Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle would also not accelerate properly and shook while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine coil pack failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The worst 2002 Mazda MPV problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission66
- Engine25
- Electrical9
- Acceleration5
- Airbags4
- Body4
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
- Lights3
- Seat belts3
- Seats3
- Tires3
- Locks1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Mazda MPV
Transmission failure 34Check engine light 7Jerking 7Harsh shifting 6Hesitation 6Stalling 6Fire or smoke 5Slipping 5Won't shift 5
Recalls 4
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V234000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: fog lights
- What is 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.
- Remedy
- 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 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 03V206000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: fog lights
- What is 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.
- Remedy
- 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 at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 03V053000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Certain mini vans fail to comply to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." an incorrect gross axle weight rating (gawr) was indicated on the certification label.
- Remedy
- Owners will be mailed accurate certification labels and inserts for the owner's manual. Owner notification began june 12, 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.
Recall number 02V078000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mazda MPV 131
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- Mazda can no longer support the replacement of immobilizer units LC62-67-5G2 or DC69-67-5G2 because the...
2002 Mazda MPV fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
What 2002 Mazda MPV owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The drivers seatbelt clasp or buckle refuses to accept the steel tab, and will not lock.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the actuator cable needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 04v234000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Transmission failed, completely disengaged. No warning. Had to be towed. Required a $2500.00 complete overhaul. Very low miles on this vehicle, always properly maintained.
2002 mazda mpv. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle air bag light being on. *smd the consumer was informed his vehicle identification number, was not included in the recall.
Driving on highway with my family when my mpv wouldn't shift so I could pass a truck. Then it started to lose speed. Would depress gas pedal and the engine would rev but no speed. Had to pull over to breakdown lane which became a very dangerous situation. We are lucky we didn't cause an accident. Mpv would not work in drive, reverse, 3 or 2 gears. We were stranded on the highway and had to be towed back home. Diagnosis: transmission gone. This is a common problem with the mpv and should be addressed. Have had shift problems in the past where dealer just resets the codes. I won't have it fixed. I have lost confidence in this manufacturer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda mpv. While traveling 45 MPH the vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle. None of the airbags deployed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not inspected for the air bag failure or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 172,000. Updated 07/06/12
Transmission failed in 2008, had it replaced and it failed again in two weeks. Van drove fine until summer 2011, when I noticed transmission problems again. Took the van to a dealership to have it fixed again, but was told there was nothing wrong with it. Finally, on 14 march 2012, the transmission stopped pulling and will not engage past 2nd gear. This is the third transmission at a cost of $2700 each, puts a big strain on a family. This issue needs to be recalled and mazda needs to be held accountable.
Was driving down the street with cruise control on and set. Coming up to red light. Hit cancel on cruise lever and it did not disengage. The turned it off with the button. Light went off but was still engaged. I also was applying the brakes in a panic.....still not disengaging. Put car in neutral.....engine rpms went to redline...I then turned ignition off before crashing into the cars stopped at the light......very very scary. Saw recall and other people with exact same problem. Called mazda and was told my vehicle was manufactured 3 months after the dates on the recall....therefore not their problem. How can they say vehicles made 3 months before are unsafe but other ones are not.....isn't is possible they got the dates of manufacture wrong? I a persons life not worth fixing this know issue???
Compare the 2002 Mazda MPV
Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 Mazda MPV
Is the 2002 Mazda MPV reliable?
Owners have filed 124 complaints about the 2002 Mazda MPV, 1.7 times a typical MPV model year.
What is the 2002 Mazda MPV year score?
The 2002 Mazda MPV scores 53 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MPV: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda MPV?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 66 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is engine (25).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MPV have?
4 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, exterior lighting and equipment.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mazda MPV get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Mazda MPV range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 23 highway.
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