraid to drive my vehicle which is a 2001 mazda mpv. This is the only vehicle that I have and can not afford another because I am disabled and draw ssi. Please help! *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. The contact was driving 55 mph when the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact's vehicle then spun around and crashed into the same vehicle a second time from the front end. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact and the other driver were injured and a police report was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer refused to inspect the vehicle for the air bag failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 02v196000 (air bags: frontal) . The failure and the current mileages were 120,000. Updated 02/02/12*lj updated 02/08/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. The contact was driving 35 mph when the front driver side air bag deployed independently. The contact was not injured by the air bag and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer advised that a rubber duck under the seat caused the air bag to deploy. The diagnostic test stated that something metal caused the air bag to deploy. The contact called manufacturer regarding the air bag failure and they stated there was nothing they could do regarding the repair. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive and feared that the front driver side air bag would deploy without warning. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Tl*the contact owns 2001 mazda mpv. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact noticed smoke or steam around the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the highway and contacted aaa to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact did not know what caused the failure. The transmission and catalytic converter were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 112,954. Updated 03/08/11 *bf updated 05/24/11 updated 12/20/11 *cn
Mazda mpv's oxygen sensor bank2, sensor1 wire circuit burned up. Have to replaced the oxygen sensor. There was no fire on my mpv but if I didn't have it fix fast it could cause fire. *Tr
2001 Mazda mpv van transmission quit at 150,000. I was told it already been replaced once . Wont shift pass second . Estimate cost repairs are $2599.00. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. The contact stated the vehicle was shut off and in the park position. As the contact exited, the vehicle began to roll backward until crashing into a tree. The dealer contributed the failure to a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer and the failure had not recurred since the repair. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 88,500. Updated 11/22/10 *bf updated 11/23/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. The contact stated that a local mechanic performed routine maintenance on the vehicle and stated that the brakes never functioned properly. The recall repair, 01v382000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) was related to the failure. The dealer did confirm that the recall repair had not been performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 125,000.
Dealer installed a rebuilt g4ael transmission and a rebuilt catalytic converter in a 2001 mazda mpv lx van on february 5, 2008. I purchased this van on march 26, 2008. I was not informed of the installation of the used parts in a van only seven years old. On may 11, 2009, the van broke down while traveling. Two of the parts that need to be replaced again are the transmission and catalytic converter. The additional repairs needed is a used motor and headgasket. Major repairs which I can not have done on...
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a car that lasted one year and fifteen days. The consumer reports notified me that the engine was underpowered until the 2002 upgrade to a 3.0 Liter v-6 and a live-speed automatic. Now, the mazda mpv lx van was discontinued after the 2006 model year. I am without a car and my money. Mazda usa and the dealer have not helped me get transportation. *Tr
Spare tire carrier on 2001 mazda mpv van is poor design causing a possible death in the event the safety latch and cable give way. Poor location between the passenger side front and rear wheels. *Tr
WATER RESERVOIR. *TR
There is an occasional short in the headlight switch in my 2001 mazda mpv dx which results in the headlights not working unless I disassemble and clean the contacts. This has happened several times while driving the van and I now have to carry tools to fix it at any given time. We also try to avoid driving at night because of it. The plastic around them are burned and melted which is what caused the smoke. Tonight when we were driving home the smell was there again as well as quite a bit of heat when you feel the...
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steering column then the headlights started fading off then back on again several times. We took it to mazda the other year and they wanted somewhere in the range of $3500 dollars to fix the issue. This is certainly a major safety issue and should be a recall in my opinion. I have seen on internet forums that this is not a isolated issue because other people have complained about it. And the cost to fix such a safety issue is ridiculously high. I worry that if the lights do not just go out that there may be a fire since things are obviously burning. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mazda mpv. While the contact was sitting in the vehicle, the passenger side air bag deployed without an impact or crash occurring. She thought her back was on fire and rolled around in the grass. The contact was taken to the emergency room for first degree burns, a contusion, and possibly a broken rib. A police report was filed. The contact is pregnant and unable to have x-rays performed. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist. The current and failure mileages were 100,934.
With no damage or scratch whatsoever to the front bumper and license plate of my 2001 mazda van after I hit a pole lightly in a parking lot, I found out that the reinforcement behind bumper was cracked open and the condenser and radiator assembly behind it was severely damaged. I wonder how this kind of damages to the reinforcement, condenser, and radiator could happened when I have no damage whatsoever to any outside parts. I wonder if the reinforcement had any inherent structural problem with a serious implication for the safety of the car. If you can investigate such situation and possibility, it would be much appreciated. I can provide pictures of the damages if required. *Tr
I own a 2001 mazda mpv dx. In the user manual and on the door label, the manufacturer recommends a 94 for weight. Many tire shops offer a 92 rated based on books and computer programs. I drove 50,000 miles using michelin hydroedge rated 92. I could feel lug driving the car all this time. Is it ok to install tires having a lower weight rate, than the manufacturer recommends? *Tr
Exhaust manifold started leaking causing the check engine light to turn on and a "ticking" sound after startup for the first few minutes. This occurred with 58k on the vehicle. *Tr
2001 Mazda mpv with check engine light on. Consumer states that the mechanic stated that the coolant was leaking, oil filter and oil were changed. *Kb the dealership informed the consumer there was a crack in the engine block and the only fix was a new engine. The consumer stated the vehicle was maintained exclusively by the dealership from date of purchase. The consumer was told the crack was caused by overheating, but the temperature gauge needle never moved beyond halfway point to indicate there was a problem and the engine light never gave an overheating read out. *Jb
External plastic door handles on both sliding doors on 2001 mazda mpv have broken off while shutting door. Driver side handle has been broken 1 month. The passenger side broke on jan. 1, 2008. Seems to be related to cold outside temperature. Doors now must be opened with the inside handle. In the event of an accident, it would be difficult to get rear passengers out. Since one side was operational until now, no attempt was made to take van to the dealer because of high cost to fix it.*Cn
My 2001 mazda mpv minivan began to shift hard and quick between gears. Had the transmission fluid drained at 45k miles. The van has 74k right now and I feel mazda's design of this transmission is the culprit and not myself who takes good care of vehicle and have records to prove it. Would like to have mazda rep. Explain to me his company's position of my complaint. *Nm
Throttle pedal was sticking upon cold start. Pedal had to be stepped on harder than usual upon start which then caused vehicle to surge forward. Vehicle seemed fine after first push of pedal. Dealer had to clean out carbon deposits. This has happened twice in past 2 years. Worried that pedal would possibly stick while driving which would definitely be a safety issue. These deposits have occurred despite using techron gas additive. Vehicle engine light has also come on many times in past - these also may have been due to carbon buildup. *Jb
Mazda MPV: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 42 | 3 | C |
| 2004 | 96 | 5 | D |
| 2003 | 114 | 4 | F |
| 2002 | 125 | 4 | F |
| 2001 | 71 | 3 | D |
| 2000 | 149 | 5 | F |
| 1999 | 2 | 0 | A |
| 1998 | 19 | 1 | B |
| 1997 | 24 | 1 | C |
2001 Mazda MPV vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Mazda MPV | 71 | 3 | D | |
| 2001 Mazda Tribute | 564 | 15 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda 626 | 189 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda Protege | 51 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda B-Series | 38 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda Millenia | 30 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 22 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Mazda Miata | 1 | 2 | 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 2001 Mazda MPV
Does the 2001 Mazda MPV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Mazda MPV: cables (May 2004); frontal (August 2002); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (December 2001). 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 2001 Mazda MPV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (15), airbags (11), transmission & drivetrain (11).
How many complaints has the 2001 Mazda MPV had?
71 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 6, 2000 and the latest on November 14, 2018. Of these, 10 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Mazda MPV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than 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 2001 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