1997 Mazda MPV: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mazda mpv. While the vehicle was parked at a car wash, smoke fumes appeared from the hood of the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that heavy fumes of smoke were seen coming from the hood of the vehicle before it stalled after the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer could not be reached. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2016
“Driving uphill on I-70 at the speed limit (55) the car lost all power, the driver steered to the shoulder. The engine compartment began smoking. By the time the fire department arrived the mazda mpv ('97) was consumed in fire. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2006
“After refilling the vehicle consumer smelled fumes inside the car. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Overdrive indicator blinks constantly when ignition applied, brought to dealer to service, told need to replace complete transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2001
“Engine knocking, svc dept advised us to mazda oil additive, but still knocks even though low miles. Also, the transmission will get stuck when trying to back up and turning wheel to the right. Also, very dangerous/near collision because the transmission would go into 4wd on its own while we were driving 65 on the interstate in heavy traffic.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“Vehicle was involved in a head-on crash with another vehicle while both vehicles were traveling about 50-60. Upon impact, there was no deployment of driver's side or passenger's side air bags. Not sure if the van would be totalled. *ak *ml”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2000
“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at 25 mph. Upon impact, the airbags did not deploy, causing minor injuries to the occupant. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1998
“When driving at 55 mph to 60 mph front wheels are vibrating and the vehicle is going to the right. Causing uneven wearing of tires. Dealer notified, but unable to solve the problem to consumer's satisfaction. *ak *ml”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 1998
“While driving at 30 mph had a frontal impact with a tree, and both driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupant in the accident. Driver's seat belt failed in accident. Vehicle slid on icy road, skidding 200 feet into a tree, hit tree at 40 mph. Both driver and passenger sustained injuries. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 1998
“Have cold engine knock since vehicle was new. Dealer says knock is normal for that engine. Knock is consistently getting worse as engine wears and getting close to the three year expiration of warranty. I do not feel the manufacturer will acknowledge the engine problem and make appropriate repairs &/or engine replacement. They seem to be attempting to allow the warranty period to expire causing unecessary expenses to be paid by the owner. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - 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 1997 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 1997 Mazda MPV reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Mazda MPV. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1997 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.