NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 114 owner complaints for the 2003 Mazda MPV. Most complaints involve power train (35) and engine and engine cooling (23). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“2003 MAZDA MPV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP AND VEHICLE COMPANY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE DID NOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION, DUE TO A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, DESPITE SPENDING OVER $3,000 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.”
“EVERY TIME THIS MAZDA MPV GETS A LITTLE WET IT WILL NOT GO OVER 40 MPH. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO RETURN PHONE CALL OR EMAIL. THE COILS ALLOW MOISTURE TO GET IN WHICH WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO THINK IT IS OVERHEATING AND WILL NOT GO NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED IN JACKSONVILLE DURING RUSH HOUR AND BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY COIL THAT THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR, IS BEYOND FRUSTRATING. I HAVE KIDS THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE VEHICLE OTHER TIMES WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND WE HAD TO SIT IN THE VAN OR GO TO GAS STATIONS AND WAIT UNTIL IT WAS SOMEWHAT DERIVABLE AGAIN. I HAVE READ FORUM AFTER FORUM AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR MPV, RANGING FROM 1993-2006 MODELS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPV Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 114 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (35), engine and engine cooling (23), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Mazda MPV at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).