Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

javadoc · July 2002

Happy to see you around still!

I've had about the same issues you have... so basically problem-free for almost 28k miles now. Looking forward to the next MPV purchase!

/java

prlamz · July 2002

After we purchased our 2002 LX with electric seat, I was more than a little concerned by the firmness and potential long term discomfort of the driver seat.
I am 5'6", 150 Lbs and 45 for those keeping track.
I could not have been more wrong. During our recent across the country 7000 miles odyssey, I twice drove 26 hours/1500 miles straight (LA - Wichita, Lawrence - LA). I experienced absolutely no aches of any kind. Even better, my ears were not even buzzing. Sure I was tired, but less so than after shorter stretches with other vehicles. Taller people may have a different experience, but for now, the only way I could be happier with my MPV is if it were paid off.

prlamz · July 2002

From what I know of catalytic converters, if they work, the gasses will be hotter at the exhaust end. Conversely if you came the same temperature reading at both ends, it's not working.

bill124 · July 2002

I had the 2000 MPV in for service (oil, check engine light, key remote not working) and mentioned I thought the steering was too loose. Car comes back okay and dealer says the loose steering is because the tires are really worn. I just had tires put on on May 1. I also had an alignment. I thought the tires were put on in the front but I figured I made a mistake. Today I had a chance to check the tires and I was right that the front's were replace but they are totally shot in less than 3 months! The passenger's side front tire is worn into the wear mark with no tread at all. The driver's side is slightly better. These are Dunlop Sport A2. They aren't the same that came with the van (those were the Dunlop 4000 sport I think). I have the wider tires because of the LX with the moonroof (P215/60HR 16 DU D60-A2 94H). I would have gotten the same tires as the original but they were out of stock (and even on that big internet tire co.). Tire shop acknowledged the problem (STS Tire and Auto on Long Island) and said they'd replace the tires and look into the alignment. The tires were special ordered because of the sizing. I'm lucky we didn't have an accident. Today wife says she skidded when she jammed on the brakes and now we know why!
ANY ideas would be appreciated. I really have never seen tires on a car this bad!

cutter44 · July 2002

Haven't been here for a while but I figured this was the place to ask.

We just turned over 30k on our '01 LX. I barely passed inspection last month due to the unevenly worn tires on the front. I've been pretty good about rotating them every 7500 miles or so. Anyway, we're doing a road trip next month and it's time for new shoes. Most all the reviews on Tirerack.com rave about the Yokohama Aegis LS4. I have the stock Yokos on the van now and I'm a little hesitant because of the neg comments here and my wear. Does anyone know what MODEL the stock Yokos are? Are they the Aegis LS4 or some special oem model? Does anyone have any other strong recommendations for an alternative? By the way, cheap is good. I don't want to spend $100 a tire on Michelins.

Also, since I'm here I might as well ask this as well. I'm going to have my mechanic do a 30k service. Anything particular I should have him perform, other than the oil/filter, maybe plugs, check brakes, hoses, belts, etc.?

Thanks so much for any advice. Better to ask another owner than anyone else, in my book.

audia8q · July 2002

The reason ost dealers do not have DVD units is simple...they just started to ship this week. They had been on hold while they worked out some kinks.....I'm told all problems have been resolved and the units are now available for shipping with DVD units.

Also, they must be manuallly assigned (at this point) by the mazda dist. mgr. not like a "normal" order...some dealers may not realize this

gtxjoe · July 2002

I have a 2000 MPV and I find it annoying that I can not listen to the radio while I am sitting in the back with the car parked and tailgate open without have the door ajar chime going on.

Has anyone figured out how to disable the door ajar chime or fooled the car so it thinks all the door are closed?

Thanks,
Joe

caniel · July 2002

We just traded our 2000 lx, but had just replaced the tires about 3000 miles ago. We bought the BFGoodrich (owned by Michelin) tires that were about $45.00/each on tirerack.com or discounttiresdirect.com I think they were called T/A Control? I can't remember for sure. We had purchased the same tire for our Mazda 626 and have been very happy with it. Good luck on your decision.

Cheers.

maltb · July 2002

on all my cars I use the ignition key to fake the door latch into thinking it's closed. just use the key like it's the striker and flip the latch closed. Don't forget to undo the latch by moving your key the opposite direction while pulling the door handle. If you don't do that, the door will bounce back with a hard hit (doesn't sound very pretty).

It's a little bit of a pain, but it works.

owr084 · July 2002

In my 2002 ES, I can leave the keys in the ignition with the radio on and any door (except the driver's) open and the buzzer will not go off. The lights eventually go off on their own too.

Maltb's trick of manually closing the latch in the tailgate works too. I have to use that one on my Aerostar. I found that one out the hard way at a drive in. I needed to get the cabin lights off, so I pulled the fuse. Unfortunately, the circuit was also used for the radio's memory. So the moment the fuse was pulled, the radio wandered off the station used for the drive-in... And yes, I know what the sound of a closed latch hitting the striker...

While we are on the subject of open tailgates, it would be nice if someday they added a tailgate release to the interior - it would sure make it easier to exit the van that way if you are sleeping in the back... And maybe a power rear window... (I miss the 71 Olds Vista Cruiser I grew up with).

RBB

bill124 · July 2002

Tire center replaced tires with (modest) upgrade at no extra cost. Also redid alignment. Said reason for wear was one of the components was completely out of alignment. Sorry I don't recall the right name for the component but it was like a pin or peg and it was pointing completely inward. Said it was either them or an incredibly nasty pot hole but they were willing to accept it was them. Because I haven't heard of tires wearing out in 3 months it sounds like an isolated incident caused by a bad alignment. Also, because the wear wasn't so extremely excessive before the alignment, it probably was them (though my right passenger front did wear more quickly than the others).

snowmam · July 2002

Driving to work today the O/D off light starts flashing...I think the switch is stuck and decide I'll mess with it later...driving home, the O/D off light starts blinking, the engine light comes on, the speedometer craps out and the rpms go nuts...Mazda dealer can't see me until Wednesday...maybe it's me?

subearu · July 2002

Well, according to my '02 MPV owner's manual:

"If the overdrive-off indicator light flashes, the transaxle has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to your transaxle. Consult an authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible."

I'd get it towed to the dealer ASAP and take advantage of the free rental for warranty repairs from Mazda.

-Brian

smokey1986 · July 2002

Anyone heard of NO SPARK?? I've changed just about everything I can think of and it still has no spark........Symptoms were, hard shifting up and down, (automatic) and a sudden surge of power, then stalled.......Started it, ran for about 25-30 seconds, quit.......3 days later started and ran for about 30 seconds then quit again......Since then has not run at all. Is there a way to read the codes on these things? A way for it to tell me what's wrong.....Aside from going to the dealer that is......Then I'd just have to look up the codes and decifer what it says..........Anyone have this problem before? Anyone know what might be wrong with it? Or what to look for in the ignition system that may have gone bad? Please email me with suggestions or a FIX would be nice too.
mlott@kingston.net
THANKS

bill124 · July 2002

I've had problems that were intermittent resulting in the check engine light coming on but not the o/d light. Definitely needs to be checked by dealer.

oldstyle · July 2002

Just washed the 02 MPV and discovered a badly rusted lug nut. It was not rusted the last time I washed the van (4 weeks ago) and we have had no rain. So what gives? Anybody else having his problem?

OldStyle

2kgfxmpvlx · July 2002

Hello,

I used to have a 91 MPV with the same problem. The problem was the ECU computer that was located under the passenger side floor (under the carpet) the Mazda dealer hooked up there troubleshooting equipment and determined that it was a bad ECU. The dealer wanted about $1500 which I thought was a outrageous price so I visited a local junk yard which had the same engine and accessory as my van. I replace that part and the car stopped stalling, not starting and all those symptoms that you had described.

Hope this helps

ALOHA from Hawaii

asa0526 · July 2002

I have this clicking sound - perhaps the gears are changing - when doing city driving. It disappears on highway driving.
I checked the manual and it does mention that there is a sound of valve opening and closing BUT THAT IS WHEN the engine has just been turned off.

The clicking sound is not problematic yet ... but is it a symptom of something else. My 2002 MPV is only at 550 miles (only 3 weeks old).
Does anyone else have this problem ?
Is this a problem at all ?

bill124 · July 2002

I have a 2000 MPV and had the brake clicking from almost day 1 (Feb or March '00). Had the tie rods replaced back when we thought that was the solution but it wasn't. Recently had the guide plates replaced. Braking has never been quieter. I recommend it to all with the problem. It's unfortunate that Mazda had to spend so much money on ineffective solutions before hitting on the right one.

beachnut · July 2002

I had the guide plates installed behind the front pads as well, but my MPV never clicked while in motion due to that problem. That issue was more of a clunking noise when changing from reverse to drive (or vice-versa) with the brakes applied. Apparently the pads were loose enough to shift and make the noise. I thought that this fix was phased into mass production of the '02 however.

maltb · July 2002

I'd rather have the dealer stab at it than the nuts(beach to be exact) on this board. :-)

Ok, to be serious though, use that warranty, that's what it's for.

beachnut · July 2002

er, well, I think ;-) I guess I haven't been clear enough - I don't think your clicking is the exhaust system, nor your brakes. You definitely should have your dealer take a peek.

basurf · July 2002

anyone have the auto-dim mirror with ext temp and compass?

dealer just put mine in and it seems to run way hotter than what it really is outside

what I would really like is docs on how to calibrate it and maybe details on how it is installed heheh

javadoc · July 2002

I think the temp fluctuations have to do with the placement of the thermometer up front. Are you seeing higher temps when the van is sitting than when it is moving? From what I've seen with a few different exterior temp systems is they gain temps when you're idling b/c the reading is pulled from in front of the radiator... a great source of heat.

IIRC, the unit on the MPV is mounted down by the front tow hook.

basurf · July 2002

I will take a look down there to see if I can see where it is mounted. It definitely gets hot sitting there but the thing just plain off 99% of the time it seems...kind of a bummer.

The compass works fine heheh.

jelhz43n · August 2002

Basurf, Ihave auto-dim mirror with ext temp and compass in my Sienna.
If the van is sitting for some time the temp displayed is way above the actual temp. But after driving for about 5-7 minutes (by the time you are also comfortable inside temp) it starts displaying correct temp. By this time the whole van's temp has become normal/equal to the outside temp.
Compass is always acurate.

John

jx4 · August 2002

Hi all! This is my first post here. I was wondering if anyone has discovered a fix for that sulfur smell I've read about here. Did changing the catalytic converters take care of it or not? Has Mazda come up with a fix, or are they in denial?

I am considering replacing my aging Nissan Quest with A MPV LX and wonder if I should wait for the 2003's or take advantage of the $2500 rebate while I can.

The sulfur smell issue was the only item I saw that seemed to be a rather frequent problem, was their any other issue that I should concern myself with on the 2002 model? Thanks for the advice!

caniel · August 2002

We owned a 2000 LX for two years and recently traded for a 2002 LX. Everything is great, save one litte concern. When we stop the vehicle after we've been running the AC, there is a noticeable "hissing" sound (the 2000 didn't do this) coming from under the engine compartment. It sounds to me like the AC is dripping directly on a hot manifold or some part of the exhaust. Is this normal? Should we have the dealer check it out? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

prlamz · August 2002

Same here on our 2002 LX. It does not seem to be something to be concerned about.

JX4. I would take the money and run with the 2002. With a major update scheduled for 2005 and a major refresh in 2002, I would not expect the 2003 model to be very different.

jolly2 · August 2002

This is my final posting about the sulfur smell because there is nothing I can do about it - replacing the converters did not help. I tried pursuing a "buy back" from Mazda but they said absolutely not, that it's an enviromental problem (meaning the gas is bad) and not a Mazda problem. They claim other makes of cars have the same problem and that if car makers start buying cars back because of sulfur that they'll be overwhelmed. I'm stuck with a real dud because the sulfur in my case is really bad for some reason. Love the van otherwise - wish this wasn't an issue. Signing off from Not so Jolly.

maltb · August 2002

Now that sucks...

tboner1965 · August 2002

Unless it just fills the cabin of the vehicle with the odor, there isn't much to worry about.

Besides, where does the sulfur come from. Sulfur is not part of a catalytic converter, as far as I know, it is a component in your gasoline.

So your biggest beef is with those who blend your fuel.

Now maybe some converters handle it better than others, but if your car is within emissions specs, then there is not much you can do other than get a different source for gasoline.

I do suspect that it will go away. I don't know if that is because you grow familiar with it or if the converter gets better at "processing" the sulfur.

I would be interested in viewing the emissions test results to see if the vehicle is marginal.

One more thing to consider. The MPV is probably tuned for Truck emissions, so one theory is they don't tune it to run as clean as a car, hence a more noticeable sulfur odor.

TB

pierac · August 2002

Your situation stinks. Sorry couldn't help it. Seriously, after spending such a large investment you should expect reasonable satisfaction with your purchase. I'm asking that you not sign off just yet. Most posters in this forum like up to date information regarding issues with this van given that they are so few.
Since, your issue is not mechanical. (Meaning, causing the vehicle not to function). It appears not so urgent to most. I a sure you that most of us feel for you and want to be informed of your situation and how it is being handled. Long term data can be the most beneficial of all. Especially in how you are being treated my the manufacture Mazda. Good luck.

bob57 · August 2002

Just a shot in the dark here....
Do you live in a high altitude >4000'? The ignition timing (controlled by the computer) may be off. But I assume the dealer checked the computer - Eh?
Tbone had a thought too - what does the emissions check show? Get the dealer to run it if he hasn't already.

rc168 · August 2002

As a short term solution, would using an ionic air cleaner that plugs into the cigarette lighter help to remove the scent? I have not had one so I am just guessing.

bobaran · August 2002

I had noticed the sulfur smell in our van after the first week we owned it. It never really bothered us but for the fact that it was brought up often on this board I grew a bit annoyed. Now we have 2,300 miles on it and we haven't swithed brands of gasoline and the smell has gone away on its own. Maybe its just a matter of time. . .

asa0526 · August 2002

I too had the sulfur smell - but it disappeared after the first 400-500 miles. Now, there is no smell.
As far as the hissing sound, my Altmia (2000) did this too. This is normal. This happens during hot days... when the engine has been driven for quite some time with A/C on.
Hope this helps.

once_for_all · August 2002

Jolly, sympathy for your sulfur issue. My 2002 never even faintly had a bad exhaust odor. I am not an emissions expert, but I believe the catalyctic (sp?) converters deal primarily with nitrous oxide emissions that create smog. In California various attempts are made to regulate the amount of sulfur found in diesel fuel; the sulfur is a background noise of fossil fuel deposits, which have varying qualities. Some fuels just don't pass the mustard.

My first MPV problem: DW takes the van to the coast. Next morning there is a 3" crack in the windshield right in front of driver. No way it happened while driving. By end of day the crack is 9" long. Anyone have experience with windshield/warranty issues? I imagine the MPV with all of its front glass commands a pretty penny for replacement.

javadoc · August 2002

(knocking on wood...) Not had any isues w/the windshield, except a stone pit that Novvus fixed for me. Up here, cracked windshields are the norm though. How's your comprehensive insurance? That's what will cover the windshield replacement, hopefully your deductible isn't too high. Luck to you!

prlamz · August 2002

On the Kia Sedona forum, cracked windshields seem somewhat common. Apparently dealers seem to pick up the tab. It would be my first stop.

basurf · August 2002

This is definitely a problem with the MPV imo. I don't know if it is on other cars or not...none that I have owned (newest besides the van being a 2000 Xterra). My van has I think 2800 miles on it now and I still have the sulfur smell. It isn't extremely bad mind you and I think I can live with it fine as long as it doesn't get real bad.

Has anyone tested to see if it makes a difference on what octane fuel you use? I use the lowest one I think it is 89

asa0526 · August 2002

As mentioned, the sulfur smell disappeared at 400-500 miles. The smell stayed outside ... never went in the car.
The gasoline I used was regular unleaded - 87 octane. I used Arco and Valero (95 %) of the time.
When I got the van - the dealer used 76' - this was also when the smell was at the worst! Could either be the gas OR simply bec. everything was so new.
BTW - 76' in CA does not use MTBE. Arco and Valero in CA still do. Maybe another factor.

maltb · August 2002

The dealer will take a pen and trace the crack for impact spots. If they find impact along the crack, you buy; if they don't, it's on the house.

once_for_all · August 2002

Thanks for the encouraging note. I suspect that a replacement windshield will never be like the factory original installation, which should be suffering enough...

Will let you know the outcome.

basurf · August 2002

I wonder if this is because of the sulfuer smell.

Mazda MPV at the top of the list.

http://lemonlaw.com/lemonlist.html

I notice sometimes the smell is worse than others. Yesterday the wife drove in and parked in the garage...it was like a brick wall of rotten egg smell. We have never really had the smell IN the car.

rabbit_rob · August 2002

Basurf, I think the info is out of date. Seems the 2002 MPV is much improved. Check this out.

http://www.lemonaidcars.com/update.htm

Scroll down to the MPV update.

basurf · August 2002

thanks rabbit_rob, I knew it wasn't a lemon anyway just wondering what all the hubub was about

mazda_guy · August 2002

This webstie is BS. Just go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/index.cfm and you can see for yourself complaints about MPV. There is no 2002 MPV entry as of yet.

MB

maltb · August 2002

Their data source is the 2001 Ultimate Car Book which is just a joke. Read the review on Amazon; the info is incomplete. Also, I think their data is based on a cumulative 10 year period. Vehicles that have had the same name for a while suffer the most, but I still have a hard time believing that the MPV would rack up more complaints than the Caravan that has far outsold it.

stevecanuck · August 2002

IMHO, its a bit of a crank. The last time I looked, there's no statistical analysis regarding the number of complaints, vs. number of vehicles sold. The fact that there isn't a clear break between pre-200 MPVs and 2000+ MPVs is a bit of a joke, since they don't share a platform, or any parts.

Phil Edmonston has a few good rants, but there are better sources for car buying and car quality info.

About the only thing I'd recommend is his approach to getting issues resolved.

Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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Mazda MPV: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions