VehicleVerdict

1996 Mazda B-Series Truck problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median B-Series Truck year — the 1996 model ranks #5 of 20 B-Series Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (13), tires & wheels (8), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

73

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other B-Series Truck years?

B-Series Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted157 complaints1990: 22 complaints1991: 15 complaints1992: 14 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 157 complaints1995: 54 complaints1996: 73 complaints1997: 64 complaints1998: 81 complaints1999: 96 complaints2000: 74 complaints2001: 55 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 25 complaints2004: 26 complaints2005: 17 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 4 complaints
B-Series Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all B-Series Truck years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1318%
Tires & Wheels811%
Seat Belts710%
Brakes710%
Airbags68%
Lighting57%
Speed Control57%
Steering57%
Transmission45%
Suspension45%
Body & Structure34%
Fuel System23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Electrical System11%
Other11%
Seats11%

Does the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V414000Speed ControlOctober 23, 2009 · 39,600 units

Defect

MAZDA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1997 AND MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) AND/OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND MANUFACTURED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 5, 2002. A COMPONENT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME AND DEVELOP A LEAK. THIS OCCURRENCE COULD CAUSE THE SWITCH TO OVERHEAT, SMOKE OR BURN WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A UNIVERSAL FUSED JUMPER HARNESS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500 OPTION #6.

00T005000Tires & WheelsAugust 21, 2000 · 14,400,000 units

Defect

TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Consequence

IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF ONGOING PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON/OFF. VEHICLE IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND EVERY TIME DEALER REPAIRS THEM ANOTHER PROBLEM WOULD ARISE. ALSO, SIGNAL LIGHT WOULD COME ON/OFF, AND AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED RUNNING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 1, 1998

“THESE HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED BUT I DO HAVE A SMALL SLIT STARTING JUST BELOW THE TIRE TREAD ON THE SIDEWALL. I DONT BELIEVE THE TIRES TO BE SAFE. (I AM NOT LOOKING TO DO THIS FOR NEW TIRES, I WANT MY FAMILY TO BE SAFE) PLEASE RESPOND. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 265-75R15 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“METAL BRAKE LINE FAILED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEADING TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID AND BRAKING. ONE BRAKE LINE CORRODED THROUGH, ANOTHER LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED, AND THE 3RD LINE IS JUST STARTING TO CORRODE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY PROBLEM. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 2003

“CONSUMER STATES THAT SON'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WAS KILLED. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 24, 1997 · crash

1996 Mazda B-Series Truck — common questions

Is the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 1996 model at #5 of 20 B-Series Truck years. It is one of the B-Series Truck years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 B-Series Truck problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (13 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Mazda B-Series Truck. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda B-Series Truck years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the B-Series Truck years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1998, 2000, 1996, 1997, 2001, 1995, 2004, 2005. The cleanest record among B-Series Truck years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.