2002 Mazda MPV problems
Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 2002 Mazda MPV with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 46.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 17.5%.
Complaints143
Crashes5
Fires5
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 46.2% · 66
Engine and engine cooling 17.5% · 25
Electrical system 6.3% · 9
Vehicle speed control 3.5% · 5
Structure 2.8% · 4
Air bags 2.8% · 4
Seat belts 2.1% · 3
Equipment 2.1% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Mazda MPV in this data, 2002 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 19 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,950 miles.
In owners' own words
Gear shift detent at drive is too easy to miss when shifting from park - lever skips drive and goes into higher (less powerful) gear. When at rest and pulling into traffic, there is insufficient power to accelerate as expected, so oncoming traffic gets dangerously close before you realize the gear shift is not in drive. Need warning that car is not in lowest gear when shifting from park or reverse. *Nlm Power train
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda mpb. The contact stated that he was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the gear selector lever needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 96,000. Power train · reported at 96,000 miles
The transmission in my 2002 Mazda MPV with 62,000 miles on the odometer, failed while driving in the carpool lane on the 405 freeway in orange county california. Fortunately I was able to pull the car over through 4 lanes of traffic to the shoulder. The failure occurred with no warning and no lights came on the dash. Had this happened in another situation it could pose a very serious safety threat. Power train · reported at 61,900 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…