Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

suzann2 · February 2001

We are considering an MPV and I've noticed that there are VERY FEW negative comments about the van. I test drove it last weekend and didn't seem to have any problems with pickup (getting onto a major highway due north of Washington, DC). My question is this:
Since the MPV is based on the 626 engine, should I expect the same type of transmission problems that I've read about the 626. (By the way, I own a much older 626 -'90 that has the same type of transmission problems that 1999 and 2000 owners are complaining about)

maltb · February 2001

The MPV engine is nothing like the 626. The MPV has a Ford Duratech engine and a Mazda auto trans. The 626 has a Mazda V-6 and a Ford auto trans. Apples and Oranges.

From my own experience and all that I have heard. The setup in the MPV works great. BTW, the V-6 626 seems to fairly trouble free as well.

Regarding your '90 626, it really has nothing in common with the newer 626...especially the transmission. The trans in your '90 is a Jatco trans which is a pretty good unit. With any mechanical item, regular maintenance is the key to longevity.

dbs2001 · February 2001

We went to an auction Sat where they had a couple of 2000 MPVs - 1 DX & 1 LX (with 24k miles). We were only interested in the LX which ended up going for $19.5K! I had dropped out long before that. I then surprised my wife (it's going to be her vehicle) & we went down looking at new ones. We ended up with a Rainforest Green Mica 01 ES with 4-seasons, roof rack & foglights. Took it out Sun for a short drive on the freeway. Runs great--no pulling to the left, lean or vibration. Very quiet & enough pickup to get on the freeway at a comfortable speed. We had compromised - she really didn't want leather (she believes it will be too hot in the summer) but wanted that color. I didn't want a fully-loaded unit, but did want 4-seasons & the upgraded radio & speaker system. She's happy & so am I. Will post again after next weekend. We will be traveling from San Jose to Mariposa (near Yosemite). That should be a reasonable test.

wpenner · February 2001

So do ya mind me asking what you paid? We are looking at 2000 LXs and I'm thinking our dealer isn't offering us such a great price--

22,118 with four seasons, 3 in 1 audio, roof rack, 1LX package (I guess this is what also gets called the security package), and emissions.

Thanks,

Wendy

nick73 · February 2001

Brought wife's 2000 MPV ES for 1st. oil change to
local dealer(not the one we purchased from)3 days later Woosh all the oil comes flowing out the bottom.. wife shut car off quickly (we hope)and I have car towed back to dealer (weekend of course). boy am I upset.. figure they cant do a simple oil change and the filter got loose.
Dealer explains that they have seen this happen once before ?, after an oil change because of the pressure changes during the oil change , the oil pump pressure swith malfunctions and the pressure builds up and after a while it blows out the seal at the oil filter. Thinking about it , if there were a loose oil filter we might have seen oil in
our garage and did not. does this explanation seem right or they just giving us a line of crap ? they said they are ordering a new oil pump Thanks

wpenner · February 2001

Browse through this discussion and I think you will find someone who had the same problem--can't remember what the resolution was, but he was plenty mad too. Sorry to hear of you unfortunate experience-hope it is the only bad one you have..

sfein · February 2001

What options do people here recommend, or
think is not worth it, other than the
obvious (I would think AC controls in
the back is a must, and carpeted floor
mats may not be worth it)? For example,
how much better is the "heavy duty" rear
defogger than what comes standard? What
is the "illuminated entry"? I'd appreciate
your advice!

- Steve

maltb · February 2001

Rear A/C is a must. I've had a 2000 w/o and now I have one with it.

Get LX grade or higher:
Factory tint is always nicer and the middle row seats have arm rests as well as the hard plastic backs. If you have kids, this is a must.

4 seasons package:
I live in southern California and we only have two seasons: Warm and Hot

I'm not a big fan of death bags(air bags)in the seats as my wife likes to fall asleep against the passenger door, so I didn't opt for the LX security package.

Go for the 3 in 1 audio. The kids get their tapes, I get my CDs.

I know there is a lot of debate on this one, but I'd rather have my kids learn to enjoy the scenery and REAL life, rather than have the RSES(TV) in our MPV. They get enough TV at home.

Hope that helps, but of course personal taste should be your judge.

drdrevans · February 2001

You should do better: We just got a 2000 LX (1/13/01) with four seasons, rear air, touring package (about twice the price of the security package), and six-disk (I would have preferred the 3-in-1 but it was the last 2000 on the lot; also would have liked the roof rack) for $21,320, more or less. (I don't have the paperwork with me.) So about 2 grand more on the sticker (26,300) for nearly a thousand less. Keep working, and good luck!

javadoc · February 2001

This would (I really hope) be a rather rare occurance, and the explanation by your dealer doesn't sound far-fetched. wpenner is correct about this failure happening before to another poster on this board...go to response #670.

Sounds like the pump went into a fail-safe mode, except there was no failure, until it actually dumped the oil onto the tarmac. I'm interested in the outcome of your repairs. Please post an update when you have one.

--javadoc

alexv1n · February 2001

Last night I had a disturbing dream (almost a nightmare) that my beautiful silver 2000 MPV is in trouble. The engine broke down somewhere on a deserted road and I had to push it myself up to home and then the steering wheel fell off. What could this mean? Was it because the MPV has the underpowered Ford engine? Should I trade it in ASAP before this actually happens to me for real?

Just wanted to warn people who consider buying an MPV. Even though you don't have troubles in real life, those problems will haunt you in dreams! Beware!

maltb · February 2001

On any other board, the posts would be about real life problems. Due to the lack of problems that 99% of the members have it seems that some of us are resorting to Problem Envy. It happens when all your freinds that drive other mini-vans tell you about there car troubles and you feel a little left out.

Alex, you need to focus your thougths on the positive. Tonight, try to dream about helping a Caravan family who is broken down at the side of the road. This may prepare you when it happens on the way home from work tonight.

alexv1n · February 2001

Thanks, maltb

I never thought about what you have suggested. Now when I do, well, it looks like a good idea to me... You must be a councelor :-) I thought it was a mental illness in progress. Now I feel much better...

However, on the other note... Remember I mentioned the steering wheel coming off? Well, it didn't come off by itelf. A Mazda dealer mechanic came to my home to fix the broken engine but started to twist the steering wheel until it came off. I thought it was a new service bulletin instruction on fixing engine problems... But the mechanic then just left and gave me his business card telling to give him a call if I need more help... Weird, huh? :-)

maltb · February 2001

He was none other than a disgruntled Sienna owner trying to impersonate a Mazda technician. It's all part of that growing conspiracy to keep the MPV a secret among mini-van buyers. Next time, call your local Mazda dealer and they will take care of the suspect by pelting him with genuine Mazda(purolator) oil filters.

A counselor? hmmm, that's what those high school exams suggested, but I couldn't get over my love for cars.

dbs2001 · February 2001

We paid 25.8 with the 0% 24 mo financing for our ES mentioned in #704. I probably could have done better, but figured my time (& my wife's) were worth a few hundred.

stevecanuck · February 2001

At 18000 KM my MPV has had the following problems"

Frayed rear seat belt - replaced on warranty
Intermittent cut-out on CD player - replaced on warranty

That's all, folks.

Plus the dealer is really good - does a nice car wash whenever I bring the beast in for an oil change synthetic oil of course.

Plus, my 2.5 duratec in my Mystique is still kicking [non-permissible content removed] at 45000 KM. Wish I could say the same about my Ford service department.

msgjvh · February 2001

I want to change the oil of the tranny to the synthetic stuff. What would the best brand be and would this be better done at the dealer or a tranny shop? I know its not something you do at home since a good portion of the fluid does not drain. I have to get rid of this stiff shifting that I am sceptical about. Wife doesnt notice it but it sure bugs me.

sarah1936 · February 2001

I have owned my MPG 2000 since 3/2000. Two week into my ownership I experienced an acceleration of the vehicle when the brake was applied. This occurred when traveling about 5 mph. The harder I applied the brake the faster the engine raced and the vehicle surged forward. I relaxed the brake pressure and the engine rev's fell immediately. Thank God no one was in front of me.

One month later I had the same occurance while pulling into my driveway. I reported the situation to the dealer. The dealer had no explanation nor could we duplicate the condition. I checked the net and found several references to my situation.

Yesterday, I pulled into a parking spot and when I applied the brake, the car accelerated and hit the car parked in the facing spot. In my previous investigation, I thought I was using Edhunds.com. Upon review of the 700+ messages on this site I have been unable to find the information. Has anyone experienced this acceleration problem? Is there anthor site that should be checked? Am I crazy????? I need help. I fear for the safety of my family and other individuals on the road.

Thank in advanced

stevecanuck · February 2001

Can you give us some more detail? Is the amount of acceleration equivalent to that you would get pressing on the accelerator?

Is it possible that you are pressing the gas at the same time (or instead of) the brake?

mpvtrouble1 · February 2001

I'm the guy from post #670 who lost all the engine oil. In my case it seized the engine which I had to have replaced. Unlike your dealer who I think made a good assessment, mine tried to pin it on the oil change. But like you, that had happened much earlier (3 weeks) and there was no sign of leaks before failure. Sounds like there is a problem with this engine and oil changes. My dealer was not very helpful; it took a lot of work for me to get them to pay. Good luck on your repairs.

alexv1n · February 2001

I've been reading Edumnds forums for about a year now but I don't remember your problem mentioned before (not for MPV at least). But to me it looks like the brake pedal somehow "connects" to the gas. Probably some mechanical contact inside, so when you press one, the other gets pressed as well.

Is your van damaged in the accident? What about the other car? You should insist on the van problem to your dealer and have the issue investigated very closely because it is definitely a safety risk...

Mine is 6 months old now at 13,000 K and I never noticed this behavior... fortunately...

Please keep us posted on any outcome of your problem.

lhaygood1 · February 2001

You should report this problem to NHTSA, the government safety agency. They track and investigate issues like that. I took a look at the MPV complaints and didn't see anything like it. There were some issues with car seat fits, pulling, vibrating and one -- right out of Spinal Tap -- where all the glass on the vehicle spontaneously shattered!

Anyway, here's the website. It seems like an isolated case, but you would be doing all us MPV owners a favor to have it looked into.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/

dbs2001 · February 2001

I had promised to report after our trip. We purchased our '01ES a week ago & took a trip from San Jose to Mariposa via Hwy 152 over Pacheco Pass this weekend (for those of you who know the Northern California area). The pass is not that high (about 2000 ft), but did give me a chance to check out the power. On the way over, I set it on cruise control for 70. Several times it had to hunt a bit for gears to maintain that speed, but not too bad & the shifting wasn't all that noticeable. I mainly saw it by watching the tach jump from 3000 to 4500 rpms. On the way back, I deliberately made sure it didn't shift. The speed dropped to 58 mph on the steepest part, but usually maintained about 65 as the pass is not that steep in most parts. I can definitely live with the power. The handling & ride are great. For reference, we are coming from a 91 Grand Caravan & I'd say the power is about equal (even though the GC's engine is a 3.3 I believe). My car (the ES is my wife's) is a 97 Infiniti J30. The J30 obviously handles better 7 has more power, but I'm really trying to compare to the GC.

We also really like the layout of the ES. My wife keeps commenting on how big the interior of the ES is (& she is comparing it to the GC). It seems wider to her & we both feel there is no comparison in comfort to the GC. Love the fold-down rear seat & roll-down windows in the doors. The trip was 150 miles each way & I didn't feel tired or stiff after the ride. Also had a chance to try it in about 2 inches of snow sticking to the road in Mariposa--handled great in that including on the turns. This was with just the standard tires.

maltb · February 2001

This sounds a little like the situation Audi had with their 5000s in the late '80s. It turned out that it was driver error.

I'm not saying that this is the case with your vehicle, but you may consider that.

All vehicles are required by federal law to have a braking system that will overcome the engine power. As we all know, the MPV is on the lower scale of power, so your brakes should stop the car just fine, even with th engine racing.

The only mechanical explanation I can think of would be a leaking brake booster. A leaky booster would allow excess air into the engine causing a high idle situation, but again, the brakes would easily overcome this.

Sarah, do you mind if I ask how tall you are?

maltb · February 2001

Dbs, I've driven the 152 going to Half Moon Bay from So. Cal a few times. I love the large winding lanes on that highway. One thing I do though is turn the cruise off and keep a ready finger on the O/D button. This works great for roads like that as well as comming over the Grapevine in and out of LA on the 5.

I drove the 152 in a '98 MPV and my wife swore that we would never go that route again. After covincing her that I would go slower, we did it in our 2000. Same speed, but no complaints from the princess.

dbs2001 · February 2001

I normally don't use cruise control on hills or mountains. I did it this time to test it & the transmission to get an idea of the power, etc. during the "shake-down" cruise!

jenk2 · February 2001

We are planning to purchase a van in the next month or 2. We like both the MPV and Sienna for different reasons. We are worried about the cargo space in the MPV for vacations. We have 3 kids and think it might be tight. Should we be worried?

maltb · February 2001

Our MPV seems to be doing just fine with our 4 kids. We took a 3000mi road trip and seemed to find a spot for all our stuff.

blondemom1 · February 2001

I certainly don't know for sure exactly what the problem is with your unnerving acceleration, but I had a similar experience which I figured out fairly quickly, and I haven't had the problem since. When I drive, I don't like to pick my heal up off the ground to switch from the accelerator to the brake and visa versa. I just twist my foot over one way or the other. There was a couple of times when I didn't move my foot over quite far enough when I hit the brake, and was still exerting pressure on the accelerator at the same time. Realizing I was doing this, I now tend to make a concious effort to avoid repeating this.

The space between the two pedals seems to be smaller than in other vehicles. Maybe you are doing this also, and don't realize it.

RickR · February 2001

Has anyone changed plugs? The back 3 look like a tough job. We have 25,000 miles on a 2000 ES and van is terrific. I know a plug change is scheduled at 60,000 - but i would never wait that long.

wdv · February 2001

I've had my MPV for 3 weeks now, and I have noticed that the gas pedal seems closer to the brake pedal than normal - depending on the shoes I am wearing, it can be tricky to cleanly operate the accelerator without touching the brake. Perhaps you were catching the edge of the gas pedale when you were pressing the brake.

FYI, Audi drivers in the '80's claimed this problem, drove Audi out of this country for years, and the claims were ultimately debunked. The TV show 60 Minutes sensationalized these claims, and never did apologize or retract them.

maltb · February 2001

Rick, why not wait until the scheduled maintenance? If plugs are working fine, don't change them. Also, it's always a better idea to stick with the original, unless you know your ins and outs with spark plugs. Engine designers spend lots of time determining exactly what components to use. Don't let a AutoZone counterman screw it up.

rjr425 · February 2001

I've had my new MPV since Saturday. I already like it enormously, but there is one problem: those damn power windows! They're rigged backwards. In most cars, you pull backward to open, push forward to close. In the MPV (and in the Santa Fe which I test drove before happily settling on the Maz), you push down [forward] to open and pull up [back] to close. It's annoying me beyond all reason. Does anybody know whether they can be rewired to a more normal configuration?
Other than that, I love it, of course.

alexv1n · February 2001

Maybe it's a matter of habits, but to me it's logical to press the button down to close the window (move the glass down) and pull up to close (move the glass up). This is exactly how it works on my MPV. I think in a couple more weeks you won't understand how other vehicles can have such a "stupid" wiring :-)

windowphobe6 · February 2001

This is also the way it is in the 626; originally it was billed as a safety feature. (You're not suddenly going to close the window on your neck if you have to keep upward pressure on the lever.)

maltb · February 2001

Your explanation works very well, especially with a name like windowphobe!

vquero · February 2001

Hi, Everyone!
I just got my LX00. I got an excellent deal 0.0 A.P.R. I was wondering how long do you think I should wait before I change the transmission oil??
Any suggestions?

javadoc · February 2001

Wait 12,000 to 15,000 miles as a rule. This will allow the tranny to break in.

--java

vquero · February 2001

Thanks for the help!

katie94 · February 2001

We recently purchased a '01 ES and love it. It just seemed to fit us better than any other van on the market. I am confused about one thing though. We don't seem to have the rear heat ducts that everything I've read, including the owner's manual (again), indicate should be there. Am I just misunderstanding the manual, brochure, Mazda's website, and Edmunds website, or maybe there has been a change that I don't know about. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

wpenner · February 2001

Not sure since I don't own an MPV yet, but I think the rear heat is an option with the 4 seasons package. I'm sure some owners can chime in to give you a more certain answer.

Enjoy your van!

katie94 · February 2001

You may be right, but the owners manual makes it sound like the 4 season package has an additional heater and allows heat to come out from the top vents. I don't know, but I'm going to call Mazda USA Monday and see what they have to say. Thanks for your response though. I welcome any input or comments.

javadoc · February 2001

Rear heat only is available if you have the Four-Seasons package on your van. This would (among many other things) give you controls for heat level, fan speed, and directional controls, all from the rear panel. It controls heat coming from vents in the rear, mostly from roof-mounted vents.

If you have rear heat, you'll also notice a switch on the bottom of the center part of your dashboard that controls rear fan speed, and also allows control by the rear switch.

As to a second heater, I've never ripped the trim panel off to see, but I suspect there is an additional heater core back there along with the blower fan. If you don't have either rear a/c or heat intalled, you won't have the rear heating ducts.

Hope this helps ya out,

--javadoc

may10 · February 2001

We are trying to decide between a Honda Odyssey and Mazda and like the Mazda price much better. We are a little concerned with the engine being underpowered as I do a lot of highway driving for work. Has this been a problem on hills/highway. Any input would be helpful!! Thanks

stevecanuck · February 2001

The Mazda isn't underpowered. I drive on some of Canada's busiest and most aggressive highways and the MPV doesn't let me down.

At 80 km/h to 140 km/h this thing flies as well as any minivan. The handling is a heck of a lot better than most.

Of course, if you want to do 0 - 1000 km/h in 6 seconds, maybe a minivan is the wrong choice in general

nyk33 · February 2001

Hi, I am new to the Mazda market and definetely like the MPV a lot after considering the Sienna and Odyssey. I have weeded out the Odyssey becuase of its demand and zero bargaining power with the dealers as a result. The Sienna mainly because of the price difference with the MPV. I have the dealer down to about $20,600 and thats for a DX with the power package and rear air added on. Any opinions on the price also do MPVs hold their value pretty good?

dougsey · February 2001

If I get just the rear A/C, will heat come out of the roof-mounted vents? Or would I have to get the Four Seasons Pkg. to get heat out of those vents? Thanks.

msgjvh · February 2001

The rear air does not come with heat. We have the rear air and I can't get warm air to come out of it. But, take my word for it the van heats up quickly. Our passengers are always asking for the heat to be reduced.

jglover97 · February 2001

Last Sunday the wife and I bought a 2000 ES Red, what a color, it is a dealer demo that has everything but the block heater. Let me tell you we got one hell of a deal. $21000 out the door. It has 7000 miles on it and was extremely clean. It was the owner of the dealerships wifes car. I traded in a 1994 Grand Caravan that was a good van, but the warranty expired and did not want to drive it with out a net. I had the dealer install the rear spoiler and I am currently locking for aftermarket wheels. (18") Compared to the GC I dont think the MPV is under powered. The only problem I have is the dealer installed a luggage rack, for which I do not want. Its is going in for an estimate to have it removed and the van will be perfect. Still have to finish reading the owners manual to figure out all the bells and whistle.

rjr425 · February 2001

I have to agree with stevecanuck. I live in Pittsburgh, which has some of the steepest hills in the East, and this van handles them with no trouble. The only sign of strain is the occasional extra downshift on the steepest hills. Admittedly, I can't win a drag race with it, but I'm not into vans for their drag racing attributes. I think you'll find that the vast majority of posters on these MPV sites find their vans to have all the power they need for any situation.
To be absolutely sure, though, give the van a thorough test drive under as close to typical conditions as you can manage. I think that will set your fears to rest. If it doesn't, of course, then yes, the van is under powered for you.
Good luck.

Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

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Mazda MPV: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions