Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mazda MPV, the most recent reported on June 10, 2004 (Equipment: other, labels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda MPV?

Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (35 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (23).

How many 2003 Mazda MPV complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 113 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 18 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mazda MPV recalls and problems

4 recalls and 113 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mazda MPV.

recalls

113

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mazda MPV recalls

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 04V282000 · reported June 10, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 20,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 04V109000 · reported March 9, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 350 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: fog lights

NHTSA campaign 03V206000 · reported June 5, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 64,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 03V053000 · reported February 13, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 5,400 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain mini vans equipped with front fog lights,the fog light bulb socket may have been installed improperly.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train35
Engine and engine cooling23
Electrical system16
Air bags10
Vehicle speed control9
Structure8
Service brakes, hydraulic5
Unknown or other5
Engine4
Seat belts3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 31, 2019 · Power train · 115,000 miles
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.

Sep 14, 2018 · Service brakes · 168,183 miles
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE VANCE WHO IS THE AUTO MANAGER AT SEARS AUTO IN SALEM, OREGON AT 955 LANCASTER DRIVE NE SALEM, OREGON 97301. I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES IN JUNE 2018 AND PURCHASED A ROAD HAZARD PLUS WARRANTY. IN BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT I AM REPORTING TO YOU; I REPORTED VANCE FOR BEING VERY UNPROFESSIONAL TO ME IN THE…

Jul 10, 2018 · Engine · 146,930 miles
IT STALLS WITH NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS

Jan 31, 2018 · Visibility/wiper · 17,500 miles
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.

Aug 16, 2017 · Air bags · 81,000 miles
TL* 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…

MPV model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	149	12	3
2001	3	70	10	2
2002	4	124	4	5
2003	4	113	12	2
2004	5	71	2	1
2005	3	36	5	0
2006	2	12	2	0

Across all years, the 2000 MPV has the most complaints (149). All Mazda MPV years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mazda MPV, the most recent reported on June 10, 2004 (Equipment: other, labels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda MPV?: Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (35 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (23).
How many 2003 Mazda MPV complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 113 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 18 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 31, 2019.