Most common 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck problems
Share of the 52 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda B-Series Truck complaints by model year
Best B-Series Truck years: 2005, 2007, 2006. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1996, 1998, 1997. Compare all years →
1997 Mazda B-Series Truck recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Mazda is recalling model year 1995 through 1997 and model year 2001 through 2003 trucks equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds) and/or anti-lock brake system (ABS) and manufactured on or before December 5, 2002.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners that dealers will install a universal fused jumper harness on the cruise control deactivation switch free of charge. The safety recall began on December 11, 2009.
What 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck owners say
Wheels & tires
While driving at 70mph in right lane on rural highway, I heard a thud and immediately lost control of the Truck and was thrown into the left lane almost over the center line. I regained control of the Truck and stopped on the side of the road. The tread on the driver back tire was completely peeled off, but the tire had not deflated. The back Truck fender and fender guard was completely bent underneath the Truck. The fender and guard in front of the tire was bent outward, with the support frame broken and the fender gueard sticking at a 90 degree angle out from the Truck. When I took the tire off the Truck, the entire tread was wrapped 3 times around the axle. Both back tires and the spare are the same firestones. On inspection of the other back tire, we have found cracks in the sidewall both near the center, as well as cracks near the tread along most of the tire. …
My vehicle was only a couple of weeks old when the tires started shredding. When I contacted Mazda and Firestone, I was told I was at fault for the problem. I was amazed at this attitude since the vehicle was only a couple of weeks old and only had a few hundred miles on it. After much "debate" with both companies, they agreed to replace the tires. I am reporting this occurence now, because of the latest press regarding the faulty Firestone tires. I have the paperwork from the Firestone deal;ership, showing the new tires being installed, and please note, it also relfects the mileage of my Truck at the time of this service-474 miles! (tire@p195170r14m+s)( dot number: w2wrwinj tire size: p195170r14 )
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Mazda b-Series 4000. While driving at any speed, the clutch failed to operate when attempting to change gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a fractured steel casting located under the steering wheel and behind the clutch and brake pedals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Overdrive light illuminates, indicating a malfunction within the system, it is difficult to shift from first to second gears. Dealer replaced the solenoid and torque converter, which did not correct the problem.
Suspension
ABS light comes on intermittently. Vehicle has been taken to several dealers. The dealers can not find a problem with the ABS system. If vehicle is stalled an then restarted, ABS light will go off. Check engine light comes on intermittently. Vehicle has been take to 3 dealers. There is no problem. Light seems to come on more often when vehicle is warm. When windshield wipers are turned off, occasionally they will start operating at the highest speed. Takes several tries of turning them on and then off again to make them stop. Front end of vehicle shakes excessively when going down hills and braking. Cracks were found in the catalytic converter when vehicle was purchased in February of 1999. Dome light comes on and stays on. Problem is remedied by removing the fuse for the dome light over night and then replacing the next morning.
The vehicle experiences excessive front suspension vibration which caused the tire to wear unevenly, the vehicle has been taken to several facilities to be repaired but he problem still exist, the vehicle ABS light illuminates on and off, the dealer replaced the front brakes. Nlm
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck a good car?
Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 B-Series Truck rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the B-Series Truck at the same age. It is one of the B-Series Truck years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck?
The wheels & tires — 13 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (7) and suspension (7).
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck, the most recent from October 23, 2009 (cruise control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda B-Series Truck?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2007 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 1996, 1998 and 1997. See the full Mazda B-Series Truck years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Mazda B-Series Truck problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 22% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.