VehicleVerdict

1997 Mazda B-Series Truck problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median B-Series Truck year — the 1997 model ranks #6 of 20 B-Series Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (13), transmission (9), and suspension (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other B-Series Truck years?

B-Series Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all B-Series Truck years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1320%
Transmission914%
Suspension711%
Engine711%
Visibility & Wipers58%
Lighting58%
Seats35%
Brakes35%
Electrical System35%
Steering23%
Airbags23%
Seat Belts23%
Body & Structure12%
Speed Control12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1997 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.

“THIS SIZE TIRE IS NOT UNDER RECALL BUT SHOULD BE. THESE TIRES ARE SHOWING TREAD SEPARATION NOW. FIRESTONE DEALERS HAVE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD BE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF MY TIRES BUT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME BECAUSE THEY DO NOT QUALIFY FOR REPLACEMENT.( DOT NUMBER: W29V1PK336…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 8, 2000

“WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LINES GEAR SHIFT KNOB CAME OFF, CAUSING DRIVER TO BECOME DESTRUCTIVE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO HIT A CURVE. CONSUMER NOTED SCREW WAS MISSING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

“A LOUD NOISE OCCURS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BECOMES LOUDER AS THE VEHICLE HEATS UP. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCESSIVE FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATION WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO WEAR UNEVENLY, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL FACILITIES TO BE REPAIRED BUT HE PROBLEM STILL EXIST, THE VEHICLE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 21, 1998

“DOME LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. WITH THE DOME LIGHT ON AT NIGHT, DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO SEE OUTSIDE OF THE CAB. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BEGINNING IN APRIL OF 1998. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED 4 TIMES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALER HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. *AK WIPERS GO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 1, 1999 · crash

1997 Mazda B-Series Truck — common questions

Is the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 1997 model at #6 of 20 B-Series Truck years. It is one of the B-Series Truck years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 B-Series Truck problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (13 complaints), transmission (9 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.