VehicleVerdict

2003 Mazda MPV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 141 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median MPV year — the 2003 model ranks #3 of 21 MPV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (35), engine (29), and electrical system (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

141

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other MPV years?

MPV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MPV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mazda MPV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3525%
Engine2921%
Electrical System1712%
Airbags107%
Speed Control96%
Body & Structure86%
Other86%
Brakes75%
Tires & Wheels54%
Seat Belts32%
Steering32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Suspension21%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have recalls?

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

04V282000OtherJune 10, 2004 · 20,000 units

Defect

THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT. THE LABELS SHOW THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE AS 240 KPA/32 PSI WHEN IT SHOULD BE SHOWN AS 240 KPA/35 PSI. AS A RESULT OF THIS ERROR, THE LOAD RATIOS FOR THE 205/65R15 94H AND THE 215/60R16 95H TIRES EXCEED THE LEVELS PERMITTED BY FMVSS 120.

Consequence

IF THE TIRE IS OPERATED IN AN UNDER-INFLATED CONDITION, THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL THAT THEY CAN APPLY TO THEIR VEHICLE, OR THEY CAN HAVE A DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL, IF DESIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

04V109000OtherMarch 9, 2004 · 350 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AIR BAG WARNING LABELS INTENDED FOR THE CANADIAN MARKET. THUS, THE LABELS CONTAIN WARNINGS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH. AS A RESULT, THE AREA OF THE ENGLISH WARNING IS ONLY 16 SQUARE CENTIMETERS, AS OPPOSED TO THE 30 SQUARE CENTIMETERS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AIR BAG CAUTION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WHICH WERE MAILED ON JULY 22, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2003 MAZDA MPV - TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY ROUGH FROM 2ND TO 3RD. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE. DEALER SAYS THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED AND FIXED UNLESS IT CAN BE DUPLICATED IN THE REPAIR SHOP. *LA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 25, 2003 · crash · fire

“THERE IS A SULFUR SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, DEALER SAID ITS THE ETHANOL GAS THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS SEASONAL; DEALER SAID TO TRY OTHER GAS; DEALER HAS SAID THEY HAVE RECEIVED OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME SMELL AND THAT AT LEAST ONE (PREGNANT)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 16, 2003

“BROWSING THE COMPLAINTS 2002 - 2006 FOR THE MAZDA MPV, I THINK YOU WILL FIND MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE IGNITION COILS. I HAVE A 2003 MPV AND HAD 3 COILS AND ALL 6 PLUGS REPLACED IN THE SPRING AT A COST OF $700. I NOW HAVE ONE OR MORE COILS FAILING AGAIN AND AM FACED WITH A SIMILAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 25, 2007

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH BRICK BUILDING . AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED, ALSO HAS PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCKING AND UNLOCKING FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 1, 2004 · crash

“2003 MAZDA MPV BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE WHILE ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY. EVEN THOUGH APPLYING BRAKES AT FULL FORCE, MY VEHICLE CRASHED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. WHILE TRYING TO PUT GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, I ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE AGAIN ACCELERATED, THE WHOLE WHILE I HAD BOTH FEET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 8, 2006 · crash

2003 Mazda MPV — common questions

Is the 2003 Mazda MPV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 141 complaints put the 2003 model at #3 of 21 MPV years. It is one of the MPV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 MPV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (35 complaints), engine (29 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.