Most common 2003 Mazda MPV problems
Share of the 113 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda MPV complaints by model year
Best MPV years: 2006, 1998, 1995. Years to avoid: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2004. Compare all years →
2003 Mazda MPV recalls (4)
Equipment › Other › Labels
The tire inflation pressure indicated on the vehicle certification label is not correct. The labels show the maximum tire pressure as 240 kpa/32 psi when it should be shown as 240 kpa/35 psi. As a result of this error, the load ratios for the 205/65r15 94h and the 215/60r16 95h tires exceed the levels permitted by FMVSS 120.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a corrected label that they can apply to their vehicle, or they can have a dealer install the label, if desired. The recall began on July 16, 2004.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were produced with air bag warning labels intended for the canadian market. Thus, the labels contain warnings in both english and french.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with air bag caution labels and installation instructions which were mailed on July 22, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Exterior lighting › Fog lights
On certain Mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward.
Remedy: Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on July 14, 2003.
Exterior lighting › Fog lights
On certain Mini vans equipped with front fog lights,the fog light bulb socket May have been installed improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the installation condition of the fog light bulb assembly, and repair it when necessary. Owner notification began March 31, 2003.
What 2003 Mazda MPV owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 35 →
My 2003 Mazda MPV has a horrible transmission shifting problem. Took it to dealer and they said it's the transmission control module. They charged me 1,500 dollars to install new and and reflash it and the transmission still doesn't shift properly.
2003 Mazda MPV - transmission shifts very rough from 2nd to 3rd. Problem is intermittent and unpredictable. Dealer says the problem cannot be diagnosed and fixed unless it can be duplicated in the repair shop.
Engine & cooling all 27 →
The problem is with a faulty 2003 Mazda MPV pcv hose. Original Mazda recall number 2204h was conducted to replace the original faulty pcv hose. (note: when pcv hose collapsed, it caused a vacuum leak that affected my brake system and caused problems while in traffic, problem intensity was between minor and major) I had my pcv hose replaced in 2004 under the recall, but the replacement hose also collapsed. I've never heard of a pcv hose collapsing. I've heard of them becoming dry/brittle since it's a rubber hose, but I've never heard of a pcv hose collapsing until the Mazda recall. There is some vacuum on the hose, but it's not very strong, I don't think it's strong enough to cause a collapse. In my opinion, there needs to be a second recall to replace the now collapsing replacement hoses. I contacted Mazda corporation at 11:30 a.m. …
Tl 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. …
Electrical system
Every time this Mazda MPV gets a little wet it will not go over 40 MPH. I have contacted the dealership with no return phone call or email. The coils allow moisture to get in which will cause the vehicle to think it is overheating and will not go no matter what you do. I was on the highway when this happened in jacksonville during rush hour and being stuck in the middle of no where because of a faulty coil that the dealership does not want to take responsibility for, is beyond frustrating. I have kids that have been in the vehicle other times when this has happened and we had to sit in the van or go to gas stations and wait until it was somewhat derivable again. I have read forum after forum and there seems to be a lot of people having this issue with their MPV, ranging from 1993-2006 models. Something needs to be done with this before someone gets hurt.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that while driving the engine light illuminated and the engine began to stall intermittently. The dealer replaced the pcv valve on 10/5/2004. The failure occurred again in September 2010. The ignition coils were also replaced. The vehicle was repaired again on 9/28/2010; however, the check engine light came on again. The failure mileage was 25,427. The failure mileage was 106478. The water pump was cracked, and the transmission range sensor failed. The consumer stated the engine light illuminated again and the vehicle began to run rough and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. It was determined that the ignition coil that was replaced in sept 2010 had gone bad and the ignition coil that was replaced in April of 2008 had also gone bad. Updated evoq 03/25/11 upated 04/15/11
2003 Mazda MPV engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mazda MPV a good car?
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 MPV rates avoid: 4.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the MPV at the same age. It is one of the MPV 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 2003 Mazda MPV?
The transmission & drivetrain — 35 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (27) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda MPV have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Mazda MPV, the most recent from June 10, 2004 (labels). 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 MPV?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 1998 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2001 and 2004. See the full Mazda MPV years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Mazda MPV problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 57% 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.