VehicleVerdict

1992 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 95 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median MPV year — the 1992 model ranks #4 of 21 MPV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (23), brakes (19), and transmission (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

95

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted184 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 27 complaints1990: 55 complaints1991: 81 complaints1992: 95 complaints1993: 65 complaints1994: 41 complaints1995: 21 complaints1996: 21 complaints1997: 27 complaints1998: 26 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 184 complaints2001: 82 complaints2002: 143 complaints2003: 141 complaints2004: 84 complaints2005: 45 complaints2006: 16 complaints
MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2324%
Brakes1920%
Transmission1516%
Fuel System77%
Electrical System55%
Steering44%
Speed Control33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Body & Structure22%
Lighting22%
Other22%
Seat Belts22%
Seats22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Suspension11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1992 Mazda MPV have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V674000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

Consequence

If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MAZDA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPER ARM-IT QUIT DURING MY COMMUTE DURING A HARD RAIN. IT POSED A VERY REAL DANGER. REGARDING THE ENGINE: MAZDA KNOWS THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND IT HAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX...I NOW OWN A 2ND MPV ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME HLA PROBLEM WITH THIS SECOND VAN. NOW I KNOW IT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 1997

“APPROACHING INTERSECTION WENT TO SLOW DOWN/STOP VEHICLE. BRAKES FAILED, UPON PRESSING ON BRAKE THERE WAS NOTHING BUT AIR. PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. CAR SKREECHED A FEW TIMES. ENDED UP GOING THROUGH RED LIGHT CAUSING ACCIDENT & INJURY.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 15, 2002 · crash

“WHILE MOTOR WAS RUNNING WITH CONSUMER NOT IN VEHICLE, VEHICLE STARTED GOING BACKWARD, HIT 2 PARKED CARS, SPUN AROUND, WENT 100 YARDS, AND HIT A UTILITY POLE. AFTER CONSUMER TURNED OFF ENGINE, HE NOTICED VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, NOT IN PARK AS HE PUT IT. *AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 12, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LIGHT HAD COME ON, BUT GAS GAUGE SHOWED HALF A TANK, CONSUMER PULLED OVER, OPENED HOOD, AND RADIATOR RESERVOIR EXPLODED, AND HE RECEIVED BURNS. THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRIOR TO THAT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 13, 1999

“THE REPLACEMENT SEARS DIEHARD BATTERY, PURCHASED 3/94, HAD 6 MONTHS LEFT ON ITS WARRANTY. IT LITERALLY EXPLODED JUST AS I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE, WHERE SERVICE TECHNICIANS TESTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THE BATTERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 26, 1998

1992 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 1992 Mazda MPV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 95 complaints put the 1992 model at #4 of 21 MPV years. It is one of the MPV years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), brakes (19 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Mazda MPV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Mazda MPV under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda MPV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MPV years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2003, 1992, 2004, 2001, 1991, 1993, 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among MPV years belongs to 1988.

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.