- The problem
- The 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. As a result of this error, the load ratios for the 205/65r15 94h and the 215/60r16 95h tires exceed the levels permitted by fmvss 120.
- The risk
- If the tire is operated in an under-inflated condition, the load carrying capacity of the vehicle may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a corrected label that they can apply to their vehicle, or they can have a dealer install the label, if desired. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Mazda MPV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 114 complaints about the 2003 Mazda MPV with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (35) and the engine & cooling (27). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 2 fires and 18 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2004 for the labels. For comparison, the 2002 has 125 and the 2004 has 96.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical MPV year, for its age
#105 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 114
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 18
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Mazda MPV problems
Share of all 114 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Mazda MPV recalls 4
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
- Certain 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 canadian market. Thus, the labels contain warnings in both english and french. As a result, the area of the english warning is only 16 square centimeters, as opposed to the 30 square centimeters required by the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with air bag caution labels and installation instructions which were mailed on july 22, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
- The problem
- On 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. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing.
- The risk
- Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. 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
- On certain mini vans equipped with front fog lights,the fog light bulb socket may have been installed improperly.
- The risk
- If the vehicle continues to be used with this condition, the bulb socket and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light housing if exposed to shock and/or vibration and drop inside the bumper. Should this occur, the operation of the fog light may then cause the bumper to burn.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the installation condition of the fog light bulb assembly, and repair it when necessary. Owner notification began march 31, 2003. 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.
What owners say
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114 complaints about the 2003 Mazda MPV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
My 2003 mazda mpv has a horrible transmission shifting problem. Took it to dealer and they said it's the transmission control module. They charged me 1,500 dollars to install new and and reflash it and the transmission still doesn't shift properly.
I would like to report the vance who is the auto manager at sears auto in salem, oregon at 955 lancaster drive ne salem, oregon 97301. I bought 4 new tires in june 2018 and purchased a road hazard plus warranty. In between this incident I am reporting to you; I reported vance for being very unprofessional to me in the store, making demeaning comments to me, and denying me the opportunity to buy all season tires that were available online. I filed a complaint in july after going in for an oil change and vance...
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doing something to my headlights when he was not asked to. I am reporting that every part that I replace new on my car; vance went to that area (new headlights, new rotors) and caused me to have to go receive additional work (which I did on my rotors, I had to have them machined even though I had new ones put on in 2016. New rotors last more than 1 brake pad change). I received that work on september 10, 2018 at another automotive shop. I went to sears on september 10, 2018 because my tire was low. My tires are still under warranty. Vance from sears auto in salem, oregon stated he would not service my car because I filed a report with sears customer service. He stated I can drive to sears in beaverton, oregon when vance knew I had a nail in my tire. He was putting my safety at risk. I had to go buy another tire, call the district manager (leo), and have him approve for my tire to be changed in salem and to be reimbursed for the tire that I paid for. Leo was very professional and fixed the situation but I am reporting vance attempting to compromise my safety, working on areas of my car I did not ask or approve, unprofessional abuse, and for discrimination. There are other customers that have filed customer service complaints against this salem auto shop in salem, oregon but they were still able to utilize their warranty. I appreciate your investigati
It stalls with no apparent reason while driving on city streets
Both sunvisors mirror housings drops hanging from the cables every time you lower the sunvisors. It happens stationary and in motion. Can't virtually use sunvisors. *Js
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that 48 hours after purchasing the vehicle from honda of winter haven in winter haven, florida, the passenger side air bag deployed when the key was inserted into the ignition. The front passenger's right arm and lung were bruised and was taken to the hospital by the driver. The passenger was treated and released. The police was contacted, but a report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Takata recall it say sr on the seat.... This is what happens, my wife and I work for a satellite company as installers. Sat at 4:30pm we arrive at customer house to perform the installation. .. Turn the car off I take the keys as normal.Greet the customer and did a site surver 5 min.. Pass and we decided to go back to the car to do paper work and turn ac on.... Well my wife got on th passenger side and I in the driver side we close the door and I present the key to turn on car.. The passenger ...
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side air bag on the seat deploye and injure my wife on her arms and back rib cage neck bones breathing sharp pain on the lung area making her short of breath. While she received the impact with out expecting the hit she thought she was shot she lost continence and fall into trauma and stress levels till I realize it was the air bag had deployed while car was in park. This happen while the vehicle was in park and off no ignition keys and happen when I presented the key to turn it on. Now she leaves in fear what if the next car do the same and it has affected her life putting her in painful misery mental and suffering the ignorance and unprofessional has affected my family. .. Mazda it's responsible... Thank god she it's alive and we wasn't driving. I declare the vehicle unsafe and should be a re call now please. Let's safe life's. Thank you! Some it's liable for what happen to her this vehicle I got it from the honda dealer of winter haven fl they have been very helpful and kind trying to help us the best way. I need help I am loosing time at work and all the difficulties we going through. What can you do?
Car was stationary and in park. Upon turning key in ignition, the passenger side air bag deployed. Mazda service agent could find no mechanical cause. It is not normal wear and tear. Resulting airbags cannot be turned on, leaving us with a vehicle with no airbag protection. Mazda declined our request to replace the faulty airbag system, and only offered us a 500 credit toward the purchase of another vehicle. This offer does not equal the book value of the car, and certainly the real value of a paid for reliable vehicle in great condition.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring due to a coil spring fracture that randomly occurred several times. The contact stated that the previous owner had to replace four coil springs that prematurely fractured. The contact later owned the vehicle in mid april 2015 and also had to replace two coil springs that fractured prematurely. The dealer also replaced a gasket cover. In addition, the dealer diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced due to the...
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failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no permanent solution. Tha manufacturer indicated that the catalytic converter was on back order so the contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. While driving 60 mph on a highway, the front passenger side air bag exploded and made a loud sound without warning. The contact sustained injuries and received medical attention due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 129,850.
Every time this mazda mpv gets a little wet it will not go over 40 mph. I have contacted the dealership with no return phone call or email. The coils allow moisture to get in which will cause the vehicle to think it is overheating and will not go no matter what you do. I was on the highway when this happened in jacksonville during rush hour and being stuck in the middle of no where because of a faulty coil that the dealership does not want to take responsibility for, is beyond frustrating. I have kids that have...
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been in the vehicle other times when this has happened and we had to sit in the van or go to gas stations and wait until it was somewhat derivable again. I have read forum after forum and there seems to be a lot of people having this issue with their mpv, ranging from 1993-2006 models. Something needs to be done with this before someone gets hurt. *Tr
We drive to lake tahoe in my mpv van with 5 people in it. The van jerked when driving accelerating from 40 to 50 mph. We changed driver on the way, and both driver felled the same thing. It seems a transmission shift shock or shift flare. Then when "google" the problem on internet, I found out that it is a very common problem for mazda mpv 5-speed auto transmission. Many people experienced a sudden failure after a few weeks of the "shift flares". This can be very dangerous. Mazda should offer free repair for...
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this common failure of their product. I'm engineer and I take good care of my cars and change all oil and atf on schedule. My ford minivan 96 areostar have run more than 260 k mile with original engine and transmission. It is still running strong. *Tr
2003 Mazda mpv. Consumer writes in regards to unsatisfactory customer service from dealership and vehicle company. *Smd the consumer stated his vehicle did not pass a safety inspection, due to a faulty catalytic converter, despite spending over $3,000 to correct the problem.
While driving vehicle on highway at 60mph in traffic vehicle shut off. Mazda mechanic told me coil on number one cylinder was bad. This had been replaced just a year or so ago but apparently was bad again. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, she heard a loud popping noise. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that the front driver's side tie rod was fractured. The wheel was also pointed outward. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the tie rod was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,958.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that the trunk latch fractured, causing the hood to strike her on the head. The contact received a minor concussion. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 72,000.
Uniroyal 2256016 awp ii on all four wheels. Van started pulling to the right and got progressively worse until I took it in for alignment. Alignment was fine. Kept driving. Pulling got so bad that van would start careening off road if steering wheel was let go (even at slow speeds). Removed front right tire and put on front left wheel - van started pulling left. Took van in to tire store - technician indicated tread had approx 15,000 miles left, but tread was separating from rest of tire. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle would begin to jerk and it would not respond to the accelerator pedal. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds and the check engine light would also illuminate on the instrument panel during the failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the ignition coil for the sixth cylinder was replaced. Approximately three years later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the...
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authorized dealer where the ignition coil for the first cylinder was replaced. The failure mileage was 52,500 updated 08/24/11 *bf the consumer stated it cost $580 to replace each coil. Updated 12/02/11
Vehicle has about 112, 500 miles when it had a catalytic converter failure. Cost to repair $1800. Service manager said this repair is tied to driving with the check engine light on due to engine coil failures. All engine coils had been replaced before 89000 miles. Since the coils were replaced earlier, no way to identify the nexus to the catalytic converter. There have been numerous "check engine" warnings and related repairs: o2 sensor, pcv hose, and o2 cannister have been replaced in addition to all 6 engine...
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coils. There was no recall notice on any of these failures and there were other "check engine" warnings where no problem was found. I have driven several cars over 112000 miles and I have never had to replace a catalytic converter. Based on this experience, and the treatment at the mazda dealer, I would not buy another mazda product. *Tt
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv wagon. While driving 75 mph with the cruise control activated, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated up to 90 mph without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they inspected it and was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 110,000.
One tailgate strut bolt on my mazda mpv failed while I was opening the tailgate causing the tailgate to fall unexpectedly. I was lucky that I wasn't hurt. *Tr
2003 Mazda mpv. 70,276 Miles. 3/8/11 - Started running rough. Two rear coils bad; dealer repaired all three rear coils because (according to dealer) once one goes, they all go. ($855.01) One week later - 3/16/11, rough idle and odor of gasoline. Check engine light goes on. 70,339 Miles. Dealer replaced all 3 front coils. ($463.76) I am told this is a *common problem* with mpvs. Dealer told me he has seen many of them coming in, and it was a good thing I was having it taken care of promptly. If I did not,...
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the catalytic converter goes bad as a result...Cost of replacement of the cc: $1,000. Note: I overheard the service manager on the phone telling a customer the spark plug boot goes bad first, and causes some kind of electrical problem that damages the coils.
Tl*the contact owns 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that the vehicle had a flat tire and when the towing company attempted to remove the spare tire the technicians had a difficult time removing the tire from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated that the lift for the spare tire needed to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 03/16/11 *bf updated 05/23/11
On 2 separate occasions, engine coil on 2004 mazda mpv broke while driving in the rain and another occasion on a 2003 mazda mpv I also own an engine coil broke while driving in wet weather. Each time it caused the engine to shake violently. The service department at the dealership admitted to problems with the engine coils but reports no recall for them. The is a design flow that prevents the coils from dispersing moisture properly. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving the engine light illuminated and the engine began to stall intermittently. The dealer replaced the pcv valve on 10/5/2004. The failure occurred again in september 2010. The ignition coils were also replaced. The vehicle was repaired again on 9/28/2010; however, the check engine light came on again. The failure mileage was 25,427. The failure mileage was 106478. The water pump was cracked, and the transmission range sensor failed. The...
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consumer stated the engine light illuminated again and the vehicle began to run rough and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. It was determined that the ignition coil that was replaced in sept 2010 had gone bad and the ignition coil that was replaced in april of 2008 had also gone bad. Updated evoq 03/25/11 upated 04/15/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerate. When she attempted to stop the vehicle, the brakes would not respond. The contact shifted into neutral gear in order to stop the vehicle. The contact continued driving to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that a part of the accelerator pedal had been tightened which caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired at that time. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 91,000. The failure mileage was 86,298. Updated 02/23/11 *bf updated 02/28/11
Mazda MPV: every year compared
All MPV years2003 Mazda MPV vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mazda MPV | 114 | 4 | F | |
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 200 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 | 175 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Protege | 121 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda B-Series | 22 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 | 15 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda 626 | 9 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Millenia | 1 | 0 | A | 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 2003 Mazda MPV
Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mazda MPV: labels (June 2004); labels (March 2004); fog lights (June 2003); fog lights (February 2003). 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 2003 Mazda MPV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (35), engine & cooling (27), electrical system (16).
How many complaints has the 2003 Mazda MPV had?
114 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 5, 2003 and the latest on January 31, 2019. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 18 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Mazda MPV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 21 out of 100 (grade F: far 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 2003 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