1998 Mazda B-Series Truck
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 67
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Tires
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 67 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 126 |
| 1995 | 42 |
| 1996 | 55 |
| 1997 | 52 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 78 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 37 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 37 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Tires
30% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire tread completely separated from the casing of the tire without any warning. Tires had been inspected and rotated just 1,000 miles earlier and no problems were found.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-22
Vehicle speed control
19% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I have had a head gasket replace on this 1998 Mazda B4000 within 61,000 miles. The first head gasket replacement was 1-21-2008. Now the same thing seems to be happening at 78,100 miles are there any issues with this model?
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-24
Also filed under Suspension
Power train
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Four wheel drive system engaged on it's own, causing severe left turns as front wheel locks up. Has happened three times, even thou fixed twice. There is no locking hub conversion available for this model or the Ford ranger it's clone.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-20
While the driver's foot was pressing the clutch, the plastic cover ripped off and caused the driver's foot to release the clutch. As a result the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Both the manufacturer and the dealership were contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-26
Service brakes
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997-12-01Fuel system, gasoline97V186002 Vehicle description: light duty 4X2 and 4X4 pickup trucks equipped with 4.0L engines. The flexible section of the chassis mounted fuel line that connects to the engine was routed too close to the…
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional clip to hold the fuel line in the intended design position.
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1999-06-21Vehicle speed control99V062002 Vehicle description: certain 1998-1998 Mazda b-series trucks (B2500, B3000 and B4000) equipped with cruise control and built from January 1998 through March 4, 1999. A cruise control cable can…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement…
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2000-08-26Tires00T005000 Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size P235/75R15, produced at the decatur, Illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx ii tires, size P235/75R15. Operation of these…
Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
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2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…
Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
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2007-09-07Vehicle speed control07V347000 On certain trucks equipped with a speed control system, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. An interim notice was sent to owners on September 7, 2007, directing them to have the speed deactivation control switch disconnected temporarily. A…
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mazda B-Series Truck — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V186002 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 99V062002 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 00T005000 · Tires
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07V347000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mazda B-Series Truck reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mazda B-Series Truck is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mazda B-Series Truck?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Mazda B-Series Truck have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.