Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Mazda MPV owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In September 2003, 2000 Mazda MPV van (approx 80K miles) would not pass emissions although check engine light was not on. Was told the van's OBD system could not communicate with state's equipement. Was issued waiver. One month later, check engine light came on and o2 sensor was replace per recommendation. Four days later, light came back on. Since then, light has intermittently gone on and off with noone being able to diagnose the issue. A strong odor has come into the passenger area and the van has run rough. Finally, it was diagnosed as having a cracked exhaust manifold. There is no reason a 3 1/2 - 5 year old van should have a cracked manifold. Unfortunately, there are thousands of people suffering from the same issue as noted on every Mazda message board. The part cannot be purchased aftermarket or even used, because they are all cracked. …
We have a 2000 Mazda MPV van. My wife said that the engine was making a loud roaring noise. I found a Mazda MPV site that indicated as "subject"-fog horn/moaning noise from engine compartment...which May occur when engine is half-warmed up or in deceleration. Site calls for iac valve with a modified part to be repaired. I asked the Mazda dealership about a possible recall. They were quick, and I mean quick to say that there are none. I mentioned that there are two other recalls documented on the consumer reports website. One about a possible failing child-lock on the door and another one that could result in a possible fuel leak and subsequent fire. How can Mazda be so quick to say that there are no recalls? They did not even ask for my vehicles VIN number. …
I purchased an Mazda MPV in 2007 from a Chevy dealership who said it was in good working condition. It was a 2000 model. As soon as winter came the o2 sensor on the rear bank went out. Paid $400.00 to the dealership to replace. It lasted only a short time. The dealership told me it should last 100.000 miles, so they replaced it and only charged me another $400.00. To date I have had the o2 sensor replaced a total of four times. The last two times it was at a Mazda dealership. They also told me it should last 100,000 miles. But every time it gets below 40 deg f, it fails, or at least the warning light comes on. I have spent a total of $1,200.00 in replacing the sensor. I keep doing it because my wife uses it to drive our granddaughter to dance class and I don't want them to get stranded on the road way. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mazda MPV. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH when the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle would not respond. The contact engaged the emergency brake and applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle had not been driven daily, the engine would fail to start. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that his rear heater was corroded and leaking coolant. The leak was noticed once the vehicle was parked. The contact ordered TSB number 07-002/05, which indicated the coolant seepage from the rear heater pipe. The failure mileage was 124,000. Updated 09/10/08. The consumer stated the vehicle also had a coolant leak. The key would not come out of the ignition. The problem was due to the alternator draining the battery. Updated 09/12/08.
I have a Mazda MPV 2000, the check engine light came on and I took it in for service on 2/13/03. I was told that the MPV required a new oxygen sensor but it would be 3 to 4 weeks due to a back order. I was told by the dealer that I could drive the car and it would harm nothing. On feb 20th, I drove 3/4 mile from home when the MPV died with the check engine light, oil light and battery light all on. The MPV was towed to the Mazda dealership, they called me and said the engine was ceased.
Defective part. Exhaust manifold failed and is out of warranty. Dealer would not cover repair cost due to being out of warranty. This type of part should not have failed in three years no matter what the milage is. It caused driver (me) to breath exhaust fumes and I became light headed and sick. Weather was too cold to drive with windows open. Manufacturer should cover the cost of this repair.
Van started running rough at stoplights and at low speed. Check engine light came on a day later. Mechanic told us that the left exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. This failure causes a co leak into the passenger cabin. Mechanic said this should not happen on an engine with 83,000 miles.
NHTSA 01V382000 manufacturer campaign # 0520a 12/20/2001 remedy available dx brake lines and valves. As vehicle is in operation front suspension shakes very bad about 35mph to 50mph does not feel safe to drive on hwy.
2000 MPV catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The consumer stated while she was waiting for the parts for the catalytic converter to arrive at the dealer, she and her husband experienced sudden acceleration. The vehicle idled high and for several minutes the consumer was unable to slow the vehicle down, but it continued to idle over 4000 RPM. After many attempts to get the vehicle to slow down, the consumer was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and shut it off. The dealer was unable to recreate or diagnose the problem. The dealer decided to lower the idle. The problem did recur for a second time.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with engines supplied by Ford motor company cleveland engine plant. These engines are installed with fuel injectors that do not match the lower intake manifold
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower intake manifold assembly.
Engine complaints in other MPV years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Mazda MPV?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Mazda MPV, 17% of the model year's 149 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Mazda MPV engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-171 (gasoline, Jul 7, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Mazda MPV engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.