2003 Mazda B-Series: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
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 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The electrical system shut down while I was driving, turning off air conditioner, radio, interior lights, and turn indicator. The dash lit up ABS, airbag, and cruise control indicators. When I stopped, I turned off the engine and turned the key to power without starting engine and found the electrical working again. I tried driving again and the electrical system worked for a short time and went off again. When it first happened, I was driving straight on a city street”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda b-series truck. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed intermittently. The contact mentioned that a neutral safety switch was installed and the failure progressed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,777. The VIN was not provided.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
“Takata recall is not being done fast enough. This recall began over a year ago in january 2016. We have yet to receive a letter telling us to schedule an appointment for repair. The recall says it is dangerous and to have it done as soon as possible yet according to their schedule...we are not even close to being able to do it in over a year. We need to get to work in this vehicle every day. Unacceptable.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda b3000. The contact stated that the brake lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was not able to diagnose a failure. The manufacture was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2014
“15" dunlop tire, looked like it was barley used still had the numbs on it. Middle of tire tread peeled off, sending the back end of our truck sideways then rolling in a deep embankment. Truck totaled. Will give more info. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2012
“Bf goodrich p225/70/r15 blew out on the sidewall, totally separating from wheel. Contacted bfg only to be told tire is on backorder, called 3 months later was told tire is discontinued. I have full warranty on tire but bfg refuses to honor their obligation. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2011
“My 2003 mazda b3000 pickup spontaneously shifted from neutral into reverse and crashed the (driver's side) open door into the inside wall of my garage. The vehicle was idling and unoccupied, and the parking brake was not engaged. The force of the crash was enough to bend the door. I called the local police department, but was informed that they do not issue report numbers for minor losses incurred on private property. I am filing this report in view of the potential for serious bodily harm, death, or major property damage associated with a spontaneous shifting from neutral into a gear, so that the vehicle travels without any occupants, and poses the risk of crashing. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2011
“The right front brake line on the truck ruptured during breaking. Luckily this happened in a parking lot, so there was no damage or injuries.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2010
“Sudden and unexpected loss of clutch fluid rendering vehicle inoperable (loss of control to go forward and get out of the way) due to an inability to shift gears. Leak at clutch slave cylinder is suspect. Found myself to be a "sitting duck" at a traffic intersection although fortunately, no accident occurred. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
“I was in an accident and I was hit from behind and my car went flying into the guard rail at about 35 miles per hour head on and my air bags did not deploy. I was sent to the hospital. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 2003 Mazda B-Series reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Mazda B-Series. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2003 Mazda B-Series have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.