1996 Mazda B-Series: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Like many others wipers were working intermittently only to stop working completely replaced switch to no avail. Have red its a problem with the general electric module with try replacing that next!”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2015
“Frame is cracked and has holes from rust. Spring shackles have holes from rust. Will not pass inspection without new frame or major frame repair. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2013
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mazda b4000. The contact noticed a gas leak while filling the vehicle with gas up to the filling neck. This leakage has occurred twice before. He has not taken the vehicle to the mechanic. The current and failure mileages were 145,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt: gas was leaking from the top of the tank. The consumer just bought the truck a week ago and the gas tank started leaking on may 5-16-05. The consumer took the truck to a mechanic on 5-16-05 and the mechanic told the consumer that the gas tank looked defective. This is to be fixed on friday may 20, 2005. The consumer is not driving the vehicle at this time. The mechanic said he would have to drop the tank and try and see if the whole tank would have to be replaced. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2005
“Consumer checked the brakes, and found that the brakes rotors on the 2 front wheels were cracked. He took vehicle to the dealer, but wanted to know if there were any recalls on them.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jun 2004
“Metal brake line failed in engine compartment leading to a complete loss of all brake fluid and braking. One brake line corroded through, another line was severely corroded, and the 3rd line is just starting to corrode. There was no warning of any problem. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2003
“Cruise control came on without turning it on and would not turn off. I pulled to the side of the road and disabled it under the hood. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2002
“While driving along slowly, the steering wheel began to shake & vibrate uncontrollably. I pulled into the median attempting to get out of traffic & then discovered steering was slow & lethargic. While attempting to pull out of traffic & into a parking lot, I heard a loud "pop." I got out of the car & discovered the tie rod separated entirely from the right front wheel & slashed the inner tire wheel (resulting in the flat).*ak (tiresize: p22570r14)”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2001
“Was driving 60mph when cruise control came on.cruise control could not be released after hitting brakes or accelerator pedal. Had to shift into neutral, and then shut vehicle down. Once restarted, cruise control was not activated.*akconsumer states this has happened on two occasions, the exact same thing happens at each failure. *slc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2001
“Consumers tires failed prior to recall notice, consumer requested reimbursement for replaced tires, consumer is not satisfied with the amount of time it is taking to get money back (7 weeks). Nlm”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
MAZDA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1997 AND MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) AND/OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND MANUFACTURED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 5, 2002. A COMPONENT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME AND DEVELOP A LEAK. THIS OCCURRENCE COULD CAUSE THE SWITCH TO OVERHEAT, SMOKE OR BURN WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A UNIVERSAL FUSED JUMPER HARNESS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500 OPTION #6.
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
How other years compare
Check your exact B-Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Mazda B-Series reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mazda B-Series. The most complained-about area is visibility (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mazda B-Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 140,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mazda B-Series have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control:cruise control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.