2003 Mazda MPV recalls and problems

The 2003 Mazda MPV has 4 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
113
Crashes / fires
12 / 2
Injuries / deaths
18 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mazda MPV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mazda MPV recalls

Recall 04V-282: Equipment

Reported Jun 10, 2004 · 20,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-109: Equipment

Reported Mar 9, 2004 · 350 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

2003 Mazda MPV problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train35
Engine and Engine Cooling25
Electrical System16
Air Bags10
Vehicle Speed Control9
Structure8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Unknown or Other5
Engine4
Seat Belts3
Steering3
Tires3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 31
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
  • Structure › Body › Door — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,673 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 2003 Mazda MPV complaints

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

Power Train · at 115,000 miles · reported Jan 31, 2019
My 2003 mazda mpv has a horrible transmission shifting problem. Took it to dealer and they said it's the transmission control module. They charged me 1,500 dollars to install new and and reflash it and the transmission still doesn't shift properly.
Visibility/Wiper · at 17,500 miles · reported Jan 31, 2018
Both sunvisors mirror housings drops hanging from the cables every time you lower the sunvisors. It happens stationary and in motion. Can't virtually use sunvisors.
Air Bags · at 81,000 miles · reported Aug 16, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that 48 hours after purchasing the vehicle from honda of winter haven in winter haven, florida, the passenger side air bag deployed when the key was inserted into the ignition. The front passenger's right arm and lung were bruised and was taken to the hospital by the driver. The passenger was treated and released. The police was contacted, but a report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
Air Bags · reported Aug 14, 2017
Takata recall it say sr on the seat.... This is what happens, my wife and I work for a satellite company as installers. Sat at 4:30pm we arrive at customer house to perform the installation. .. Turn the car off I take the keys as normal.greet the customer and did a site surver 5 min.. Pass and we decided to go back to the car to do paper work and turn AC on.... Well my wife got on th passenger side and I in the driver side we close the door and I present the key to turn on car.. The passenger side air bag on the seat deploye and injure my wife on her arms and back rib cage neck bones breathing…
Air Bags · at 147,950 miles · reported Sep 30, 2016
Car was stationary and in park. Upon turning key in ignition, the passenger side air bag deployed. Mazda service agent could find no mechanical cause. It is not normal wear and tear. Resulting airbags cannot be turned on, leaving us with a vehicle with no airbag protection. Mazda declined our request to replace the faulty airbag system, and only offered us a 500 credit toward the purchase of another vehicle. This offer does not equal the book value of the car, and certainly the real value of a paid for reliable vehicle in great condition.

Other Mazda MPV years

Compare all Mazda MPV years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mazda MPV: 04V-282 (equipment), 04V-109 (equipment), 03V-206 (exterior lighting), 03V-053 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mazda MPV?

Owners report power train problems most often (35 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,673 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.