VehicleVerdict

1994 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1994 Mazda MPV sits mid-pack among MPV years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (32% of the total).

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1332%
Engine1024%
Brakes615%
Transmission37%
Tires & Wheels37%
Speed Control25%
Lighting25%
Suspension12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 1994 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.

“I HAD A MVA ON 9/20/03. A VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND I COLLIDED WITH THEIR FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS DRIVING A MAZDA MPV 1994. MPV TOTALED. MPV FRONT END COLLAPSED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 20, 2003 · crash

“-ALMOST EVERY TIME WE START THE ENGINE, A VERY LOUD CLACKING NOISE PERSIST FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN AFTER THE VAN IS WARMED UP THE CLACKING SOUND SUBSIDES TO A MINIMAL NOISE LEVEL BUT IS NEVER THE LESS STILL APPARENT. AT FIRST " STARTS" IN THE MORNINGS IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING LOUDER. IT SOUNDS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WE NOTICED FOR NO APPARENT REASON LIGHTS WOULD COME,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BEFORE EXPECTED,EVEN WHEN REPLACED BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE.AFTER TALKING TO MANY PEOPLE,WE FOUND OUT THAT MPV VANS FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAVE THESE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 1999

“WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WE NOTICED FOR NO APPARENT REASON LIGHTS WOULD COME,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BEFORE EXPECTED,EVEN WHEN REPLACED BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE.AFTER TALKING TO MANY PEOPLE,WE FOUND OUT THAT MPV VANS FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAVE THESE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 3, 1999

“I SAW THIS 'SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT' REPORT ON CH. 2 IN LA, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY TIRES, THE TREADS ON THE TIRES CAME OFF THE TIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL MAKING A TURN AND MY VAN COULD OF TIPED OVER. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES AT MY COST. *AK( DOT NUMBER: HYMO316 TIRE SIZE:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 23, 2000

1994 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 1994 Mazda MPV reliable?

It is close to typical for the MPV: 41 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1994 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 Mazda MPV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.