2003 Mazda MPV: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker MPV years.
114 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 MPV?The 2003 Mazda MPV has 114 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 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Mazda MPV vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other MPV years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the MPV?
Across the 11 MPV model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (1999) to 155 (2000). With 114 complaints, the 2003 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 2003 MPV
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 04V109000CERTAIN 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.
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 04V282000THE 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.
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 2003 ranks against the rest.
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