NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Mazda MPV Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Mazda MPV has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 113 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mazda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Mazda MPV, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Mazda MPV owner complaints

Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mazda MPV, describing incidents dated September 30, 2002 to November 20, 2018.

Most-cited components

Power Train 35 complaints
Engine 27 complaints
Electrical System 16 complaints
Air Bags 10 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 9 complaints
Structure 8 complaints

Of the 113 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 113 complaints, owners report 18 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11173211 · Filed January 31, 2019
MY 2003 MAZDA MPV HAS A HORRIBLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THEY CHARGED ME 1,500 DOLLARS TO INSTALL NEW AND AND REFLASH IT AND THE TRANSMISSION STILL DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY.
ODI #11129590 · Filed September 14, 2018
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE VANCE WHO IS THE AUTO MANAGER AT SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON AT 955 LANCASTER DRIVE NE SALEM, OREGON 97301. I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES IN JUNE 2018 AND PURCHASED A ROAD HAZARD PLUS WARRANTY. IN BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT I AM REPORTING TO YOU; I REPORTED VANCE FOR BEING VERY…
ODI #11110662 · Filed July 10, 2018
IT STALLS WITH NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS

Read all 113 complaints

MAZDA/FMVSS 120 TIRE INFLATION

NHTSA #04V282000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 20,000 vehicles

Mazda campaign 2104F · Owners notified July 16, 2004 · Vehicles built August 20, 2003 – May 6, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 RESULT OF THIS ERROR, THE LOAD RATIOS FOR THE 205/65R15 94H AND THE 215/60R16 95H TIRES EXCEED THE LEVELS PERMITTED BY FMVSS 120.

Safety consequence

IF THE TIRE IS OPERATED IN AN UNDER-INFLATED CONDITION, THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 2140F.CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MAZDA/FMVSS 208/LABELING

NHTSA #04V109000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 9, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 350 vehicles

Mazda campaign 1804C · Owners notified July 22, 2004 · Vehicles built November 26, 2001 – June 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 INTENDED FOR THE CANADIAN MARKET. THUS, THE LABELS CONTAIN WARNINGS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH. AS A RESULT, THE AREA OF THE ENGLISH WARNING IS ONLY 16 SQUARE CENTIMETERS, AS OPPOSED TO THE 30 SQUARE CENTIMETERS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 1804C.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MAZDA/FOG LIGHT

NHTSA #03V206000 · Exterior Lighting — Fog Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 64,000 vehicles

Mazda campaign 1103F · Owners notified July 14, 2003 · Vehicles built November 26, 2001 – February 28, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.

Manufacturer 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 AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 1103F.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MAZDA/FRONT FOG LIGHTS

NHTSA #03V053000 · Exterior Lighting — Fog Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported February 13, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 5,400 vehicles

Mazda campaign 0903C · Owners notified March 31, 2003 · Vehicles built November 12, 2001 – January 21, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.

Safety consequence

IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE USED WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT HOUSING IF EXPOSED TO SHOCK AND/OR VIBRATION AND DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT MAY THEN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.

Manufacturer 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 AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2003 Mazda MPV

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

113 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mazda MPV.

Power Train

ODI #11173211

Incident: November 20, 2018 · Filed: January 31, 2019

MY 2003 MAZDA MPV HAS A HORRIBLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THEY CHARGED ME 1,500 DOLLARS TO INSTALL NEW AND AND REFLASH IT AND THE TRANSMISSION STILL DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY.

Wheels; Unknown or Other; Service Brakes

ODI #11129590

Incident: September 10, 2018 · Filed: September 14, 2018

I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE VANCE WHO IS THE AUTO MANAGER AT SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON AT 955 LANCASTER DRIVE NE SALEM, OREGON 97301. I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES IN JUNE 2018 AND PURCHASED A ROAD HAZARD PLUS WARRANTY. IN BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT I AM REPORTING TO YOU; I REPORTED VANCE FOR BEING VERY UNPROFESSIONAL TO ME IN THE STORE, MAKING DEMEANING COMMENTS TO ME, AND DENYING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ALL SEASON TIRES THAT WERE AVAILABLE ONLINE. I FILED A COMPLAINT IN JULY AFTER GOING IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND VANCE DOING SOMETHING TO MY HEADLIGHTS WHEN HE WAS NOT ASKED TO. I AM REPORTING THAT EVERY PART THAT I REPLACE NEW ON MY CAR; VANCE WENT TO THAT AREA (NEW HEADLIGHTS, NEW ROTORS) AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO GO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL WORK (WHICH I DID ON MY ROTORS, I HAD TO HAVE THEM MACHINED EVEN THOUGH I HAD NEW ONES PUT ON IN 2016. NEW ROTORS LAST MORE THAN 1 BRAKE PAD CHANGE). I RECEIVED THAT WORK ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 AT ANOTHER AUTOMOTIVE SHOP. I WENT TO SEARS ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 BECAUSE MY TIRE WAS LOW. MY TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. VANCE FROM SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON STATED HE WOULD NOT SERVICE MY CAR BECAUSE I FILED A REPORT WITH SEARS CUSTOMER SERVICE. HE STATED I CAN DRIVE TO SEARS IN BEAVERTON, OREGON WHEN VANCE KNEW I HAD A NAIL IN MY TIRE. HE WAS PUTTING MY SAFETY AT RISK. I HAD TO GO BUY ANOTHER TIRE, CALL THE DISTRICT MANAGER (LEO), AND HAVE HIM APPROVE FOR MY TIRE TO BE CHANGED IN SALEM AND TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRE THAT I PAID FOR. LEO WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND FIXED THE SITUATION BUT I AM REPORTING VANCE ATTEMPTING TO COMPROMISE MY SAFETY, WORKING ON AREAS OF MY CAR I DID NOT ASK OR APPROVE, UNPROFESSIONAL ABUSE, AND FOR DISCRIMINATION. THERE ARE OTHER CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE FILED CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS SALEM AUTO SHOP IN SALEM, OREGON BUT THEY WERE STILL ABLE TO UTILIZE THEIR WARRANTY. I APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATI

Engine

ODI #11110662

Incident: July 10, 2018 · Filed: July 10, 2018

IT STALLS WITH NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11065996

Incident: September 7, 2017 · Filed: January 31, 2018

BOTH SUNVISORS MIRROR HOUSINGS DROPS HANGING FROM THE CABLES EVERY TIME YOU LOWER THE SUNVISORS. IT HAPPENS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. CAN'T VIRTUALLY USE SUNVISORS. *JS

Air Bags

ODI #11015654

1 injury

Incident: August 12, 2017 · Filed: August 16, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT 48 HOURS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE FROM HONDA OF WINTER HAVEN IN WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S RIGHT ARM AND LUNG WERE BRUISED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY THE DRIVER. THE PASSENGER WAS TREATED AND RELEASED. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #11015277

1 injury

Incident: August 12, 2017 · Filed: August 14, 2017

TAKATA RECALL IT SAY SR ON THE SEAT.... THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, MY WIFE AND I WORK FOR A SATELLITE COMPANY AS INSTALLERS. SAT AT 4:30PM WE ARRIVE AT CUSTOMER HOUSE TO PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. .. TURN THE CAR OFF I TAKE THE KEYS AS NORMAL.GREET THE CUSTOMER AND DID A SITE SURVER 5 MIN.. PASS AND WE DECIDED TO GO BACK TO THE CAR TO DO PAPER WORK AND TURN AC ON.... WELL MY WIFE GOT ON TH PASSENGER SIDE AND I IN THE DRIVER SIDE WE CLOSE THE DOOR AND I PRESENT THE KEY TO TURN ON CAR.. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON THE SEAT DEPLOYE AND INJURE MY WIFE ON HER ARMS AND BACK RIB CAGE NECK BONES BREATHING SHARP PAIN ON THE LUNG AREA MAKING HER SHORT OF BREATH. WHILE SHE RECEIVED THE IMPACT WITH OUT EXPECTING THE HIT SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SHOT SHE LOST CONTINENCE AND FALL INTO TRAUMA AND STRESS LEVELS TILL I REALIZE IT WAS THE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED WHILE CAR WAS IN PARK. THIS HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND OFF NO IGNITION KEYS AND HAPPEN WHEN I PRESENTED THE KEY TO TURN IT ON. NOW SHE LEAVES IN FEAR WHAT IF THE NEXT CAR DO THE SAME AND IT HAS AFFECTED HER LIFE PUTTING HER IN PAINFUL MISERY MENTAL AND SUFFERING THE IGNORANCE AND UNPROFESSIONAL HAS AFFECTED MY FAMILY. .. MAZDA IT'S RESPONSIBLE... THANK GOD SHE IT'S ALIVE AND WE WASN'T DRIVING. I DECLARE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE A RE CALL NOW PLEASE. LET'S SAFE LIFE'S. THANK YOU! SOME IT'S LIABLE FOR WHAT HAPPEN TO HER THIS VEHICLE I GOT IT FROM THE HONDA DEALER OF WINTER HAVEN FL THEY HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND KIND TRYING TO HELP US THE BEST WAY. I NEED HELP I AM LOOSING TIME AT WORK AND ALL THE DIFFICULTIES WE GOING THROUGH. WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #10910749

1 injury

Incident: August 27, 2016 · Filed: September 30, 2016

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. RESULTING AIRBAGS CANNOT BE TURNED ON, LEAVING US WITH A VEHICLE WITH NO AIRBAG PROTECTION. MAZDA DECLINED OUR REQUEST TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG SYSTEM, AND ONLY OFFERED US A 500 CREDIT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS OFFER DOES NOT EQUAL THE BOOK VALUE OF THE CAR, AND CERTAINLY THE REAL VALUE OF A PAID FOR RELIABLE VEHICLE IN GREAT CONDITION.

Suspension; Engine

ODI #10852176

Incident: April 20, 2015 · Filed: March 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING DUE TO A COIL SPRING FRACTURE THAT RANDOMLY OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO REPLACE FOUR COIL SPRINGS THAT PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE CONTACT LATER OWNED THE VEHICLE IN MID APRIL 2015 AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TWO COIL SPRINGS THAT FRACTURED PREMATURELY. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED A GASKET COVER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO PERMANENT SOLUTION. THA MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ON BACK ORDER SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #10610275

1 injury

Incident: July 13, 2014 · Filed: July 14, 2014

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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,850.

Electrical System; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Engine

ODI #10586423

Incident: May 1, 2014 · Filed: May 4, 2014

EVERY TIME THIS MAZDA MPV GETS A LITTLE WET IT WILL NOT GO OVER 40 MPH. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO RETURN PHONE CALL OR EMAIL. THE COILS ALLOW MOISTURE TO GET IN WHICH WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO THINK IT IS OVERHEATING AND WILL NOT GO NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED IN JACKSONVILLE DURING RUSH HOUR AND BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY COIL THAT THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR, IS BEYOND FRUSTRATING. I HAVE KIDS THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE VEHICLE OTHER TIMES WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND WE HAD TO SIT IN THE VAN OR GO TO GAS STATIONS AND WAIT UNTIL IT WAS SOMEWHAT DERIVABLE AGAIN. I HAVE READ FORUM AFTER FORUM AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR MPV, RANGING FROM 1993-2006 MODELS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

Other Mazda MPV model years

Check your 2003 Mazda MPV VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda MPV at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Mazda VIN