1996 Mazda MPV: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While traveling 40mph in 4 wheel drive unit locked up. Dirver and 5 passengers were present. Vehicle started to skid and came to a stop. Driver attempted several times to unlock unit, and succeeded in putting vehicle back into 2 wheel drive. No accident or injuries occurred. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2000
“Rust caused complete replacement of exhaust sytem after 22,400 miles (3 years). Both dealership where purchased and cole muffler (specialist) state that muffler and exhaust pipes should not rust or deteriorate in this time frame. After muffler separated from exhaust pipe, it remained attached to undercarriage of mpv minivan, and created a hazard by contacting the tire and brakle cables while the car was being operated.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000
“At low speeds drivetrain binds up. Makes popping noises. Vibrations occurs in accelerator. Dealer found no problem with drive train.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 1998
Show 4 more owner reports
“Owner was driving down the highway at 65mph and the tire burst. Owner also said that the tire size in the manual doesn't match tire co. Size. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Mar 1997
“When going 48 mph or more and rolling down the electric rear windows, the way the air comes in, it causes the vehicle to shake violently, and the air pressure causes severe damage to ears. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 1997
“Owner has ABS brakes. While trying to depress the ABS brake pedal, vehicle would not stop. Also ABS brakes light would come on at times for no reason. There were numerous brake sensors replaced which did not correct problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration causing collision inside garage, no deployment of air bag during front end collision. Mjs”Owner report · Air Bags
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Mazda MPV reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Mazda MPV. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1996 Mazda MPV have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.