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
- 124
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
53% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 124 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
53% · 66 reportsMost 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, 2012-03-16
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and catalytic convertor.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-14
Electrical system
7% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Vehicle speed control
4% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 2012-03-13
Structure
3% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.
Show 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, 2003-08-27
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, 2002-09-25
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 124 complaints filed for this model year.
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2002-06-12Equipment02V078000 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…
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…
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2003-03-31Exterior lighting03V053000 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…
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2003-07-14Exterior lighting03V206000 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…
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…
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2004-07-07Vehicle speed control04V234000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 66 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V078000 · Equipment
- Recall 03V053000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 03V206000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 04V234000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.