Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2003 Mazda b3000 pickup spontaneously shifted from neutral into reverse and crashed the (driver's side) open door into the inside wall of my garage. The vehicle was idling and unoccupied, and the parking brake was not engaged. The force of the crash was enough to bend the door. I called the local police department, but was informed that they do not issue report numbers for minor losses incurred on private property. I am filing this report in view of the potential for serious bodily harm, death, or major property damage associated with a spontaneous shifting from neutral into a gear, so that the vehicle travels without any occupants, and poses the risk of crashing.
Sudden and unexpected loss of clutch fluid rendering vehicle inoperable (loss of control to go forward and get out of the way) due to an inability to shift gears. Leak at clutch slave cylinder is suspect. Found myself to be a "sitting duck" at a traffic intersection although fortunately, no accident occurred.
Transmission 1st/2nd gear synchromesh went out 5 times, finally Mazda admitted something was wrong with engine,3x was under warranty, last 2x I paid all costs. Judge ruled against Mazda in small claims court.
Transmission will not shift into overdrive until speeds of 58-60 are reached - when accelerating. Took vehicle to dealer for the complaint. Dealer tech said vehicle would not shift during 'agressive accelerating' . Driver must ease up on gas pedal before transmission would shift to overdrive. Said this was normal. Never heard of an automatic transmission with such requirements. None that I have ever owned required an easing up on gas in order to shift. When I followed dealers instructions, vehicle will still not shift until it has been driven for some period of time. Under such conditions, I can't get into overdrive for the trips I take, so the overdrive does me no good. Vehicle gets very poor mileage as a relult. Don't think this is a normal condition. I only have less than 2000 miles (since oct 2002) because of such driving conditions and poor mileage.
When pulling out into traffic, the vehicle lacked acceleration for several seconds. No impact reported. The consumer stated that she had to pump the gas pedal before the vehicle would accelerate. The consumer stated that when it rains the vehicle slides.
Consumer states that the clutch catches too quickly when gears are shifted and there is a loud clunk that can be felt and heard throughout the Truck, consumer states it is metal hitting metal. Vehicle pulls to the right. Motor is missing and has no power. Drivers door flies open after going over bumps. Dealer refused to do anything about any of the problems and is stating that everything is normal. A service technician stated that it sounded like the clutch was not catching until the last minute, the jarring was the transmission after shifting and decelerating out of adjustment.
While driving up a hill at any speed,the engine revs up high, but the vehicle looses power. The consumer drove the vehicle to a mechanic, who informed her that there was sludge accumulation inside the transmission. A new transmission is needed at this time. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem.
Transmission went out at 12-28-04 . Dealer told me I needed a new transmission at a cost of 3800.00 . At speeds high and low it will not shift right. I tried to get help on this problem and Mazda corp said it would take a while to maybe solve.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda B-Series Truck years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (13), 1999 (9), 1997 (7), 2002 (6) and 1998 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Mazda B-Series Truck transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Mazda B-Series Truck model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda B-Series Truck transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (16 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (7).
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.