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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    ROFLMAO!
    I guess, for lack of the real thing--and there seems to be a lot of lack of the real thing--it's gonna have to do, for now.

    RJ

    BTW [reqcon]The driver's side window is beginning to rattle when it's part way open. Quel Horreur!
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I am afraid this message group is likely go to the archive grave because of the lack of problems with Mazda MPV.

    MB
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    If that's the case, hang on for a second while I put a screwdriver in one of the van's tires...

    ...Hey, I've got this problem with a flat tire... and all these empty Pizza boxes...

    They archived our other 'off topic' thread, pray they don't do it again. ;-)

    /j
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    wasn't so good though I don't really recall any problem postings since the consolidation. Actually, I think all this inactivity says a lot about the MPV, but I'll share here anyway .

    I noticed this a few weeks ago - a popping noise from the steering rack while I am backing into the driveway, wheels turned hard left. There's only one pop and it happens the moment the van starts to move backwards. Since my '01 LX seems to have a lot of the same issues as the '00 (being built in Aug. '00), I have been pondering pushing the dealer on the tie-rod TSB. Should I mess with it? I wonder if it would be best to leave the rack alone if I only have the popping under this one circumstance. You know, the 'old sleeping dog theory. But if there were even an inkling of a safety concern, I'd get it done.

    java, was that the MPV owner's club board you're referring to? We should go dig that up! I'd like a not-so-off topic (but OT ok) place to post. BTW, I'm sending you an ICQ invite. My handle's a little strange; you'll know it's me (HSM)!

    SC
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    There is a bulletin for brakes on that one. It's a matter of adding hardware that prevents pad clunk. Not a safety issue, but it can be annoying.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    You're right. The MPV is in the shop getting that one done now. That's the TSB involving the shims, correct? What I was talking about is definitely NOT the brakes. Do you know the mass-production begin date of the modified tie-rod end? Another possiblity could be a loose strut, I suppose.

    It only happens when I do this:
    #1. Come to a complete stop.
    #2. Brakes on-throw into reverse (and yes, at that point, the front pads clunk as they have for months).
    #3. Turn wheels all the way left.
    #4. Let off brakes and accelerate backwards.
    #5. POP!
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    After reading your actions in numbers 1 through 5 above - what destruction derby was that in?
    :))
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Also, that bulletin applies to 2000MY up to VIN JM3LW28**Y0137197.

    I guess when you pick it up give it a shot and see what happens.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    ... has been in my kitchen for the past two months! I've taken down a wall and soffits, built a center island, cut concrete, etc. Phew! I'm taking tonight off! Anyway, hence the reason why I'm constantly backing up into my driveway - to unload that next van-full of homerdpoe goodys.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    ...hence the reason why I'm constantly backing up into my driveway...

    Odyssey carry more stuff. Odyssey have room for 4x8 sheet. Odyssey get better miles/gallon on way home from Home Depot.

    Honda best car in world.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    True, true ... the MPV won't carry home as much Pergo as the prego Ody! Prolly will be the one and only time I ever needed the obligatory 4X8 space. But I saved over $3K vs. the Honda. Gee, I'm starting to sound like a Sedona owner .
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    The fact that you saved $3K is good but still Honda has the biggest passenger/cargo volume, most power and almost the best fuel economy... Gee, I miss Ody1. :-)
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    I could use you.
    My golden chewed half the cabinets and walls down in the kitchen. The brown retriever is working on the outside of the house - and both dogs are still alive....longevity in question although.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    to update my fuel door parts and fix the front brake clunk. They had to keep it overnight so they put me in a rental (a Ford Escort - ugh!). They've done this every time I've had the van serviced. It's a very nice feature of the Mazda warranty. I don't think anyone else does this. But I be could wrong; maybe some of the high-end manufacturers offer it. I suppose that individual dealerships can do different things too. I’ve not seen American Honda advertise it the way Mazda USA does. My Honda dealer will not put you in a car. They will give you a ride on their shuttle, but you have to wait around for a while.

    Alex, Malt - I'm not quite sure if you guys are picking on me 'cause I have a Honda and you know I'm also a closet Odyssey fan . Help me out here Bob! Bob, guess we won't need the Sawzall then, huh? Does your retriever do landscaping as well?

    SC
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    I thought the retriever was building something because he loved to carry bricks around the backyard all the time. He would pickup the only three bricks out there and place them in various spots all day long. When lightning struck our chimney two years ago and blew bricks all over the place he thought he was in heaven.

    Hey, you're on your own about the Ody.
    I guess the happy posters here haven't read my reply on the Sienna site to the person who wanted a decision from me on my Sienna and MPV choice. Although, I did mention Java and all would make me turn in my MPV keys again.... :))
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    (surfs over to Sienna while simultaneously cranking up the freeze-machine, still pointed at Texas) reqcon: my MPV can't carry more than one cylinder of spent plutonium for the freeze machine.

    Actually Bob, how does the Sienna compare size-wise, as interiors go, to the MPV? When I tested them, I thought they were quite similar in dimensions. It is a nice van, imo.

    I thought retrievers were supposed to bring things to you, not carry them away. At least you don't have herding dog... well, at least she keeps the kids corralled.
  • otishotish Member Posts: 59
    Okay this is moving week for us (once again and tired of it!) and have had to park in the driveway because the garage is full of stuff that we are trying to get put away (including an ever increasing stack of cardboard boxes). Anyway, my driveway is sloped and my gas tank is low - the low gas light came on maybe 3 miles ago. The tank shows 1/8 full. I went to start the van this morning and it wouldn't start! My totally reliable van would not start this morning - I was so mad and sad. Anyway, we got it to start by backing it into the street so it was flat and added about a gallon of gas and if finally started. So if it every happens to you that may be the problem. By the way it was parked like that for a good day and a half while I waded thru boxes. Sigh.

    We also solved a rattle in the back that turned out to be the plastic housing around the speaker that had popped out of place. It didn't look wrong but when my husband pushed on it it snapped into place and the rattle is now gone.

    Oh and we had a golden retriever too who we thought was a construction engineer. He dug out his own basement under his dog house to get a cool spot among other things that weren't so useful.
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    Actually, my MPV interior seems larger because I always have that rear seat down in the trough. I've been pulling it up only if the need arises.
    The Sienna reminds me of sitting in a living room full of funiture - and those rear seats ARE heavy!
    The MPV is so much more convenient - 5 seconds versus 5 minutes of tugging. Then, where are you going to put the split seats?
    On one short trip they got stored in the back of MPV - now that's a good point to brag about!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Nah, that was actually at the expense of a certain odyssey owner that has had a revelation in recent days.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    Picked 'er up from the dealer last night. Was VERY happy to get out of that crazy Escort! They fixed the fuel door with what I'd consider to be a nice rig. Kinda like a little juice harp (they call it a *lift spring*). It keeps outward pressure on the door while it's shut so it will pop with more gusto. I'm guessing that these are on all the '01s (?), but mine never had it. I also had my front brake clunk fixed with the shims. Now if I could figure out that darned vibration ......

    SC
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    Thanks for the update! Fortunately, there are no hills in Florida, at least not where we are. Things get pretty flat around here when you're only a few feet above sea level! Good luck on your move and your new home!
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    When I was reading all the posts in this group I saw more than a few issues with vibration. The first thing what I would do is to get Michelin tires even the cheapest ones. I emphasize again if you have vibration problem get Michelin tires. Then I would find good alignment shop where they know how to balance wheels off and on the car. Good balancing and good tires will cure 98% of vibration problems.

    MB
  • matluomamatluoma Member Posts: 18
    MG - did you have any problems with the OEM Dunlops on the 2002 ES?

    Also wondering what your opinion on Yokohama's for replacements (Looking at AVID Touring/AVID T4's for my old Lumina Sedan - MPV would require something a bit 'better' - AVS dB? Just hoping MPV's Dunlops last a while...)

    Het TB - didn't you mention something about putting quality tires on even a beater car - before? (or was that Java?)

    Mat
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    ...I spent about $700 for a set of used Caddy DeVille wheels and Dunlop SP5000 Sports for my 87 Buick last spring. (Put the same tire in the same size 225-55/16 on the MPV last fall as well at just under 15K on the odometer. Had I known the winter wasn't going to amount to much here, I'd have saved nearly $1K by postponing both fall tire purchases.)

    It's just about time to put them back on. I've had enough of driving around on the 14" Michelins I bought for winter last October.

    Sheesh, I've spent over $1100 on tires for a $1000 car.

    How's that for quality tires on a beater?

    TB
    Who's going to tear up his Firestone Firehawk SZ50EP's a bit more in tomorrows AutoX
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    I'm running the Yoko AVS db tires though on the 850T (love them), and am ordering some for the MPV this spring if we keep it.

    Good luck tomorrow TB! You should take the van out there one day and run it! Wouldn't it be great to beat some kids with a minivan?

    /j
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    So far I like Dunlops SP 4000 17". They grip very well on cornering and they are fairly quiet but I haven't had chance drive them hard during the rain. And down here in Florida it can rain, it can pour. Besides I have only 1000 miles on them. With mileage tires wear out and then the wheels may need rebalancing. I am not expecting great mileage from Dunlops since they are ultra-high performance tires.

    I know there are good quality tires around. I've had many of them like Pirelli, Good Year, Michelin, Uniroyal, Continental. But the only tires that deliver consistently excellent quality are Michelins. I had Mercedes 380SE and this car was very sensitive to proper wheel geometry and balancing. The only tires that worked very well on this car were Michelins. That is why I suggest that if someone has vibration problem and it is time for new tires get Michelins first instead of spending $$$ for alignments and mechanic checkups. Once you have Michelins and good balancing and your car still have vibration problem at least you eliminate one variable that is tires. If you buy other brand and the car vibrates you still may have tire problems. I've had many bad brand new tires except Michelins.

    Yokohamas, I would pass them up. My friend just had them on Quest and after 20K miles he has vibration problem. He just switched to Michelins and the difference is like day and night.

    Once again, there are lots of good tires and if you don't have vibration problem I am pretty sure you can find many brands at the right price but if vibration is constant problem get Michelins.

    MB
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    mazda_guy - quite a few of those vibration posts were mine, I'm sorry to say. I totally agree with you about Michelin. I've used nothing else on my vehicles for over ten years. That's why I eventually took the OEM Yoko's off the MPV and put on X-Ones. The dealer was not resolving the issue with balancing and alignments after several attempts. After the Mich's went on, it seemed at first that the vibration had gone away, but the more I drove the van I realized it had not. There was a good improvement though. The Yoko's obviously had a problem too. But there's still something there and I can't quite put my finger on it. Call me crazy, and I've said this before, but I think it has to do with being underpowered. I've noticed that our '01 lx seems to ride better (i.e. hardly any vibration) with the AC off. It also performs better too and shifts better. Once that compressor kicks on, there's a distinct loss of performance , I feel more vibration, and the transmission is jerky. As you know, we need AC almost year-round here. For us, there's maybe a couple months that we don't use it. That's too bad if this is the problem. I also entertained the idea of bent rims, but two different places have checked them saying they are fine. I still wouldn't mind finding a good deal on some nice MPV alloys on e-bay or somewhere ;)

    SC
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I don't know how old is your Mazda but the next thing I would check is engine mounts. If they are bad and worn out you will get vibration. On another hand I had Chevy Celebrity and this car was shaking like a milk shake machine. I have never got rid of the vibration. Well I should say I got rid of the vibration once I got rid of the car. Chevy came with Genral Tires as OEM. The worst tires I have ever had. Other tires I wouldn't tuch with a 10 feet pole are Firestone and Toyo.

    MB
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    Why not Firestone? One of the best Ultra High Performance Tires is made by Firestone.


    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/uhp.jsp


    Probably as close to a Max Performance tire that still has wet performance.


    But, I don't buy your tires, so all can do is suggest and ask.


    TB

  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    tboner, for few reasons. First, I had experience with Firestone (sorry don't remember which ones) and the wet traction was horrible. In addition, I had cases when bulges were popping up on sidewall in brand new tires. Second, this company went almost bankrupt once, I think in 70's, for producing pitiful tires (I think 721). Finally, we all know about their recent "great" product Wilderness tires. That is enough for me.

    I used, however, Bridgestone tires and even that this is the same company these tires are pretty good IMO.

    Off the topic.... Even Mario Andretti while racing in F1 in 1975 for the last time usede Firestone and then went for Good Year to switch in 1981 to Michelin and back in 1982 to Good Year.

    MB
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    Through my mother with both the Firestone 500's and the 721's in the late 70's.

    For basic passenger tires, I usually stick with Michelin. They may not be the best, but they are usually better than most, and by far the most consistent. I think BF Goodrich is now a Michelin owned brand, so you may get a high quality tire from them. I do know the G-Force KD (Literally King of the Dry) tires are the best dry tire currently available.

    But for performance, I try to buy the best out there. So I've had Dunlop, Firestone, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Yokohama's on my cars from time to time.

    I do think you need to look at each tire individually instead of writing off a whole company.

    Besides, I believe Ford is as much to blame for the Wilderness AT and ATX debacle as is Firestone. It is the air in tires that supports a vehicles weight. You don't put enough air in, and any tire will have problems supporting the weight.

    TB
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    While I agree that we can look individually on each tire not a whole company then in case of Firestone company which constantly produces pitiful tires I am sorry to say but I have written off this company entirely in my home.

    MB
  • ftlftl Member Posts: 11
    I have a new 2001 lx mpv going on 1600 miles and for the past week or so when I am driving it jerks like it is holding back. It happens on hills and flat road and it comes and goes. Today the engine light came on so I am on the way to the dealer. Anyone else with this????
  • kczmudzinkczmudzin Member Posts: 39
    2001 or 2002 lx?
  • seesharpseesharp Member Posts: 1
    We just test drove a 2002 Mazda MPV ES and were quite impressed. Handling was great and the drive was quiet & smooth. I liked the console and the steering wheel, better than the odyssey, with all controls laid out better and within reach. The rear climate control in Odessey require some stretching if you are 5'7". BTW we really liked those speakers don't they sound great(all the 9 of them)

    Now our question is with regard to the Third row seat in the MPV
    1. Does it feel little low or did we miss any settings?
    2. Can we fit a car seat and two adults.
    3. Was there enough legroom for 3 Adults?

    We plan to go back and find out, I guess we missed it during our first test drive. Would appreciate some your experiences & thoughts on the III row seat.

    Thanks
  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    If the stock SP4000 are anything like the SP2, the wet grip is amazing. I put the SP2's on my Acura TL couple weeks ago and did some testing in the rain. No comparison to the stock Michelins for my car! These Dunlops feel like they're glued to the road! One problem: I've noticed that the SP2's produce significantly more road noise than the Michelins. I wonder if the MPV's SP 4000 are noisy as well. We should be picking up our MPV ES 2002 in a week or two.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    dulnev, SP 4000 are pretty quiet. I wouldn't say they are nosier than Michelins on Acura (my wife drives Acura TL with Michelins). I made on SP 4000, however, only 1100 miles so far. Dry traction is great. If wet traction is as you say I will stay with those tires. I am sure they will not last very long because they are soft ultra-high performance but you always have to compromise.

    dulnev, you made me tempted to try SP2s on Acura. Michelins will be soon due for an exchange.

    MB
  • mcadrechamcadrecha Member Posts: 46
    My new 2002, with 1000 miles on it, has some minor pulling to the left at highway speed. Anyone else having that problem?

    MEC
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Have you checked the tire pressure? The tires should be at (I believe) 35psi, and they're shipped to the States with much more than that to avoid flat spots. It might not change your pulling, but it's the first thing to check. Also, some earlier MPVs had a pulling issue, which is addressed in some TSBs that Mazda issued on 2000 and 2001 models.

    /java
  • ftlftl Member Posts: 11
    update.... today I took in my mpv and they sent me home in a rental saying something is definately wrong but they have to run a bunch of tests.......... While waiting,I met two other woman there with similar problems and engine lights on. Hmmmmmmmm
  • kczmudzinkczmudzin Member Posts: 39
    Is it 2001 or 2002 LX?
    You said 2001 and brand new so I'm not sure. I know you can still buy 2001 because my dealer has at least 3 of them (and 17 2002s) but I'd like to verify.
  • canielcaniel Member Posts: 28
    I've much appreciated the discussion on replacement tires. I was about to go with the Michelin X-Ones and then I saw the post about the Yokohama Avid Touring and decided to purchase those. As I explored further, I finally decided to go with the BFGoodrich Control T/A M65, since they appear from the "survey" on Tirerack to be very comparable, but they are better in snow (I don't use dedicated winter tires and am in Central PA where winters are sometimes bad) and they ended up being cheaper - with the BF Goodrich $50 rebate. Any opinions about this BF Goodrich tire and whether I've made a good decision? I'll get the tires by end of week and have them mounted on Saturday. I'll report back later...Cheers, Caniel
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    The stated fuel capacity of our 2002 LX is supposed to be 19.8 gal. However, twice already when we gassed after the warning light went on, we could only add 15.8 gallons to the tank. Is our gage wrong or is this normal? 4 gallons of reserve seems excessive.
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    It seems normal. On out 2000 MPV when I fill up after the warning light comes on, I can put max of 50-55 L while the gas tank is 70 L. So there is about 15-20L left in the tank (4-5 gal). 2002's gas tank is 5L bigger but I guess the fuel level sensor is positioned in a similar way.

    Once the light came on when we were returning home at night and I decided to go without turning into some small town for refueling. I went about 60 km in the gauge was really showing zero level. When I got to the pump at home, I still was able to put less than 60L.

    I wouldn't be worried about that... Just know that you have some gas left to go to the next gas station.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    plamz, alexv1n is right. 4 gallons sounds right. You have to remember that if you were driving in New Mexico, for example, where some gas stations can be as far as 50 miles from each other then 4 gallons at 20 miles per gallon will leave you with only 30 miles reserve. You wouldn't make it to the next gas station if the first one was closed.

    MB
  • otishotish Member Posts: 59
    Just to add that as I recently posted don't park on an incline when your gas warning light is on! Mine had just come on when I parked on my driveway with an incline and it wouldn't start the next day. Once we got it on level ground we were able to get it started but when I filled it up it took only about 15 1/2 gallons to fill (so it wasn't that empty).

    By the way there aren't too many slopes where I live in Kansas (except artificial ones like my driveway!)
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    you beat me to the punch on Kansas! Shucks.

    /j
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    In deep South Texas there's a sign that says "Last chance for gas for the next 60 miles". Under it, someone hung another sign "And beer too".
    The gas reserve in my '01 is the same btw. I had a Ford once that when the light came on you were dead in the water if a gas station wasn't within 50 feet.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    I read that most new cars trigger the low fuel light with a "significant" reserve still in the tank because most new cars are fuel injected and they can cause problems if there isn't any fuel left in the tank. Don't know if that is true or not but it sounds reasonable.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    ...Mine never comes on. Here all along, I thought it was installed for RJ's van!!! Get it??? bah-dum-bum! I'm here all week! Eat at Sal's!

    Actually, our's comes on w/about 3-5 gallons left, since I fill up the tank and usually put in 13-15gls after the light comes on.
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