2002 Mazda Mpv problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:automatic Transmission (53) · Power Train (7) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System (7)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Mpv model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
92 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (130)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-20 · SA-055-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
product quality information (pqi) description service information mt-041/12 is no longer valid. it has been unpublished and superseded by the field quality information report (fqir) reporting system.
Visibility/Wiper 2026-07-29 · 09-022-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 description some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-21 · SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued sa listed below: the changes are noted in red. sa-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 description mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. mazda recommends dealers follow the sch
Unknown Or Other 2025-12-10 · 07-004-25a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
a musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (a/c) system is operating. it is most noticeable when the a/c is first turned on. this odor is the result of mold growth in the a/c evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling
Unknown Or Other 2025-04-25 · 07-004-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
a musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (a/c) system is operating. it is most noticeable when the a/c is first turned on. this odor is the result of mold growth in the a/c evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling
Unknown Or Other 2024-08-08 · 09-038-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
in accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. note: tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by federal, and state laws. it is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with federal, state, and local laws concerning odometer
Showing the 6 most recent of 130 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2015-04-28 · Engine · 70,000 mi“tl* 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. th…”
2014-05-20 · Seat Belts · 140,000 mi“the drivers seatbelt clasp or buckle refuses to accept the steel tab, and will not lock. *tr…”
2014-04-18 · Engine · 122,000 mi“tl* 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. …”
2014-04-16 · Vehicle Speed Control · 150,000 mi“tl* 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 150,00…”
2014-01-16 · Power Train · 49,079 mi“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. *tr…”
2013-08-19 · Air Bags“2002 mazda mpv. consumer writes in regards to vehicle air bag light being on. *smd the consumer was informed his vehicle identification number, was not included in the recall. …”
2012-08-23 · Power Train · 87,600 mi“driving on highway with my family when my mpv wouldn't shift so i could pass a truck. then it started to lose speed. would depress gas pedal and the engine would rev but no speed. had to pull over to breakdown lane which became a very dangerous situation. we are lucky we didn't cause an accident. mpv would not work in drive, reverse, 3 or 2 gea…”
2012-05-24 · Air Bags · 172,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. while traveling 45 mph the vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle. none of the airbags deployed. there were no injuries reported. the vehicle was not inspected for the air bag failure or repaired. the current and failure mileages were 172,000. updated 07/06/12 *bf …”
2012-03-16 · Power Train · 120,000 mi“transmission failed in 2008, had it replaced and it failed again in two weeks. van drove fine until summer 2011, when i noticed transmission problems again. took the van to a dealership to have it fixed again, but was told there was nothing wrong with it. finally, on 14 march 2012, the transmission stopped pulling and will not engage past 2nd ge…”
2012-03-13 · Vehicle Speed Control · 169,000 mi“was driving down the street with cruise control on and set. coming up to red light. hit cancel on cruise lever and it did not disengage. the turned it off with the button. light went off but was still engaged. i also was applying the brakes in a panic.....still not disengaging. put car in neutral.....engine rpms went to redline...i then turne…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.