VehicleVerdict

1998 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 1998 Mazda MPV — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags727%
Electrical System312%
Fuel System28%
Other28%
Brakes28%
Suspension28%
Steering28%
Engine28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Seat Belts14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Transmission14%

Does the 1998 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.

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE, CAUSING A REAR-END COLLISION. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. VEHICLE BEHIND ME NOTED REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ON. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 16, 1999 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA MVP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE IGNITION BEGAN TO SMOKE. NO FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FLAMES. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 14, 2008 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 MAZDA MVP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 14, 2015 · fire

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE, CAUSING A REAR-END COLLISION. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. VEHICLE BEHIND ME NOTED REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ON. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 16, 1999 · crash

1998 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 1998 Mazda MPV reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.