Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
--javadoc
First question: Sometimes our MPV will not start when you turn over the ignition. Actually, the car will turn over and make the sounds that it should, but it never gets going enough and dies. After 2 -3 tries it will eventually start. It doesn't do this all the time, but I know that this is not how it should be performing. What could this be?
Second question: Regarding the "popping" sound that so many reference....is this indeed the tie-rods? A few months ago the dealership replaced my breakpads, but it hasn't made a difference.
Third question: Where do you get your auto parts and what service do you do yourself? We're coming up on 23,000 miles and I really don't want to pay the dealership $350 to do some of the things that I or dh could do.
Thanks again
#2: I'll dodge since we haven't had this happening with MochaVan...I suspect our climate is too cold, since folks seem to notice this popping when the going gets hot. Many others are much more qualified to comment on this issue. :-)
#3: I haven't had to buy any parts per-se for our van, except oil filters, which I get at the dealer. I just purchased a K&N air filter, bought online. For parts, I'd try some more reputable parts stores (online even) for plugs and such. I don't think you'd need brake parts yet, or shocks. What else is serviced at this mileage point...rotate tires, check/change fluids, etc I think. You could do most all this yourselves if you're at all inclined. If you're looking for accessories, I'd suggest ducking into the Mazda MPV Club: Aftermarket & Accessories forum for info on that regard. There are lots of ideas in there!
cheers,
--Javadoc
Thanks in advance.
If you want a link, let me know.
--javadoc
Also while it is cranking, there are 2 distinct sounds, presumably the higher frequency one from the starting motor/gears and the lower frequency one from the engine cyclinders.
Comments?
Why are you paying such HIGH prices for oil filters (P/n 33-2177 from macromotive.com for $43.62 plus $21.10 s/h)? Maybe I misunderstood and the price you mentioned was for a multi-pack of them.
My dealer charges $29 for oil change w/filter.
Don't take offense. I'm just wondering why some folks opt to do this themselves. Just curious.
Silver (and scratched) Driver
Brumda, no offense taken...no worries my friend.
--javadoc
For those affected, please keep me informed of updates and I will do the same.
I think the price of the filter is okay. The cone filter for my Volvo was $65 plus s/h. You never replace these filters, but we all knew that already. I do think I was soaked on the s/h charges. Vendors like to stick it to ya living up here. :-)
Anyways...the filter arrived today and I'm installing it tonight. I'll do a "How-To" just for grins.
--javadoc
The 3.0 engine will indeed raise the price of the MPV, but nobody really knows how much yet (maybe 10-15%?). Right now as offered, the MPV is a peach of a van and a steal, and if it starts to be priced with the larger Ody or even the more expensive Sienna (per msrp), then I it might be getting too expensive for its britches...just as the previous version of the MPV did at the end.
I'd be asking myself if 30 hp is worth a couple grand extra in sticker price. If it is, then I'd wait for the bigger motor, if not, snatch a 2001 up and enjoy life with an MPV. Myself, I'd be using the extra I saved over the 3.0 MPV and getting an RSES for the van, or buying the wife that painting she really wants. ;-)
cheers,
--Javadoc
Best handling in it's class.
Good front impact crash rating.
Excellent side impact crash rating.
Assembly quality-only minivan available that's assembled in Japan.
Mazda is basically an American company because it's mostly owned and controlled by Ford (just like Volvo, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover).
These days, it's really arguable what a certain make or model's "nationality" is. One could argue that the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Volkswagen Bug are Mexican cars or that the Honda Odyssey and GM F-Bodies are Canadian cars or the Mercedes ML series SUVs, Honda Accords, and Toyota Camrys are American cars.... or that Saab, Lotus and Lambhorghinis are American cars and Nissans are French cars.
--javadoc
I betcha the next Windstar will be like a larger version of the MPV.
Focus SVT, Zetec 2.0 DOHC four with 170hp!! Give it a couple of years, maybe Ford will be adding a VVT valve train and it'll be making over 200hp@8000rpm ala S2000 or Integra GSR.
Now if they can only keep on improving the assembly/manufacture quality as well...
2nd question. Has anybody tried adding Redline Water Wetter to the coolant system of their MPVs? Any negative side effects? I use it in my highly modified Talon AWD Turbo and it helps a lot in keeping temperatures down during hot days or extended high boost/rpm driving especially with my large front mount intercooler blocking the radiator.
3rd question. I'm a new MPV owner. In your opinion, what's the best oil filter for the MPV. Is it "safer" to stay with Motorcraft? Or can I use premium/aftermarket filters with worrying about "imcompatibilities?" I'm definitely using Mobil 1 10w-30. Comments? What's the best mileage to do the first oil change? I don't want to do it prematurely without waiting for the rings to settle. But I don't want to do it too late either. Has anybody been able to successfully remove the factory installed oil filter by hand? I've heard stories that it's installed by the 900-pound gorilla in the factory.
No, seriously, a couple of my friends were very surprised how stable engine temperature is on the MPV. And I guess someone here has completed long journey through a desert (?) and commented that MPV never overheated while the same route in DC Caravan several years ago was a horrible experience...
The Tribute is a touch lighter than the MPV but has the 3L V6. The change in driving is significant. When you push the Tribute you get a more "normal" slow ramp up in RPMs, rather than the drop-down in gear that the MPV gives you.
My guess is that the 3L engine will give the MPV a much better reception with everyday drivers. While we know our MPVs can take the traffic, a lot of folks over here in North America aren't comfortable with an engine that revs above 3000 RPM. Sad but true.
If you've been at contour.org you've seen the concern about filter flow rates.
The K&N oil filter has a higher stated flow rate, (greater than the 12gpm that the 2.5L's oil pump will pump) but doesn't do quite the same job at filtering the oil.
However, with some of the oil starvation issues experienced in extreme cornering, I'm thinking an ample supply of slightly dirty oil is superior to a near zero supply of pristine oil.
I've switched to the K&N (2010 I think)
Cheers,
TB
Don't worry about it; if I can conquer it--and even come to love it--anyone can.
RJ
Mazda was not going to help us originally with any of the cost. I spoke to many people, both at Mazda dealerships, at the Automobile Protection Agency and at the Canadian New Vehicle Warranty Agency about the premature wear on the tires. I made an appointment to talk to the Mazda Canada District Representative at the dealership where we bought the car, which is the first step to getting mediation with Mazda.
Before I could meet with the District Rep, Mazda Canada came through with a cheque for the entire amount. We are now happy customers again. We like our new Pirelli Cinturato all-season tires. My only concern is that we have 92T rated tires since we decided to stay with the 205/65/R15 size that Gyro Mazda in Toronto recommended. Gyro Mazda says the upgraded speed rating means we bought stronger sidewalls and all around better tires.
The Yokohama tech support guy suggested we upgrade to 215/65/R15 in order to get a stronger tire. This might impact our speedometer so we decided to keep to the original tire size. We'll keep people posted about this decision. My thanks to Jeff Thompson of Downtown Mazda in Toronto, who spoke to Mazda Canada on my behalf, and of course to Mazda Canada, for taking responsibility for the tire and alignment problems.
Hugs
Just my 2cents,
--java
RJ
I've had mine for 6 weeks and I've put 3000 miles on it already. It does accelerate a little slower from a standstill than I'm use to, but it sure makes up for it at high speed. It will pop from 65mph to 85mph if you need to pass with no problems. It really does make you feel like you are in one of those Mazda " Zoom Zoom" commercials. I love driving mine! (As you can probably see by my mileage.)
We're extremely happy with the MPV - I really wanted an Ody but have now decided that MPV's narrower girth and slightly shorter length is better for city life. Plus the leather seats are very fine and moonroof is most excellent.
BUT.
I've had two significant problems. The continuing unsolved problem is a sulphur-like smell eminating from outside the van whenever I've gone about 10 blocks, stop-and-go. It knocks over pedestrians and departing passengers (and yours truly when the window is down). It lasts throughout the 50-min commute. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all.
From my experience in the 70s, this is a rotten-eggs catalytic converter smell, no doubt about it. But I haven't owned a car since 1980 (I live 1/2 block from a subway) and it could well be some other malfunctioning system on the car.
First dealer deodorized the a/c vents. Sorry - I said it was only smellable with the windows open. Second dealer said it wasn't unsual for the smell to last until 10,000 miles. Which sounded - and still sounds - like BS to me. Anyone else have this problem?
Second prob: vibration at 80+. There were many posts on this in the 100s range on this board - but haven't seen many since. It happened consistently on the first three trips I made on the open road (I can only manage about 60 on the streets around the White House).
First dealer said - oh we can't check it out because we can't go 80 - but they rotated and balanced tires for good measure. No change. Second dealer balanced again and it seems better --but not perfect -- at 80-85. No side-to-side travel in steering wheel as some have reported and no leaning. Just vibration. Hope it's been fixed now. (I have 16-inch Dunlops on alloy rims. I think.)
Other problems include noisy blower fan in a/c (didn't happen with heater), rattle in visor for moonroof (dealer says they don't know how to fix that), sticky lever in Park on occasion (move the steering wheel a bit and it's fine), and dirt on the floor mats. (Aha - you're still reading!)
For a "first-time" car buyer at age 45 - I think I got a pretty good deal, even if it's a bit smelly at times.
So you're not alone--though if your smell doesn't go away, you will be before long.
RJ
If your dealer won't cooperate, call Mazda region office & explain your dilemmas. I have found their Midwest Region to be very accommodating in working with both dealer & customer to get probs fixed.
I had front end vibes shortly after purchase. I suspected it was tire balancing - it was. Dealer re-balanced all 4 tires and vibrations were gone.
Good luck!
Thanks--
RJ
power package
Rear AC
and Desitnation
19,995+ tax,tags
Does this sound good to you guys?
Also what should I look for while I test drive it, I know some of you had problems with certain months they were built on can you guys clue me in on anything I should look for as in noise lean, or things that happen at higher speeds?
Also this might be a dumb question, but have any of you removed the 2nd set of seats to get
better gas mileage?
THanks for any input
We bought a grace green '00 with power package and tan interior early last September--we paid too much for it, but got 0% financing on the balance after our trade-in. We went with the MPV because of its versatility and price.
What problems have we had? Until last week, absolutely none. We didn't suffer (knock on wood) any of the problems I've seen posted here (vibrations, pulling, or smells). What we did get was a god-awful grinding and scraping noise coming from the front drivers-side wheel whenever we drove (forward OR reverse).
When I say bad, it was LOUD! Pedestrians stopped and stared, and I thought it was the suspension falling apart. It also happened very quickly (it went from a slight sound to a cacaphony inside of two days).
Here's the good part: Mazda roadside assistance towed the van from our house the next morning. The dealer got it half an hour later. I called later that day, and the van was ready!
The culprit? Inadequately greased tire rods on the front end. They pulled it apart, repacked it, and put it back together. Just to be sure, they also replaced a set of shims on the front brakes that 'might' have been making slight clicking sounds, and performed an oil change (we were due) at the same time!
Verdict? So far so good. Picked up the van yesterday, put 100kms on it, and it is running fine.
My next step will be to trade in my '99 Civic SE for a grace green Miata!
btw--apparently I was mistaken, this problem has appeared on this board before. . .sorry.
Remaining things to be aware of: Some of the vans are improperly balanced and/or over-inflated by the factory. Be aware of a pull, especially to the left, at any speed. Some vans have it, some don't. Then too, the car is fairly sensitive to high-crowned roads, Mine, for instance, has a minor but noticeable pull to the right on a road with a high crown, while on flatter roads, it'll track without any drift almost indefinitely. I would avoid closing on a car with a strong pull in either direction until the dealership has fixed the problem to your complete satisfaction
Because of overinflation and/or poor balancing/alignment, some vans have a shake-shimmy over 60. Again, don't close until the problem has been fixed.
Be aware that the engine is a low-torque one and that the transmission tends to react badly to lead-footed driving. On a test drive, you'll get your best performance with firm but not harsh pressure on the pedal. The van simply wil NOT be goosed. That said, it has all the pickup you need to move off the line without the slightest embarrassment, even with a full load. The few times I've needed to merge onto a highway, it's done so with no trouble at all--just don't be intimidated by the sound of the engine as it winds out. It sounds as though you're tearing the guts out of it, but if you check, you'll see that you're nowhere near redline; it's just got a real tigergrowl revving up.
The MPV IS the slowest of the vans off the line, but it's not so slow as to cause a problem or be a worry. Those of us who own one are completely comfortable with its low-speed acceleration.
As for removing the second seats, they only weigh 37 pounds each; I doubt taking them out would have any appreciable effect on MPG. Maybe a 2% improvement, based on the total weight of the vehicle. That might translate into 3/10 MPG. Hardly seems worth it.
Others will pick up anything I've forgotten, but I think I covered most of what to look for.
Good luck
RJ
Also on the drivers door there what appears to be a limiting support that is inbetween the hinges. The nut has come loose in the last 24 hours and makes the door creak. Had to tighten it up. Looks like next weekend I will spend an hour or so with the socket set walking around the van.
Not too bad for 30k miles.
MSGJVH
P.S. I am still unsure if the K&N air filter has increased the HP to a noticeable amount. Might be my imagination but the engine sounds like it wants to go faster. Wait a minute I think that was my lead foot talking.
Basically he has a lx with 16 inch tires, he followed his girlfriend to see what was happening outside of the car. Basically he saw that the left rear wheel was bouncing up and down like crazy as she drove along. The dealer replaced all 4 tires and the problem was fixed. The tire was out of round.
I wish to hell these dealers would offer Michelin tires they are the best tires. I would love to and already told the dealers to take those stinky tires off and put on michelins, but neither the mazda or toyota dealer will comply. They basically say you will pay a fortune for us to put on good tires. I'm actually hoping to find a problem with the tires that come on my MPV that way I can tell them what tire I want on it. Maybe that way I get rid of the Toyo Or Goodyear or whatever junk they put on these things.
One other note the salesman we are dealing with said something about you really need to have larger tires or rims on the MPV it dramatically helps the van. But as he was saying this over and over in front of his boss, he shut up quick, basically I think because he realized that the DX we were looking at had 15inch tires. Maybe he was referring to the Alloy rims instead of steel I don't know. It probally was the alloy.
As a side note.... Just saw a "friend of a friend's" '01 LX. I immediately noticed the improved polised alloy wheels they're putting on the '01's. They look much nicer than the crappier painted type wheels on my '00 that are more difficult to clean than polished versions (my '98 Accord has polished ones that clean up very easy).