What is the 2000-2007 Mazda MPV Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure?

Automatic transmission develops torque converter shudder and eventual internal failure. Shifts become harsh and delayed. Common on 2000+ models with the 5-speed auto. Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1989-1998 Mazda MPV Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674)?

Mazda recalled 1989-1998 MPV minivans because the grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch can become electrically conductive over time. Once that happens, current can pass where it should not, and the switch can overheat. NHTSA campaign 15V674000 covers ro… Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting?

The second-generation MPV's 5-speed automatic transmission (shared with Ford) develops slipping, harsh shifts, and delayed engagement between 80,000-120,000 miles. The torque converter lock-up clutch wears, and the valve body solenoids stick. The transmission fluid often shows si… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2007 Mazda MPV Power Sliding Door Malfunction?

Power sliding door motor, cable, or latch mechanism fails. Door may not open, not close completely, or reverse direction randomly. Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-2006 Mazda MPV Alternator Premature Failure?

Alternator fails prematurely due to heat exposure from exhaust proximity. Battery drains and warning lights come on. Can strand vehicle if battery goes flat. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Rear Coil Spring Corrosion and Fracture?

The MPV's rear coil springs corrode and fracture in rust-belt states, typically breaking at the bottom coil. A broken spring causes the rear of the vehicle to sag on one side and can puncture a tire if the broken end shifts. The springs lose their protective coating from road sal… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Mazda MPV Timing Chain Cover and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks on the 3.0L AJ-DE V6?

The 3.0L AJ-DE V6 used in 2002-2006 MPVs (Mazda's version of the Ford Duratec 30) develops chronic external oil leaks as the RTV and gaskets age. The two dominant sources are the timing chain cover, where the sealant between the cover, block and heads gives up, and the valve cove… Repairs typically run $200-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Pre-Catalyst Failure Sets P0420/P0421 and Can Ingest Substrate Into the Engine?

Second-generation MPVs carry three catalytic converters: a main converter plus two close-coupled 'pre-cats' bolted right at the exhaust manifolds, one on the radiator side and one on the firewall side. Sitting that close to the ports, the pre-cat substrates run extremely hot and… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: medium.

Mazda · Known Issues

1989-2007 Mazda MPV Problems: 15 Known Issues

1989-2007 model years · 480+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 480+ owner reports, the 1989-2007 Mazda MPV has 15 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure ($300-$3,000 repair), Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674), Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting ($200-$3,500 repair), Mismatched Fuel Injectors and Lower Intake Manifold Cause Fuel Leak and Under-Hood Fire (Recall 99V171) ($0-$0 repair), Non-ABS Brake Pipe Layout Fails Partial-Failure Stopping Distance Standard (Recall 01V382) ($0-$0 repair), Rear Door Latch Linkage Jams With Dust, Child Lock Fails to Latch Door (Recall 99V191) ($0-$0 repair), Front Fog Lamp Socket Separates Inside the Bumper and Can Start a Fire (Recalls 03V053, 03V206) ($0-$0 repair), Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Can Rupture (Recalls 18V402, 18V404, 19V781 - Do Not Drive).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda MPV problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 480+ owner reports, the 1989-2007 Mazda MPV has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure, Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674), Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting. Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mazda MPV reliable?

The 1989-2007 Mazda MPV has 15 known issues documented across 480+ owner reports. 10 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure and Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674) and Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting and Mismatched Fuel Injectors and Lower Intake Manifold Cause Fuel Leak and Under-Hood Fire (Recall 99V171) and Non-ABS Brake Pipe Layout Fails Partial-Failure Stopping Distance Standard (Recall 01V382) and Rear Door Latch Linkage Jams With Dust, Child Lock Fails to Latch Door (Recall 99V191) and Front Fog Lamp Socket Separates Inside the Bumper and Can Start a Fire (Recalls 03V053, 03V206) and Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Can Rupture (Recalls 18V402, 18V404, 19V781 - Do Not Drive) and Rear Heater Coolant Pipes Rust Through and Dump Coolant (Underbody Steel Lines) and Cooling Fan Control Module Fails, Fans Run Constantly or Not at All (Overheating). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda MPV problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda MPV issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure, typically costs $300-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Mazda MPV is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Mazda MPV. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1989-2007 Mazda MPV with 15 documented issues documented across 480+ owner reports.

All 15 Known Issues

Other Mazda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda MPV problems?

Is the Mazda MPV reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda MPV problems?

What year Mazda MPV is the most reliable?

Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure#

Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting#

Rear Door Latch Linkage Jams With Dust, Child Lock Fails to Latch Door (Recall 99V191)#

Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Can Rupture (Recalls 18V402, 18V404, 19V781 - Do Not Drive)#

Rear Heater Coolant Pipes Rust Through and Dump Coolant (Underbody Steel Lines)#

Cooling Fan Control Module Fails, Fans Run Constantly or Not at All (Overheating)#

Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674)#

Alternator Premature Failure#

Mismatched Fuel Injectors and Lower Intake Manifold Cause Fuel Leak and Under-Hood Fire (Recall 99V171)#

Non-ABS Brake Pipe Layout Fails Partial-Failure Stopping Distance Standard (Recall 01V382)#

Front Fog Lamp Socket Separates Inside the Bumper and Can Start a Fire (Recalls 03V053, 03V206)#

Power Sliding Door Malfunction#

Rear Coil Spring Corrosion and Fracture#

Timing Chain Cover and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks on the 3.0L AJ-DE V6#

Pre-Catalyst Failure Sets P0420/P0421 and Can Ingest Substrate Into the Engine#

What is the 2000-2007 Mazda MPV Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure?

What is the 1989-1998 Mazda MPV Ignition Switch Grease Can Turn Conductive and Overheat (Recall 15V674)?

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Automatic Transmission Slipping and Harsh Shifting?

What is the 1999 Mazda MPV Mismatched Fuel Injectors and Lower Intake Manifold Cause Fuel Leak and Under-Hood Fire (Recall 99V171)?

What is the 2000-2001 Mazda MPV Non-ABS Brake Pipe Layout Fails Partial-Failure Stopping Distance Standard (Recall 01V382)?

What is the 1999-2000 Mazda MPV Rear Door Latch Linkage Jams With Dust, Child Lock Fails to Latch Door (Recall 99V191)?

What is the 2001-2003 Mazda MPV Front Fog Lamp Socket Separates Inside the Bumper and Can Start a Fire (Recalls 03V053, 03V206)?

What is the 2004-2006 Mazda MPV Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Can Rupture (Recalls 18V402, 18V404, 19V781 - Do Not Drive)?

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Rear Heater Coolant Pipes Rust Through and Dump Coolant (Underbody Steel Lines)?

What is the 2002-2006 Mazda MPV Cooling Fan Control Module Fails, Fans Run Constantly or Not at All (Overheating)?

What is the 2000-2007 Mazda MPV Power Sliding Door Malfunction?

What is the 1990-2006 Mazda MPV Alternator Premature Failure?

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Rear Coil Spring Corrosion and Fracture?

What is the 2002-2006 Mazda MPV Timing Chain Cover and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks on the 3.0L AJ-DE V6?

What is the 2000-2006 Mazda MPV Pre-Catalyst Failure Sets P0420/P0421 and Can Ingest Substrate Into the Engine?