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Vans & Minivans Mazda MPV Mazda MPV
8192 messages, Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 7:01 PM
You are in the Mazda MPV Forum. Your Host is Karens
I've been posting for years here about my problems with the 2003 LX I have. First, creaking sound coming from the front end when going over things like speed bumps and temps below 30 degrees. I also had a squeaking/creaking sound coming from the front end when I would turn the steering wheel when the temps were warm. They replaced the whole front tie rod set over the past 2 years under EXTENDED warranty. They, of course, did not want to replace the items without a fight and call to Mazda corp. The steering wheel noise is gone now, but the front end creak still exists and will forever I guess. It is a problem in their front ends from 2002 - 2006 along with the issue of drivers window that barely goes up in cold weather too! Lot's of goofy things with these MPV's not to also mention the issues with the trannys. Enough said.  TCC |
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Replying to: d5a (Mar 02, 2008 5:42 am) I cant comment specifically about the front end noise- its sounds like it could be suspension or tie rods. Our van is 5.5 years old- so I kind of expected the struts might need to be replaced at some point- just looking for the best price right now. However, regarding your steering wheel issue- back in July '05 2 mos short of warranty expiration- had a weird experience- took it to a local mechanic we use regularly for brakes/oil etc- we had a flat in front- so we ordered 2 new continental conti premier contacts for the front- same exact size and ratings as OEM Dunlops- when I picked up the car- I noticed the steering wheel was off line about 1/3 of a turn- the car would drive straight though- brought it right back to the guy- they put it back on the lift and checked it out- everything ok except the steering wheel- they even checked the alignment and my front to back alignment and front only alignment were perfectly in sync. Now mind you, I had been complaining to the dealer for the past 6 mos about a sound coming from the steering wheel- it was faint but sounded like something rubbing or the sound of rubber stretching- So, I took the vehicle to them- they wanted to do an alignment- got it back but the steering wheel was still out of alignment. Took it back, they kept it for a couple of days- and replaced the clock spring in the steering mechanisms and re-aligned. The steering wheel was still off by about 1/3 of a turn and making this faint noise when turning- I took it back again to the dealer- this time I made the Service advisor drive with me- she could hear the sound and I showed her how off the steering wheel was with the wheels in the center position. I left the car and she called me the next day to tell me they were replacing the steering rack/column under warranty. Which they did and we were fine with the alignment of the steering wheel and the whees since that time. Hope that helps- you may want to push for a steering rack replacement under warranty- we were 2.5 years into the car with only 25K on the car. Regards, -Larry Lg2207 |
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Replying to: d5a (Mar 02, 2008 5:42 am) I haven't had any of those issues(2004 LX -34,000)(knock on wood) I'd try another Mazda dealership. The current one seems unable to find the problem... or even acknowledge it. |
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Replying to: bcman (Aug 22, 2005 4:50 pm) |
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Just traded in my 2000 MPV.(LX in Sapphire Blue Mica w/188,000 miles) Thought I'd summarize my 8 years with this vehicle. First, the good: The "right size" vehicle for my family. Liked the styling, color, the way it handled, the cargo room, fold-down rear seat, sliding second row seat. As the mileage indicates, we are a "one car family" and I tend to drive vehicles until they die. Before I get to the "bad" let me say that this van NEVER broke down and left us stranded by the side of the road. Now the bad: Underpowered w/too busy transmission. A lot of things went bad in 8 years.(most out of warranty of course) Here's a partial list: IAC valve, replaced all 3 catalytic converters, intake manifold gasket (twice), driver's side power window, coil pack, water pump, front axil bearing, radiator, all the O2 sensors (twice), EGR (twice). The last couple of years, there was always a check engine light lit on this van. To be fair to Mazda, if you put this kind of mileage on a vehicle , a lot of these repairs will have to be made, but I put a lot of money in this van and I was not happy with my experience with Mazda dealers and repair (way too long to explain here). Why?, Well even with the mechanical problems we liked the van, and I subscribe to the concept that you compare yearly repair costs against a new car payment and go with the lower annual cost. This year the numbers finally flipped. (not to mention the aggravation of sitting in repair shop waiting rooms) Finally, I did not buy another Mazda and probably never will. Their new vehicles are probably just fine, but the last few years have soured me on the company. I've tried not to make this post a rant, but just a series of closing remarks on this vehicle. Comments?, Other's experiences? |
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Replying to: dm126 (Mar 08, 2008 5:47 am) |
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Replying to: dm126 (Mar 08, 2008 5:47 am) I have a 2003 that I bought new and have had some of the same issues you mentioned. 1 - Tell me about the Drivers Side power Window? I have an issue with it going up REAL slow in colder weather. Although we looked at several other newer models that had the same problem. 2 - Tell me about the COIL issue? I have not had mine replaced at 98K miles. Is this a warranty item - I have 2K left on my extended warranty! What happens when it goes? 3- Tell me about the front axle bearing? I've had my front rack replaced due to squeaking noises when turning the steering wheel. I also have a CREAK sound when going over speed bumps. They say that is normal - I know I know! 4- Catalytic Converter? Tell me more. I've never replaced one in any of my vehicles and I drive them for 170K usually. What happens when it is time for this to be replaced? 5- Gas Gauge not reading full when filled up! Was that under warranty? Did they need to replace a sensor for that? Thank you for replies! TCC Please reply - Mine has a different engine than yours, so it's not SO underpowered.
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Replying to: tcc21 (Mar 08, 2008 6:37 am) 1. Driver's side power window(approx. 80, 000 mi.) - It started raising slower & slower over a period of several weeks and finally, one day it wouldn't raise again. Took it to dealer and was told entire assembly including motor had to be replaced. Cost: Approx $800 2. Coil issue(approx. 100, 000 mi.) - Van had a "hard code" (flashing check engine light) and was idling rough (shuddering). Took to my mechanic and he diagnosed cylinder misfire. Replaced plugs/wires, did not solve problem. Replaced coil pack - solved problem. Cost : I believe $300-$400 Note: I don't have my maint. records anymore, so I'm trying to recall from memory. 3. Front Axil Bearing (approx. 140,000 mi.) - Van developed a "wobble" in the front end. Mechanic originally thought right side front wheel bearings were bad, but on inspection found that the front axil bearing was shot. It apparently has rubber "bushings" that deteriorate over time and allow the bearing to slide. Cost: I believe $400 -$500. 4. Catalytic Converter(approx. 90,000 mi.) - This was a "biggie" Van developed flashing check engine light. Took to dealer who diagnosed blown intake manifold gasket. After replacing gasket - $800 - $900, Dealer told me that the converters were fouled and needed replacing. In addition I was informed that the van had "California Emissions" and the converters had to be ordered from Mazda (took a week & a half). Cost: $2200. 5. Gas Gauge - Never had this problem, but would have gladly traded it for one of the above, LOL. |
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Replying to: dm126 (Mar 08, 2008 5:47 am) 
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Replying to: tcc21 (Mar 08, 2008 6:37 am) I noticed recently our fuel guage needle was very slow (2-3 minutes) in going from a quarter tank of gas to full... when filling up. Hope this isn't an indication something is going wrong. I've never noticed it to be that slow before... usually turn the key and the needle climbs slowly and steadily to the full mark???
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