2002 Mazda MPV Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other MPV years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 12 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Mazda MPV. That ranks 2nd out of 12 MPV model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (66 complaints, 53%), typically at around 66,000 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 124owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 4complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2002 Mazda MPV problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train problems | 66 | 53% | 66,000 | “transmission failed” (27%) | $4,950 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 23 | 19% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 9 | 7% | 63,011 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 4% | 150,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3% | 121,400 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 3% | 49,500 | — | — |
| Equipment | 3 | 2% | 11,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2% | 73,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | 91,500 | — | — |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | 54,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2% | 41,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 3 | 2% | 23,050 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 2% | 96,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2% | 85,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 2% | 12,637 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1% | 55 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1% | 19,110 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | 13,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2002 Mazda MPV recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Vehicle speed control:cables
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.
Exterior lighting:fog lights
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.
Exterior lighting:fog lights
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.
Equipment:other:labels
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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
The drivers seatbelt clasp or buckle refuses to accept the steel tab, and will not lock. *tr
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.
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…
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
Other Mazda MPV years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 MPV | 12 | 2 |
| 2005 MPV | 36 | 3 |
| 2004 MPV | 71 | 5 |
| 2003 MPV | 113 | 4 |
| 2002 | 124 | 4 |
| 2001 MPV | 70 | 3 |
| 2000 MPV | 149 | 5 |
| 1999 MPV | 2 | 0 |
| 1998 MPV | 19 | 1 |
| 1997 MPV | 22 | 1 |
| 1996 MPV | 18 | 1 |
| 1995 MPV | 19 | 1 |
See all Mazda MPV problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.
Similar Mazda models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda MPV?
Owners most often report power train, engine and engine cooling, electrical system problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 66 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Mazda MPV?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2002 Mazda MPV a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MPV model years, the 2002 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.