VehicleVerdict

2001 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 82 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median MPV year — the 2001 model ranks #6 of 21 MPV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (15), airbags (11), and transmission (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

82

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1518%
Airbags1113%
Transmission1012%
Electrical System1012%
Speed Control79%
Body & Structure67%
Brakes56%
Other45%
Tires & Wheels34%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts22%
Latches & Locks22%
Lighting22%
Seats11%
Fuel System11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2001 Mazda MPV have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V234000Speed ControlMay 19, 2004 · 10,200 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH (GROUP 1). ALSO INCLUDED ARE CERTAIN 2000-2001 MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 31, 1999 AND MARCH 31, 2001, THAT HAVE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL REPAIRED AND POSSIBLY HAD A DEFECTIVE CABLE INSTALLED DURING THAT REPAIR (GROUP 2).

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BROKEN ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE OUT OF POSITION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, PREVENTING A DECREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 1 BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2004. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

02V196001AirbagsAugust 5, 2002 · 25 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES WERE NOT PROPERLY WELDED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION.

Consequence

THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

01V382000BrakesDecember 17, 2001 · 19,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN MINI VANS WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE BRAKE PIPE LAYOUT, THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE WITH PARTIAL FAILURE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence

IF PARTIAL FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM, THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE BRAKE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS REPLACED TWICE WITHIN 1 YEAR. COMSUMER MAINTAINED THAT DEALER WAS NOT DOING WHAT WAS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP ASKED CONSUMER TO RETURN THE RENTAL CAR ALTHOUGH THE CATALYTIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“IWAS INVOLVED IN A RATHER SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN WHICH I COLLIDED WITH A BUICK CENTURY THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. I WAS TRAVELING 30-35 AND MY FRONT END COLLIDED WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE OTHER CAR. THE BUICK WAS TOTALLED. MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED IN THE FRONT. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ACCORDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 6, 2001 · crash

“MY 2001 MAZDA MPV MINIVAN BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD AND QUICK BETWEEN GEARS. HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAINED AT 45K MILES. THE VAN HAS 74K RIGHT NOW AND I FEEL MAZDA'S DESIGN OF THIS TRANSMISSION IS THE CULPRIT AND NOT MYSELF WHO TAKES GOOD CARE OF VEHICLE AND HAVE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. WOULD LIKE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 24, 2006

“BURRING SMELL CAME FROM ENGINE SINCE LAST MAINTAINCE PERFORMED TO RESOLVE RECALL. ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED AND HAD TO BE JUMPED TO START - THIS HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES AND WAS TAKEN IN. THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE AT FAULT, BUT IT IS ONLY DAYS OUT OF WARRENTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 18, 2005 · fire

“WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP IDLE NEEDLE GOES UP TO 3 RPMS, AND THEN DROPS TO 1 RPM. THERE WOULD BE A LOUD METAL TO METAL CLINKING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE HAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT MOTOR VALVES WERE BAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 1, 2001

2001 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 2001 Mazda MPV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 2001 model at #6 of 21 MPV years. It is one of the MPV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), airbags (11 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).

Does the 2001 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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.