1997 Mazda Mpv recalls
Problem: 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.
1,368,500 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Engine · Feb 4, 2016 · 160,000 miles · HI · fire
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…
Electrical System · Feb 4, 2016 · 160,000 miles · HI · fire
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…
Tires · Nov 6, 2010 · 20,000 miles · OR
I have a set of american prospector SUV radial tires on my 1997 mazda mpv that have had sudden blowouts. So far 2 tires have blown in the past month, and at the time I was just driving down a paved street. These tires have not been off road, I check the inflation once a month, so I can see no reason why the tire bead and side wall would suddenly give away. I have looked online…
Air Bags · Aug 15, 2006 · 93,395 miles · GA · crash · 3 injured
I am filing a complaint in regard to my vehicle's equipment that failed and was faulty in a recent automobile accident. I was traveling approximately 40-45 MPH in a straight lane when a vehicle quickly entered across my path to make a left hand turn. I had no time to brake, so the other car is what stopped my motion. It was a hard hit! My mazda mpv crashed into the other…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 15, 2006 · 93,395 miles · GA · crash · 3 injured
I am filing a complaint in regard to my vehicle's equipment that failed and was faulty in a recent automobile accident. I was traveling approximately 40-45 MPH in a straight lane when a vehicle quickly entered across my path to make a left hand turn. I had no time to brake, so the other car is what stopped my motion. It was a hard hit! My mazda mpv crashed into the other…
Engine and Engine Cooling · Aug 6, 2006 · 140,000 miles · CO · fire
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
Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 8, 2004 · 100,000 miles · LA
After refilling the vehicle consumer smelled fumes inside the car. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 4, 2003 · PA
It will be hard to open the rear passenger doors from the inside. *ak
Seats · Oct 7, 2002 · NJ
Consumer states that the drivers side seatbelt buckle keeps unlocking. Please provide any further information. *mr
Power Train · Aug 22, 2001 · TN
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling · Aug 22, 2001 · TN
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.
Power Train · May 18, 2001 · CA
Overdrive indicator blinks constantly when ignition applied, brought to dealer to service, told need to replace complete transmission.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1997 Mazda Mpv have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Mazda Mpv, the most recent one (15V674000) for electrical system. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mazda Mpv?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are air bags (8), engine and engine cooling (6), latches/locks/linkages (2).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1997 Mazda Mpv?
Owners reported 9 crashes, 3 fires, 14 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.