2003 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
- 113
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 113 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
31% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
On May 13, 2004, my 33-week pregnant wife pulled into my driveway with our daughter sleeping in back of our 2003 Mazda MPV. My wife put the car in park, engaged the emergency brake, and left the car running.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-19
2003 Mazda MPV - transmission shifts very rough from 2ND to 3RD. Problem is intermittent and unpredictable. Dealer says the problem cannot be diagnosed and fixed unless it can be duplicated in the repair shop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-23
Engine and engine cooling
22% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
Electrical system
14% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and module.
Air bags
9% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was stationary and in park. Upon turning key in ignition, the passenger side air bag deployed. Mazda service agent could find no mechanical cause. It is not normal wear and tear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-30
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mazda MPV. While driving 60 MPH on a highway, the front passenger side air bag exploded and made a loud sound without warning. The contact sustained injuries and received medical attention due to the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-14
Vehicle speed control
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when shifting from park into drive. Vehicle collided with brick building . Air bags did not deployed, also has problem with the passenger door locking and unlocking for no reason while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-01
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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2003Complaint volume 113 complaints filed for this model year.
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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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2004-07-16Equipment04V282000 The tire inflation pressure indicated on the vehicle certification label is not correct. The labels show the maximum tire pressure as 240 kpa/32 psi when it should be shown as 240 kpa/35 psi. As a…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a corrected label that they can apply to their vehicle, or they can have a dealer install the label, if desired. The recall began on July 16, 2004. Owners should…
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2004-07-22Equipment04V109000 Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant crash protection." Some of these vehicles were produced with air bag warning labels…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with air bag caution labels and installation instructions which were mailed on July 22, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Mazda MPV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 35 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V053000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 03V206000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 04V282000 · Equipment
- Recall 04V109000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mazda MPV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mazda MPV is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda MPV?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 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.