VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 65 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median MPV year — the 1993 model ranks #8 of 21 MPV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (28% of the total).

65

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1828%
Engine1422%
Airbags812%
Electrical System711%
Brakes69%
Fuel System23%
Steering23%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Other12%
Seat Belts12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1993 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.

“MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WE WANT THE" RECALL". WE DON'T WANT ANYBODY GETTING HURT. THIS MINI-VAN HAS JUST A LIITLE BIT OVER 50,000 MILES. WE COULDN'T BELIEVE ALL THE FAILURES HAPPENED IN THE SAME TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 10, 1998

“MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WE WANT THE" RECALL". WE DON'T WANT ANYBODY GETTING HURT. THIS MINI-VAN HAS JUST A LIITLE BIT OVER 50,000 MILES. WE COULDN'T BELIEVE ALL THE FAILURES HAPPENED IN THE SAME TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 1998

“CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A DEER. THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED VERY SUDDENLY AND THERE WAS NOT TIME TO EVEN APPLY BRAKES. AS WELL, THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 12, 2002 · crash

“I COULD NOT RECOGNIZE ANY PRIOR SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN POSSIBLY RELATING TO AN ENGINE KNOCK WHEN THE WIRE GETS VERY HOT BEFORE IGNITION SWITCH SOCKET HAS REPEATEDLY MELTED SINCE THAN. I HAVE TORN OPEN AND INSPECTED EACH INDIVIDUAL WIRE IN THE MAIN HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENTIRE DASH AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 14, 2004 · fire

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. IN ADDITION, ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP PRIOR TO RECALL/SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH PRIOR TO RECALL/BROKEN REAR AXLE SEAL. 92V-013000 & 95V-103000. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 2, 1997

1993 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda MPV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 65 complaints put the 1993 model at #8 of 21 MPV years. It is one of the MPV years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), engine (14 complaints), airbags (8 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Mazda MPV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Mazda MPV under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.