Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
On May 13, 2004, my 33-week pregnant wife pulled into my driveway with our daughter sleeping in back of our 2003 Mazda MPV. My wife put the car in park, engaged the emergency brake, and left the car running. Pse&g workers requested that my wife talk with them. While she did so, the car remained stationary for 5-10 minutes. My wife then attempted to open the rear automatic door. It beeped instead. My wife opened the front door and pushed the button there to open the rear door. It beeped again. My wife checked that the gear shift was in park. It was. The car then started to roll backwards. Witnesses say they heard a ratcheting noise when the car started rolling. My wife pulled up the emergency brake to make sure that it was fully engaged. This did not stop the car. …
The transmission seems to shift very hard in between certain gears..it thrusts you forward with a power surge. I bought this vehicle because I am a disabled woman. And it filled all my needs..when this jolt happens. Talked to my doctor and was advised to do as little driving as possible in this van. At risk of more injury to my neck..took it to the dealer 3 times..was told that it was just a quirk in the Mazda transmission. Told the Mazda mechanic that it was an awfully expensive quirk. They did a reprogram on the transmission. It still does it ..only now the geers slip too. They said that they would no longer see the vehicle for this problem . If they could not get the van to reproduce the problem for the mechanic, that it would be at my expense and not under warrenty. They refuse to do anything about it. This problem exist. …
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
I have a 2003 Mazda MPV and the transmission down shifts from 4th to 3rd; from 3rd to 2nd; and from 2nd to 1st. It does this every day. It is so bad some times I think we are going to get some kind of neck/back injury. I do not know why Mazda has been sitting on this problem for years and up to now has not done anything about it. I do have to say that I bought this van from Mazda with 11K miles in 2004 but never noticed the date under the engine hood that signified that the computer had been re-flashed. I am guessing that they had once tried to correct the transmission problem that we are now experiencing. Shame on Mazda for not disclosing this problem that could have return and did return. I am hoping that someone with authority, reading these complaints, will make Mazda fix their defective MPV vans. Thank you.
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.
A few weeks ago I had noticed that my 2003 Mazda MPV was jerking or hesitating. I only have 42,395 miles on it. I took it to one place and was told it sounds like transmission trouble to them. I brought in to aamco and was told it was the torque converter and they showed me where the metal was etched out>my warranty expired in April 2007 I was told I was lucky to address this problem now before the entire engine seized. I have been a Mazda owner since 1993 first I had a protege then the 626 now I own the MPV I am shocked that this would happen so soon with so little mileage/ to replace everything it will cost me $3480 what a shame!!!!
Transmission between 2nd and 3rd gear- in the last month or so, we have noticed a hesitation and then hard shift into third gear during regular city driving. We spent 2/16/2004 at the dealership for an oil change, tire rotation, and examination of this problem. They performed a reflash of the TCM/ptm and left the dealership satisfied. About 15 minutes later, it started again. We called back and as of this morning, we have scheduled a drive with the transmission mechanic. I have noticed a number of complaints here and on edmunds.com. I really hope this can be solved for an otherwise great minivan.
Transmission complaints in other MPV years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Mazda MPV?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Mazda MPV, 31% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Mazda MPV transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 72% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.