VehicleVerdict

2002 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 143 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median MPV year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 21 MPV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 46% of all reports (66 of 143), far ahead of engine at 27.

143

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6646%
Engine2719%
Electrical System118%
Speed Control53%
Tires & Wheels43%
Body & Structure43%
Airbags43%
Seat Belts32%
Brakes32%
Fuel System32%
Lighting32%
Other32%
Seats32%
Suspension11%
Steering11%
Latches & Locks11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2002 Mazda MPV have recalls?

4 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.

03V206000LightingJune 5, 2003 · 64,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. 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.

03V053000LightingFebruary 13, 2003 · 5,400 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE USED WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT HOUSING IF EXPOSED TO SHOCK AND/OR VIBRATION AND DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT MAY THEN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INSTALLATION CONDITION OF THE FOG LIGHT BULB ASSEMBLY, AND REPAIR IT WHEN NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. 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.

02V078000OtherMarch 20, 2002 · 14,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." AN INCORRECT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) WAS INDICATED ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED ACCURATE CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSERTS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 12, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 4, 2009

“2000-2003 MAZDA MPV MODELS HAVE A COOLANT SEEPAGE FROM REAR HEATER PIPE WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE FAILURE AND TRAFFIC HAZARD DUE TO NON-DRIVABLE VEHICLE. MAZDA MPV 2002 WAS FOUND TO HAVE A COOLANT LEAK IN REAR HEATER PIPES AND WAS TAKEN TO MAZDA REPAIR CENTER. MAZDA ADVISED A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 18, 2008 · crash

“ENGINE WAS HESITATING DURING ACCELERATION CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. PROBLEM GOT WORSE AS ENGINE HEATED UP. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A BAD COIL BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHICH OF THE 6 COILS WERE FAULTING. DEALER FINALLY GAVE IN AND REPLACED THEM FOR NO CHARGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2005

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MAZDA MPV VAN WHICH IS 2002 MODEL. SHE WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH AND TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHEN SHE SAW ANOTHER CAR APPROACHING THE ROAD; THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND SHE STARTED HEARING SOME HEAVY SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE. THE VAN CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND SHE HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 28, 2010 · crash

“WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER'S STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH TOUCHED THE THREE PRONGS THAT PROTRUDED FROM THE DOOR OPENING AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUTOMATIC SIDE DOORS CLOSE. CONSUMER WAS ELECTROCUTED AND LATER REALIZED HER WRIST HAD BURNED. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT A SMALL CHILD WITH METAL IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 25, 2002

2002 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 2002 Mazda MPV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 143 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 21 MPV years. It is one of the MPV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (66 complaints), engine (27 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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.