2006 Mazda MPV: common problems and reliability

The 2006 Mazda MPV has 12 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failures — includes torque converter failure (causing shuddering, stalling when put in gear), torque converter clutch solenoid circuit faults (p0740), and general "bad" transmissions requiring replacement. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2006 model year

12
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Mazda MPV vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
2
engine
2
vehicle speed control
2
electronic stability control (esc)
1
exterior lighting
1

Recalls affecting the 2006 MPV

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V404000

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, M…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V402000

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Californ…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the vehicle's age and maintenance history. For older, high-mileage examples (typically pre-2006 models), the feedback is dominated by recurrent mechanical and electrical issues, leading to significant reliability con

  • Automatic transmission failures — includes torque converter failure (causing shuddering, stalling when put in gear), torque converter clutch solenoid circuit faults (P0740), and general "bad" transmissions requiring replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Cooling system problems — radiator leaks, thermostat failures (codes P0126, P0128), and sudden coolant loss leading to overheating, sometimes linked to recent repair work. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine sensor and control faults — includes knock sensor failure (P0327), VTCS/IMRC valve faults (P1512), rough idle/misfires (P0300, P0302), and high idle issues potentially linked to IAC valve or vacuum leaks. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical gremlins and stalling — vehicle suddenly shutting off while driving (everything cuts out) but restarting normally afterward; flickering dash/cab lights; faulty window regulators; broken rear wiper. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption and leaks — significant oil consumption (e.g., 5L over 4500 km) with no visible smoke or leaks; various oil leak points including valve cover gaskets. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the MPV.

Typical used price

Used MPV listings typically run $3,500–$5,398 across 1989 to 2006 model years.

Other MPV model years

2003 MPV2002 MPV1996 MPV
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