2003 Mazda MPV: jerking or lurching

7 of the 113 complaints about the 2003 Mazda MPV describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 52,500
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 10 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2006
1
2005
2
2004
3
2003
7
2002
7
2001
2
2000
2
1997
1
1996
1

What owners say

Filed Jul 17, 2013 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · CA

We drive to lake tahoe in my mpv van with 5 people in it. The van jerked when driving accelerating from 40 to 50 MPH. We changed driver on the way, and both driver felled the same thing. It seems a transmission shift shock or shift flare. Then when "google" the problem on internet, I found out that it is a very common problem for mazda mpv 5-speed auto transmission. Many people experienced a sudden failure after a few weeks of the "shift flares". This can be very dangerous. Mazda should offer free repair for this common failure of their product. I'm engineer and I take good care of my cars and change all oil and atf on schedule. My ford minivan 96 areostar have run more than 260 k mile with original engine and transmission. It is still running strong.

Filed Aug 5, 2011 · Electrical · 52,500 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle would begin to jerk and it would not respond to the accelerator pedal. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds and the check engine light would also illuminate on the instrument panel during the failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the ignition coil for the sixth cylinder was replaced. Approximately three years later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the ignition coil for the first cylinder was replaced. The failure mileage was 52,500 updated 08/24/11 *bf the consumer stated it cost $580 to replace each coil. Updated 12/02/11

Filed Aug 24, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mazda mpv. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated when starting the vehicle. While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle would jerk when shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where one of the o2 sensors was replaced. Throughout the following year, the check engine light would intermittently illuminate on the dashboard before independently turning off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times where they were unable to diagnose the failure because the check engine light would no longer be illuminated. The vehicle then began to jerk when shifting gears at any speed. After conducting his own research, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where all of the engine coils were replaced. The contact stated that approximately one month later, the check engine light had re-illuminated. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 89,566.

Filed Jun 29, 2009 · Transmission · 42,395 miles · NY

A few weeks ago I had noticed that my 2003 mazda mpv was jerking or hesitating. I only have 42,395 miles on it. I took it to one place and was told it sounds like transmission trouble to them. I brought in to aamco and was told it was the torque converter and they showed me where the metal was etched out>my warranty expired in april 2007 I was told I was lucky to address this problem now before the entire engine seized. I have been a mazda owner since 1993 first I had a protege then the 626 now I own the mpv I am shocked that this would happen so soon with so little mileage/ to replace everything it will cost me $3480 what a shame!!!!

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Transmission · NC

2003 mazda mpv developing problems with the transmission shifting.***no answer required***. *mr the van would shift from first to second gear, then there was a hard jerk/shift and the vehicle would lunge forward. The consumer received a shift shock recall at took the vehicle to a dealer to be serviced. Although the reflash was updated the problem was not allieviated. The technicians were unable to pinpoint and correct the problem.

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Transmission · 1,500 miles · KS

Transmission lags, then slams into gear on 2-3 shift, particularly under inconsistent acceleration (such as in traffic). Causes noise, uncomfortable jerk, potentially dangerous driving situation when other vehicles are close.

Filed Nov 12, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 57 miles · MD

While driving at any speed, the gears in the vehicle seem to be slipping. The gears didn't change at the proper intervals. There were times when the consumer would be at a stop light and the vehicle would lurch forward , as if struck from behind. The check engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who reprogrammed the PCM module in the transmission. The reprogramming did not stop the engine from slipping, but it did cause the check engine light to go out. The vehicle has been in the shop for the engine slipping three times, and the problem still persists. The manufacturer has been informed of the problem.