Most common 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck problems
Share of the 21 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 →
2003 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck:
Brake lights inoperative
This pe was opened based on technical service bulletin (TSB) #05-6-19 issued by Ford motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by Mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing.
What 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck owners say
Electrical system
My truck sat for a while I charged the Batt. I drove to the landfill in Tehachapi Ca. It ran fine. I unloaded the trash the engine idled for 30+min. The landfill had debris on the ground. The truck ran fine back to town. I had 3/4 fuel. I decided to fill up at the Loves gas station I filled it all the way 2 clicks I think. I started up the truck after fueling it ran terribly I had a flashing check engine light. I drove home 2milles when home the truck was on FIRE!! I turned off engine. Put lots of h20 on fire. Disconnected Batt put more h20. I don't know if it started at gas station or in between. I can ask neighbors. The fire was under the driver's seat underneath the truck. I don't know if it was damaged by debris at the dump there was lots of [redacted] on the ground. It has not been inspected yet. I have not started any repairs. No police report. …
The electrical system shut down while I was driving, turning off air conditioner, radio, interior lights, and turn indicator. The dash lit up ABS, airbag, and cruise control indicators. When I stopped, I turned off the engine and turned the key to power without starting engine and found the electrical working again. I tried driving again and the electrical system worked for a short time and went off again. When it first happened, I was driving straight on a city street
Fuel & propulsion system
My truck sat for a while I charged the Batt. I drove to the landfill in Tehachapi Ca. It ran fine. I unloaded the trash the engine idled for 30+min. The landfill had debris on the ground. The truck ran fine back to town. I had 3/4 fuel. I decided to fill up at the Loves gas station I filled it all the way 2 clicks I think. I started up the truck after fueling it ran terribly I had a flashing check engine light. I drove home 2milles when home the truck was on FIRE!! I turned off engine. Put lots of h20 on fire. Disconnected Batt put more h20. I don't know if it started at gas station or in between. I can ask neighbors. The fire was under the driver's seat underneath the truck. I don't know if it was damaged by debris at the dump there was lots of [redacted] on the ground. It has not been inspected yet. I have not started any repairs. No police report. …
Fuel pump gasket seal leak was determined after 567 miles on my new Mazda Truck b2300. I notice the dash board engine check light on, my way to work while driving on freeway 120(manteca,ca.) and immediately exited on the first exit point and find a parking spot and called modesto Mazda dealership to informed them of the situation and talk to craig osmer and dennis hinkley about it and told me to continue my journey to work and drop the vehicle the next day not knowing the cause of the engine warning lights on? So I went ahead and went to my work on Thursday the 22nd of May,2003. My concern was that I could have been blown-up by the gas leak if sparks occur at anytime during my travel to and from my work place (modesto-fremont-modesto). …
Air bags
Takata recall is not being done fast enough. This recall began over a year ago in January 2016. We have yet to receive a letter telling us to schedule an appointment for repair. The recall says it is dangerous and to have it done as soon as possible yet according to their schedule...we are not even close to being able to do it in over a year. We need to get to work in this vehicle every day. Unacceptable.
I was in an accident and I was hit from behind and my car went flying into the guard rail at about 35 miles per hour head on and my air bags did not deploy. I was sent to the hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 B-Series Truck rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the B-Series Truck at the same age. 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 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › fuses and circuit breakers. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Mazda B-Series Truck problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 53% 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.