1997 Mazda MPV
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 49 |
| 1991 | 67 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 51 |
| 1994 | 39 |
| 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 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 22 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20060815
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971204
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970930
5 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIREShow 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. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20060806
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, 19970806
2 of 22 total reports mention: seats.
CRASH INJURY2 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
2 of 22 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY 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
1997 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.