2002 Mazda MPV
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
53% of complaints: power train — 66 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 2008, HAD IT REPLACED AND IT FAILED AGAIN IN TWO WEEKS. VAN DROVE FINE UNTIL SUMMER 2011, WHEN I NOTICED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120316
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and catalytic convertor.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE COMING TO A RED LIGHT AND APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLES ENGINE DIED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER CLAIMS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. MAZDA OFFERED CONSUMER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020814
7% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
FIRE4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET. COMING UP TO RED LIGHT. HIT CANCEL ON CRUISE LEVER AND IT DID NOT DISENGAGE. THE TURNED IT OFF WITH THE BUTTON. LIGHT WENT OFF BUT WAS STILL ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120313
3% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT ELECTRICAL DOOR PROBLEMS. CONSUMER WAS PUTTING HER CHILD IN VEHICLE AND HER WRIST HIT THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO CLOSE PARTIALLY, AND IT GAVE HER AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHICH BRUISED HER WRIST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030827
WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER'S STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH TOUCHED THE THREE PRONGS THAT PROTRUDED FROM THE DOOR OPENING AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUTOMATIC SIDE DOORS CLOSE. CONSUMER WAS ELECTROCUTED AND LATER REALIZED HER WRIST HAD BURNED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." AN INCORRECT GROSS AXLE
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED ACCURATE CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSERTS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPO
Campaign 02V078000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INSTALLATION CONDITION OF THE FOG LIGHT BULB ASSEMBLY, AND REPAIR IT WHEN NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZE
Campaign 03V053000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON
Campaign 03V206000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH (GROUP 1). ALSO INCLUDED ARE CERTAIN 2000-2001 MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 1 BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2004. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004.
Campaign 04V234000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (66 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V078000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V053000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V206000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V234000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mazda MPV reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mazda MPV is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda MPV?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MPV have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.