2002 Mazda MPV: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker MPV years.
125 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 MPV?The 2002 Mazda MPV has 125 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Mazda MPV vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other MPV years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the MPV?
Across the 11 MPV model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (1999) to 155 (2000). With 125 complaints, the 2002 MPV sits above the model's median of 42.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 MPV
vehicle speed control:cables
Campaign 04V234000ON 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).
exterior lighting:fog lights
Campaign 03V206000ON 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 02V078000CERTAIN 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.
exterior lighting:fog lights
Campaign 03V053000ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the vehicle's age and maintenance history.
Owner insights cover all generations of the MPV. See the full MPV owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used MPV listings typically run $3,950–$6,995 across 1989 to 2006 model years.
Other MPV model years
Compare every MPV year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
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