1991 Mazda MPV: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 66 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The seat belts on my 1991 mazda mpv are simply falling apart. The fuel vapor separator does an inadequate job of keeping gasoline fumes out of the vehicle. There have been recalls on both of these items. When I took it in to the local dealer they only performed an inspection. Both issues remain unresolved. Besides not ever buying another mazda ever. I would like to see these safety issues resolved. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2006
“Paint is chipping and fading all over the van especially on the back and the roof. I saw lots of models on the road with the same paint problem. *jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2004
“While driving, consumer had to stop suddenly and applied brake pedal abruptly. The anti-lock brake system failed and consumer collided with another vehicle. The brakes locked up. Ts”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Repair shop notified me that this problem was known to mazda and is in a tsb regarding rocker arms which were modified . How can mazda be allowed to sell a known defect to consumers. Is there any repair compensation allowed to owners? Thank you.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“Firestone fr 680 asrws tire (p205 70 r14) experienced tread separation on both front tires, consumer is requesting all 4 tire be replaced. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2000
“While driving stepped on brake pedal, and it went all the way to the floor. Vehicle has rear anti-lock braking system, but the system will lock up. This has happened each time brakes were pressed hard. Left reasr wheel locks up, and application of brakes cause sideways skid. Problem reoccurred after many brake replacements. Recall was received for this problem. *ak *ml”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2000
“Consumer has been experiencing an ongoing problem with an oil leak that is causing smoke and a horrible smell, vehicle has been taken to a dealer 5 times and the problem has not been remedied, valve cover gaskets were replaced several times, rear cap seals replaced, and o rings were replaced. *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1999
“The engine head gasket blew, causing water / coolant leakage, causing engine to overheat. Vehicle was inspected by dealer and independent shops. *ak *yc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1999
“Parked vehicle. Was getting out when the locks failed to release. Had to force lock up to release. Relocked door once outside. Then tried to unlock door after returning & lock would not release. Took to dealer & informed locking mechanism inside door was broken & need to be fixed. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 1999
“Engine check light came on. Temperature read hot. Attempted to pull the car over and all indicator lights were on. The car died. Car towed to dealer, would not start. Dealer discovered a hole in radiator and blown head gaskets. Internal damage and consumer has no car. *ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
THE REAR BRAKE LININGS CAN CHANGE OVER TIME. AS THE BRAKES WEAR, THE COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION CAN INCREASE, PRODUCING INCONSISTENT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WITH ASSEMBLIES WHOSE FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS DO NOT CHANGE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF PREMATURE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATION.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MPV 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 1991 Mazda MPV reliable?
NHTSA has 66 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mazda MPV. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mazda MPV problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 95,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Mazda MPV have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. 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.