1998 Mazda MPV
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 19 complaints
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 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
6 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
When attempting to stop, brake pedal went to the floor with no resistance, causing a rear-end collision. No warning lights appeared on dashboard. Vehicle behind me noted rear brake lights on. Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-03
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Electrical system
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mazda mvp. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the ignition began to smoke. No fire report was filed. There was no visible flames. No injuries were sustained.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-08
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch started to emit smoke and the instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-28
Steering
2 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 Mazda MPV wagon. When attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a loud noise. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that they could not duplicate the failure or provide a remedy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-01-21
Service brakes
2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
2 of 19 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing air suspension system and rear.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 Mazda MPV?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.