MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mazda MPV

○ Not enough data
1997 Mazda MPV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:22.453Z

Only 22 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 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
22

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 49 complaints 1991: 67 complaints 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 51 complaints 1994: 39 complaints 1995: 19 complaints 1996: 18 complaints 1997: 22 complaints 1997 22 1998: 19 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 2000: 149 complaints 2001: 70 complaints 2001 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 113 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 12 complaints
1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 49 complaints 1991: 67 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 18 complaints 1997: 22 complaints 1997 22 1998: 19 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 149 complaints 2001: 70 complaints 2001 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 113 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints
1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 49 complaints 1990 1991: 67 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 22 complaints 1997 22 1998: 19 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 149 complaints 2000 2001: 70 complaints 2001 2002: 124 complaints 2002 2003: 113 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 36 complaints 2005 2006: 12 complaints 2006

1997: 22 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19870
19880
198922
199049
199167
199262
199351
199439
199519
199618
199722
199819
19992
2000149
200170
2002124
2003113
200471
200536
200612

Known problem areas

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

8 of 22 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I am filing a complaint in regard to my vehicle's equipment that failed and was faulty in a recent automobile accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-15

Also filed under Latches/locks/linkages

Consumer was involved in a 30 MPH frontal collision in which the driver's or passenger's air bags did not deploy, also the driver's seat collasped forward, causing the driver to sustain injuries. Please give any further details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-04

When applying the ABS brakes at 20 MPH the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a frontal collision. The driver's or passenger's air bags did not deploy. Please give any further details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-30

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-06

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-06

Seats

2 of 22 total reports mention: seats.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

2 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Latches/locks/linkages

2 of 22 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2015-12-17Electrical system15V674000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Mazda MPV?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda MPV have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.