2002 Mazda MPV recalls and problems

The 2002 Mazda MPV has 4 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
124
Crashes / fires
4 / 5
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mazda MPV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mazda MPV recalls

Recall 04V-234: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported May 19, 2004 · 10,200 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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).

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-206: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jun 5, 2003 · 64,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-053: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 13, 2003 · 5,400 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: On certain mini vans equipped with front fog lights,the fog light bulb socket may have been installed improperly.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 02V-078: Equipment

Reported Mar 20, 2002 · 14,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 Mazda MPV problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train66
Engine and Engine Cooling25
Electrical System9
Vehicle Speed Control5
Structure4
Air Bags4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Exterior Lighting3
Equipment3
Seats3
Tires3
Seat Belts3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 53
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 7
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Fog Lights — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,900 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mazda MPV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 70,000 miles · reported Apr 28, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle would also not accelerate properly and shook while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine coil pack failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine · at 122,000 miles · reported Apr 18, 2014
The contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 150,000 miles · reported Apr 16, 2014
The contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the actuator cable needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 04v234000 (Vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Power Train · at 49,079 miles · reported Jan 16, 2014
Transmission failed, completely disengaged. No warning. Had to be towed. Required a $2500.00 complete overhaul. Very low miles on this vehicle, always properly maintained.
Air Bags · reported Aug 19, 2013
2002 mazda mpv. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle air bag light being on. The consumer was informed his vehicle identification number, was not included in the recall.

Other Mazda MPV years

Compare all Mazda MPV years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mazda MPV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Mazda MPV: 04V-234 (vehicle speed control), 03V-206 (exterior lighting), 03V-053 (exterior lighting), 02V-078 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda MPV?

Owners report power train problems most often (66 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,900 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.