The Mazda MPV has 22 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1989–2006. On average a defect was admitted 7.68 years after the car was built, the slowest took 25 years. The most recalled system is Air Bags (5 campaigns). Owners also filed 709 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Mazda MPV
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Air Bags 5 Read
What's wrong. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event…
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death
Fix. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for…
What's wrong. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8…
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death
Fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact…
What's wrong. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event…
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death
Fix. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for…
Equipment 5 Read
What's wrong. Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were produced with air bag warning labels intended for the canadian market. Thus, the labels contain warnings in both english and french. As a result, the area of the english warning is only 16 square centimeters, as opposed to the 30 square centimeters required by the standard
Fix. Owners will be provided with air bag caution labels and installation instructions which were mailed on july 22, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500
What's wrong. The tire inflation pressure indicated on the vehicle certification label is not correct. The labels show the maximum tire pressure as 240 kpa/32 PSI when it should be shown as 240 kpa/35 PSI. As a result of this error, the load ratios for the 205/65r15 94h and the 215/60r16 95h tires exceed the levels permitted by fmvss 120
Risk. If the tire is operated in an under-inflated condition, the load carrying capacity of the vehicle may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Owners will be provided with a corrected label that they can apply to their vehicle, or they can have a dealer install the label, if desired. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4
What's wrong. Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were produced with air bag warning labels intended for the canadian market. Thus, the labels contain warnings in both english and french. As a result, the area of the english warning is only 16 square centimeters, as opposed to the 30 square centimeters required by the standard
Fix. Owners will be provided with air bag caution labels and installation instructions which were mailed on july 22, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain mini vans without anti-lock braking systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." due to inappropriate brake pipe layout, these vehicles do not meet the brake stopping distance with partial failure requirements of the standard
Risk. If partial failure occurred in the braking system, the stopping distance of the vehicle could increase, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will modify the brake system. Owner notification began january 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain mini vans without anti-lock braking systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." due to inappropriate brake pipe layout, these vehicles do not meet the brake stopping distance with partial failure requirements of the standard
Risk. If partial failure occurred in the braking system, the stopping distance of the vehicle could increase, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will modify the brake system. Owner notification began january 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Inconsistent braking and premature activation of the abssystem can cause sudden stops or increased braking distances, and result inincreased risk of vehicle accident
Fix. Replace the rear brake assemblies with assemblies whose friction characteristics do not change. This will reduce the risk of premature ABS system activation
Exterior Lighting 2 Read
What's wrong. On certain mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing
Risk. Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn
Fix. Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at…
What's wrong. On certain mini vans equipped with front fog lights,the fog light bulb socket may have been installed improperly
Risk. If the vehicle continues to be used with this condition, the bulb socket and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light housing if exposed to shock and/or vibration and drop inside the bumper. Should this occur, the operation of the fog light may then cause the bumper to burn
Fix. Dealers will inspect the installation condition of the fog light bulb assembly, and repair it when necessary. Owner notification began march 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda…
What's wrong. On certain mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing
Risk. Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn
Fix. Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at…
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash
Fix. 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…
What's wrong. 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
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash
Fix. 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…
What's wrong. The center safety belt attachment hardware brackets for the third seat may not withstand the specified tensile load
Risk. Vans would not comply with fmvss 210
Fix. Replace safety belt assemblies with brackets
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
What's wrong. On certain minivans equipped with cruise control, the cruise control actuator cable may be broken due to insufficient strength (group 1). Also included are certain 2000-2001 minivans equipped with cruise control built between march 31, 1999 and march 31, 2001, that have had the cruise control repaired and possibly had a defective cable installed during that repair (group 2)
Risk. It is possible that the broken actuator cable may be out of position and could interfere with the operation of the accelerator cable, preventing a decrease in engine speed while driving, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the actuator cable. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 1 began on july 7, 2004. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 2 began on september 10, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500
What's wrong. On certain minivans equipped with cruise control, the cruise control actuator cable may be broken due to insufficient strength (group 1). Also included are certain 2000-2001 minivans equipped with cruise control built between march 31, 1999 and march 31, 2001, that have had the cruise control repaired and possibly had a defective cable installed during that repair (group 2)
Risk. It is possible that the broken actuator cable may be out of position and could interfere with the operation of the accelerator cable, preventing a decrease in engine speed while driving, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the actuator cable. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 1 began on july 7, 2004. Owner notification for vehicles involved in group 2 began on september 10, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500
Latches/locks/linkages 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: minivans. Due to the inappropriate shape of the linkage in the rear door lock controller, accumulated dust may prevent the door lock mechanism from functioning properly, causing incomplete locking of the door when the childproof locking system is used
Risk. This could result in an opening of the door while driving, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant
Fix. Dealers will install parts in the latching assembly that will prevent this problem from occurring
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: minivans equipped with engines supplied by ford motor company cleveland engine plant. These engines are installed with fuel injectors that do not match the lower intake manifold
Risk. This can result in a fuel leakage
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower intake manifold assembly
Electrical System 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. 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
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 7.68 years |
| Slowest campaign | 25 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 43.9% |
| Campaigns on record | 22 |
Which MPV years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 | Air Bags | |
| 2004 | Air Bags | |
| 2003 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2002 | Equipment | |
| 2001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2000 | Equipment | |
| 1998 | Electrical System | |
| 1997 | Electrical System | |
| 1996 | Electrical System | |
| 1995 | Electrical System | |
| 1994 | Electrical System | |
| 1993 | Electrical System | |
| 1992 | Electrical System | |
| 1991 | Electrical System | |
| 1990 | Electrical System | |
| 1989 | Electrical System |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mazda MPV have?
22 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1989–2006. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my MPV still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 7.68 years, and the slowest campaign came 25 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.