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 2003 Mazda MPV owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mazda MPV. In 2004, the contact received a recall notice from the manufacturer regarding the pcv hose. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the hose, even though no failures were present. There were no issues with the vehicle for five years. Currently, the vehicle idles very roughly, shakes, and surges whenever it is idling at a stop sign. The service engine soon and other instrument panel gauges illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the hose once again; however, it was not the original model nor the recalled model. The vehicle has been operating normally since the most recent repair. The contact believes that they should have placed the current hose on the vehicle back in 2004 at 30,000 miles. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 78,000. Updated 08/14/09. …
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
Vehicle has about 112, 500 miles when it had a catalytic converter failure. Cost to repair $1800. Service manager said this repair is tied to driving with the check engine light on due to engine coil failures. All engine coils had been replaced before 89000 miles. Since the coils were replaced earlier, no way to identify the nexus to the catalytic converter. There have been numerous "check engine" warnings and related repairs: o2 sensor, pcv hose, and o2 cannister have been replaced in addition to all 6 engine coils. There was no recall notice on any of these failures and there were other "check engine" warnings where no problem was found. I have driven several cars over 112000 miles and I have never had to replace a catalytic converter. Based on this experience, and the treatment at the Mazda dealer, I would not buy another Mazda product.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring due to a coil spring fracture that randomly occurred several times. The contact stated that the previous owner had to replace four coil springs that prematurely fractured. The contact later owned the vehicle in mid April 2015 and also had to replace two coil springs that fractured prematurely. The dealer also replaced a gasket cover. In addition, the dealer diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no permanent solution. Tha manufacturer indicated that the catalytic converter was on back order so the contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mazda MPV. The contact stated that the engine failed four times. The vehicle had to be towed each time. The dealer installed another engine in the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine light continued to illuminate and the coil ignition had to be replaced twice. The dealer installed new spark plugs in the vehicle on March 13, 2007; however, they failed a year later and had to be replaced. The dealer also installed a wiring harness. The battery was dying, there was a coolant leak, and the radiator core, catalytic converter, manifold studs, and PCM all failed and needed to be replaced. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 48,000 and failure mileage was 36,000.
While driving at any speed, the gears in the vehicle seem to be slipping. The gears didn't change at the proper intervals. There were times when the consumer would be at a stop light and the vehicle would lurch forward , as if struck from behind. The check engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who reprogrammed the PCM module in the transmission. The reprogramming did not stop the engine from slipping, but it did cause the check engine light to go out. The vehicle has been in the shop for the engine slipping three times, and the problem still persists. The manufacturer has been informed of the problem.
At speeds of 25 - 35 miles per hour, our 2003 Mazda MPV lx stalled for no apparent reason in traffic. All control of the vehicle was lost when it stalled, luckily, we were traveling at speeds and in a lane that no accident occurred, however, it was extremely dangerous. We had the vehicle serviced at a dealer local to where we were vacationing. The dealership, holman Mazda in egg harbor township, nj, replaced an air bypass valve, which they stated was the reason for stalling at approximately 2500 RPM. When asked if this was a normal failure, the dealer did not believe so.
Engine complaints in other MPV years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Mazda MPV?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Mazda MPV, 24% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Mazda MPV engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Mazda MPV, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Mazda MPV engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.