1996 Mazda MPV
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 66 |
| 1992 | 61 |
| 1993 | 51 |
| 1994 | 36 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1996 | 18 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 19 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 149 |
| 2001 | 70 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 113 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2006 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NO DEPLOYMENT OF NEITHER PASSENGER NOR DRIVER'S AIRBAG RESULTED IN IJURY WHEN VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 19990823
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION SPEED 40MPH, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961125
2 of 18 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
ON JUNE 29,2005 MY 5 MONTH OLD SON AND I WERE TRAVELING IN OUR 96' MAZDA MPV NORTH ON 291 HIGHWAY (I WAS MEETING MY HUSBAND) WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE. WE WERE TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050701
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 18 total reports mention: equipment.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEM WITH DRIVER'S WINDOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970325
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Mazda MPV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mazda MPV?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mazda MPV have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.