1997 Mazda B-Series: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is tires (25% 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 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“At inspection station meyer & sons, 62 sheffield road, egremont, ma 01258: directional lights check; bumpers/fenders check both failed; there is a crack in the driver side rear tail light dome, which does not affect the operation of any lights. There is a large rust spot in the driver side rear wheel well. We do not believe a cracked light globe and rust holes should fail the truck inspection!!!”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mazda b-series 4000. While driving at any speed, the clutch failed to operate when attempting to change gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a fractured steel casting located under the steering wheel and behind the clutch and brake pedals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
“Upon filling mazda 1997 b-2300 truck with gas noticed a stream of fuel leaking under the gas tank inches away from exhaust. This is a very serious fire hazard and want to know what can be done. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“The driver's seat back in my mazda pickup truck unexpectedly released falling backwards while driving. Fortunately I was going slowly in a parking lot at the time and there was no loss of control. I found the large torx-head screws that anchor the seat back to the reclining frame had sheared off.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2006
“1997 mazda pickup caught fire while parked. *bf the consumer was informed the fire may have been a result of sticking contacts in the electrical system. Updated 08/28/07. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2005
“Vehicle was pulling to the right while driving 25 mph, and then the vehicle stopped while in motion. Vehicle was towed to consumer's house, where consumer discovered that tie rod broke. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2004
“Nar 03/05/2003 the consumer experinced severe front suspension vibrations and date the problem the problem has not been corrected by either mazda or ford motor company. *cb”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2002
“Received blown tire while traveling on us 190. I had no advance warning. The tread is almost completely separated from the tire.*ak (dot number: vnfc1pr476 tiresize: p225/70r14)”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2002
“Replaced my four firestone wilderness all terrain tires because they were failing. The tires belts were peeling from the tires. Now mazda corp. Usa operations will not reimburse me for the replacement. Can you please help me? This occured aug. 2000, I mailed mazda all paperwork. They said denied, wrong purchase date for buying tires. The tires were in layaway, so please contact mazda(usa). Firestone wilderness a/t p215/75r15”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2001
“Pe00 020; took his vehicle into a goodyear tire company, and mechanic told him that tires showed stress marks, and a cracking line all around all four tire firestone ,#fr480, p22570r14. There were no injuries.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 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 1997 Mazda B-Series reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Mazda B-Series. The most complained-about area is tires (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Mazda B-Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 97,500 miles or less.
Does the 1997 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.