Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options

Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

1…4546485051…86

Comments

  • Options
    tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    This has been an issue with Mazda Tribs and MPV's for years now....I heard that there is an 'aftermarket' stick which can be used to replace the incredible long one that MPV's have...? Has anyone attempted to locate one?
    I was told this by a Mazda dealer who hears this issue from many clients.
    It IS ridiculous at how long that column shifter is...it really does block the radio controls etc...even with the steering wheel controls...it's such a hassle having that stick so long. My DC has a column shifter that is 'normal' in length.

    Thanks.
  • Options
    crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    Your noise sounds suspiciously like the "moaning" I hear on cool (35-45 degree) mornings. This has been attributed by others to a faulty idle air control. I started hearing this after cool weather starts last winter and now it has resumed with the lower temps. The noise seems to not occur with air temps over 50. My mileage is now at 50,000.
  • Options
    bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    The long shifter is a trademark of Mazda. On my '92 MPV I think it extended out the passenger window....

    Also, out of curiosity - do the sulfur smell complaints come more from a particular region more than others? I was just wondering if this is a regional blending situation with gasoline - like, Texas vs New York vs California (or that earthquake guy in Alaska...Hi Java :) )
  • Options
    steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I think y'all need to try some Idaho gas. (It's Sinclair).


    Steve, Host

  • Options
    prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    Apparently California and Texas refiners like to import low sulfur oil (from Irak) for cost reasons. I suspect that the H2S stench is more than likely a regional problem. Here in CA, no complaints from my nose.
  • Options
    tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Bob57: Lolol's That was too funny, out the window.
    Oh yeah, now the Mazda rep said he was mistaken. Live with the yardstick shifter and suckup.
  • Options
    mainsail2mainsail2 Member Posts: 77
    I've had one for over a year. I'd say maybe a tiny boost in pep (it makes a slightly different sound, so that's all it might be). I can't say the mileage has changed as a result of the K&N. I generally get between 17-18 city and 22-23 highway (driving at 76 mph).
  • Options
    unclejunior1unclejunior1 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks
  • Options
    chornedochornedo Member Posts: 1
    Just curious to know if anyone has had any problems with their antifreeze overflow container. I owned a 2000 Mazda MPV when five months down the road I realized that there appeared to be no antifreeze in the white container. When I warmed up the car, all of a sudden there was some. I had the dealer look at it and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Eventually, I went back and forth about five times. Finally, they realized that the car was sweating out the antifreeze. After replacing a few hoses and pipes, the car continued to have the same problem. I traded it in.

    I now have a 2002 Mazda MPV and it started out fine but I'm starting to realize that the same problem is developing. When the car is warmed up, the container with the coolant is full. WHen the car is cold is dipping to the Low side. Unusual considering the manual indicates that the opposite should be happening. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what could be the problem?
  • Options
    mcadrechamcadrecha Member Posts: 46
    I have just noticed a rattle in my 2002 and wondered if anyone else has had the same experience.

    The rattle occurs in the rear door jamb near the rear passenger side sliding door. I think it is either the safety belt mechanism, or at the connection where the vinyl/plastic finish material meets the jamb. Any similar experiences?

    Michael
  • Options
    alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    I had an "issue" with my 2000 early. It turned out to be an air pocket in the cooling system. The dealer removed air and the coolant level never dropped any more...

    However the fluid level change when cold/hot is normal. The coolant has high thermal expansion factor - it has more volume when hot. I'm not sure about the actual limits but I must say that mine is somewhere between Low and High when cold and is on High when hot. Just check your fluid level in the morning when the car is cold. Only that way you can tell if the level actually changes over time.
  • Options
    altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    >>When the car is warmed up, the container with the coolant is full. WHen the car is cold is dipping to the Low side. Unusual considering the manual indicates that the opposite should be happening. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what could be the problem?<<

    It's behaving exactly as it should. Either the manual has a typo or you possibly misread it.
  • Options
    bdbomberbdbomber Member Posts: 10
    Before I purchased my MPV , I read through the messages posted on this board and my major concern was the sulfur smell. Before I gave the dealer his check I took it out for another test drive. NO smell , No problems. Well, after about 2 weeks the smell had arrived! I was thinking what was different that activated this stench. I put in about 5 gal of 87 oct mobil gas, and the temp was below 30. So I took it to the dealer and he said he was aware of the problem and opened up a "case". About a couple days after I filled the tank up with Sunoco and presto The Smell went Away.Hmmm! So just tonight I put in 5 gal of Mobil and then slammed some turkey over Mom's. Came back home and BAM! The Stench has arrived. Before purchasing I practically test drove every van out their. This van was the Tops hands down! but I should't have to be limited to one source of fuel. I 'm going to call the dealer on Mon. I'll keep Ya posted!!
  • Options
    tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    That issue has come up numerous times in the past on this board. What area of the country do you live? I too would be upset at this selective gas issue. I have an MPV due to be here soon and don't want this to be an issue. We don't have many Sunoco's around the metro Twin Cities area. Lot's of local SA's, and Amoco's. Almost sounds like the old catalytic converter issues of the 70's when the rotten egg stench would happen.
  • Options
    audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    We got a notice from mazda about the smell issue....When I manage to get it away from the service people I will post the details. Nothing earth shattering though, according to the techs.
  • Options
    mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    bdbomber, I agree that Mobil is the worst. I had the same experience. I had no problem with most of the brands but Mobil (I used: Chevron, Texaco, Shell, Sunoco, Amoco, Petroleum Canda, Hess). Now I am testing BP since they claim their gas has the lowest sulfur content in North America.

    MB
  • Options
    audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The information page from Mazda concerning the sulphur smell applies to 2000-2003 models.

    The odor or rotten eggs smell is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. The smell is NOT an indication of an engine problem and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or emission system.

    It is caused by high amounts of sulfur being used in some brands of gasoline. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but EPA regulations of sulfur in gasoline differes from state to state...

    When high sulfur fuel is burned the chiemical reaction in the catalytic converter causes the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven the oxidizing reaction in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.

    *** Replacing the catalytic converter will not eliminate the smell and replacement will just extend the period of time needed for the converter to 'age'.. allowing it to reduce sulfur smell to an acceptable level.***

    1. Switch to a different brand of gasoline and drive for al least 100 miles. Monitor the increase or decrease of the smell

    2. Do NOT add any type of fuel additive...this could add sulfur to the fuel and cause/increase the problem

    3. Try to avoid extended periods of short trip driving or aggressive acceleration.

    4. Request information from your local gasoline retailers on the amount of sulfur in their fuel. Try to use gasoline from the retailer who has the lowest sulfur content.

    5. Visit the EPA website..www.epa.gov and stay informed of any changes in fuel or envirental regulations.
  • Options
    bdbomberbdbomber Member Posts: 10
    After reading Audua8q's post I agree. I noticed the stench wasn't as pungent the first time I put mobil in .In response to Tccmn1 question - I live in Western New York. I also have Citgo,Bp and Coastal brands of gas in my immediate area but did not try them yet. My dealership(Who'm always gave me good service) did replace the catalytic converter in another vehicle and didn't solve the problem. So, I guess Tccmn1 it's a judgement call, If you feel this is a major issue then tell the dealer you would like to return it for a full refund if this happens, Have it in writing! My impression is Mazda will stand behind their products unlike others . Good Luck
  • Options
    sidiggiesidiggie Member Posts: 19
    I have posted before on the sulfur stink . If there is such a problem with bad gasoline, why haven't I had this problem with any other vehicle? So far Mazda does not seem to be standing by their vehicles, they seem to be trying to pretend the sulfur stink does not exist. We have over 10,500 miles and the smell is not going away. We've found Shell gas to be the worst, Mobil is not as bad as Shell in Central CT.
  • Options
    mainsail2mainsail2 Member Posts: 77
    My 2000 LX has begun to make a humming sound (sounds like a tuning fork), at start up in cooler weather that goes away after about two minutes of running. Since I'm running out of warranty at 33k, I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and, what is the fix?
  • Options
    alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    This is Idle Air Control Valve that needs to be replaced. Here are the details of the problem: MT000003553: Moaning or humming noise from top of engine
  • Options
    irmdupuisirmdupuis Member Posts: 2
    If the problem of the MPV's rotten egg smell is indeed the gas (depending on what region of the country one lives in)how come thousands of other cars in that part of the country using the same gas from the same pump do not stink???
    Doesn't make much sense, does it. Sounds like a Mazda specific problem to me and perhaps its time for Mazda to have a recall.
    When I initially complained to the dealer about the smell he claimed, after taking the 2002 MPV for a test drive, that the car didn't smell, and Mazda had no complaints about the smell.
    SO ALL OF YOU MAZDA OWNERS OUT THERE DRIVING STINKY CARS - CONTACT MAZDA and ask them why your car stinks and other makes of cars using the same gasoline your Mazda uses, don't.
    Let's then post the replies.
    Read your Mazda warranty. It promises a vehicle that is free from defects in material or workmanship. Sounds like a defect to me.
  • Options
    mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I am afraid that the smell is not a really wide spread problem. While many of us in this group (including me) had noticed the smell, so far only sidiggie seems to have really bad one. Most likely Mazda does not have enough complaints to announce a recall.

    MB
  • Options
    audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Mazda is not the only MFG with this issue.
  • Options
    mainsail2mainsail2 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks for the info about the idle control valve. I'll have it replaced.
  • Options
    bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    Yeah, right...
    My 2001 hasn't smelled - I'm at 33K, use Shell and Chevron both in Houston. I mentioned regional gas blending a while back but remembered my '82 (or was it '81) Olds about killed everyone around at a stop light - also in Houston. The mechanics gave up on it. I did too and traded it later.
    So....maybe this isn't a regional problem...or technology has improved and this is a regional situation.
    Or maybe Mazda has the computer tweaked to meet emissions tests and it is a Mazda problem.
    But then again, a lot of us don't have this problem.
    I forgot my glasses this morning so I have no idea what the heck I'm typing here - so I have a problem.
    :))
  • Options
    evaddaveevaddave Member Posts: 156
    We seem to have it on our van, too. I haven't had the chance to try the less technical of the suggestions in the bulletin alexv1n posted, but from reading it, it sounds dead on.

    We, too, are approaching the end of our warranty. We're at around 45K miles and at the end of the month, our 3 years will be up. I've gotta get this into the shop, and quick!

    -Dave
  • Options
    prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    Last week the engine came on. We took our, so far perfect, MPV to the closest dealer who traded it for a Ford Escort. :-( :-(

    They did not have the right part, so I returned yesterday; more Escort driving :-( :-( :-(.

    Turns out a transmission range sensor had gone bad, part FP0119444 (switch inhibitor). All under warranty, of course. The only real symptom was a burnt smell. They said it's because the van was running hotter.

    We're leaving for tahoe tomorrow. I'll keep my finger crossed.
  • Options
    mainsail2mainsail2 Member Posts: 77
    Has anyone encountered water leaking into the right side sliding door track? I heard some sloshing about a month ago and found about a quart of water in there when I opened the door. Since I had been driving through some standing water, I thought water had come through from the road. However, twice since then it has filled up when the car has been parked. It's at the dealership now being looked at while they fix the air idle control valve.
  • Options
    hypomachypomac Member Posts: 2
    Hi
    I'm thinking of buying MPV in california.
    anyone having problem with sulfur smell in CA?
    Please let me know.
    Thanks
  • Options
    once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    No smell with gasoline in Fresno area with 02' MPV. My understanding of gasoline and diesel in California is that it has been regulated to very low sulfur levels in our fuels. Thus the problem with large diesel trucks using CA fuel about 6 years ago, lubricity issues on the injection pump due to lack of sulfur.

    You will enjoy the MPV, it is a fine vehicle. Be sure to get 4 seasons and rear air if you get the 02'.
  • Options
    maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    no scent in So. Cal...
  • Options
    pieracpierac Member Posts: 43
    I've not had any trouble with leaking in the track but I noticed there is a condensation drain or something behind the right rear wheel well. It drips a very small amount of water in my garage at times. I think it from the rear air, although I'm not sure where the water would come from if the compressor is up front? Just a thought.
  • Options
    glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    You have a drain tube for your rear air. The condensation in the rear forms on the rear evaporation unit. The compressor is in the front, but you have front and rear evaporation units.

    We don't have rear on our 02, but did on our 97 Quest. The rear unit drain tube actually became plugged once and caused some issues. I would check it on an annual basis.

    If you do see an obstruction try not to simply push it farther up the tube. I have a small reducing attachment for my shop vac. It will suck out anything from anywhere.

    Mark. : )
  • Options
    robertitarobertita Member Posts: 1
    We've had our van only 3 months. It didn't smell for 2 weeks. Then it happened... that rotten egg smell. It's quite embarrassing. We took it to the dealership in northern Alabama and they said we just got bad gas. We've been using different brands of gas and it continues to smell. We took it back in last week, with 3400 miles on it, and they gave us a paper with the same report as stated in message #2426. This time they said it was not just Mazda, and it would get better over time but there's not a timetable for it. Has anyone heard of any other model of car with this trouble lately? Also they said the catalytic converter was working like it should and we shouldn't replace it because we would be starting over again with the same problem. I'm not too happy in reading that someone still has the same problem at 10,000 miles. What can be done to make Mazda accountable for this?
  • Options
    tbonertboner Member Posts: 402
    I think I posted a link about someone with a Toyota experiencing a similar odor issue.

    FWIW,

    TB
  • Options
    billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    And I'm not sure but every now and again, I think I get a whiff of that old familiar stench. Maybe it's just the ghost of Mazdas Past? :)

    In any case, I've got a feeling that this is going to be a topic on a lot of new car sites in the next several years. I think something is happening to the gas or to the cars that is about to be a very smelly and very widespread annoyance.

    RJ
  • Options
    glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Look, our refineries do a lousy job. The fuel in the USA is crap. But, what the he**, were America and we can do what we want. I'm sorry people but I feel there is a direct relation to the increasing sulfer in our fuel, and George W.

    Face it, it's cheaper to refine that way, and that's all that matters. I have noticed a marked increase in tail pipe sulfur smells in the last 18 months.

    Related? IMO, yes!

    Mark.
  • Options
    beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    If you're talking about water being retained under the bottom track area below the slider, I've had that too. Towards the front of the well you'll notice a small, black plastic square piece that looks like a nut. One side of that is open with a flap; you can twist it around until the open side faces you. This is the drain valve for the well - sometimes it gets clogged, or in my case, it gets Cheerios stuck inside! =)
  • Options
    once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Hmmmm..... obviously disgruntled about the smell. My sympathies. Please consider the bigger picture. Most of us have never had a problem with odor from the MPV smokestack.

    I tell you what, why don't you drop the lawsuit idea and sell your MPV. Many of us don't want Mazda prices to go up because of a frivolous lawsuit. I am a happy MPV owner and would rather see you get something you like better than to have you clog up the courts.
  • Options
    prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    It seems that the new sensor in the transmission did the trick. No more engine light 1000 miles later. Actually today we got our best mileage ever: 23.6 mpg. I hope it's a sign of improvement after the reprogramming; however having gassed up in Gardnerville, Nevada, it could also be the lack of MTBE.
  • Options
    mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I rather have my nose fell off before I let any stinky lawyer to make money on me.

    MB
  • Options
    maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Can you share some of the data you have collected from the emissions experts? I'm curious if my MPV will develop this scent.
  • Options
    bodhranbodhran Member Posts: 2
    Hi, drove EX model last weekend and loved it, seriously thinking about buying. After reading msg. board would like to resolve smell issue. We live in GA, any suggestions? Thanks
  • Options
    audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    you know how class actions work...mazda loses, pays out $500 million....MPV owners get a coupon for $50 off a new muffler purchase at Midas and the "experts" get millions and the lawyers get $450 million. Mazda raises retail prices across the board to pay for this modern day robin hood routine.
  • Options
    kczmudzinkczmudzin Member Posts: 39
    When I bought my Subaru in 1996 I had the same
    smell for a couple of months. So it must have
    been Clinton. :-)
  • Options
    Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,148
    We can discuss the odor problem and possible solutions, but let's try to stay clear of encouraging lawsuits even though the discussion hasn't gotten too far. We're not legal experts here, and it can be touchy ground. Thanks!

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • Options
    sd1228sd1228 Member Posts: 46
    This is a specific question. There is (or at least was) perception that MPV smell problem can be managed by experimenting with brand of gasoline.
    Is there anybody here from central texas/south texas region (i.e. austin / san antonio / houston / dallas area) who has done this successfully.
    If yes, do you mind sharing your results.
    I have 02' MPV with @ 4K miles. I encountered
    H2S like smell every now and then. I use mainly
    texaco and exxon.
    Thank you
  • Options
    mainsail2mainsail2 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks for the final solution. I'm beyond the Cheerio days with two ADULT sons, but dog hair also results in a pretty good clog. Sissy, the travel companion shepard, has already aplogized to the two of us for the shed.
  • Options
    frecfrec Member Posts: 1
    I am very frustrated with Mazda and their "It's not our problem, it's the gas". I have 38,000
    miles on my 2001 MPV and began noticing the "rotten egg" smell back in April, 2002. Of course, service advised me to stay with the same brand of gas. I returned to the dealership in Nov. giving the gas a fair chance. They adjusted something in the computer, but I went back the following week. Mazda keeps passing the buck from one dept. to another. Customer relations keeps saying that Mazda is standing strong on their memo about the gas being the problem. No one seems to be listening or caring about a consumers concerns, particularly when children often ride in this van. After reading back on past messages, it definitely is a problem!!
    Any advice would be appreciated. What should be my next step so that Mazda starts to stand behind their product? Does the Lemon Law apply here?
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles