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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
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Replying to: tcc21 (May 01, 2009 8:48 pm) That's not true. The MPV had a great track record up until late 2004 or 2005. It was one of Consumer Reports top recommended minivans, and reliability was listed as one of the best. The transmission "shift shock" issue hurt it's reliability rating, but that was a minor problem that was corrected with having the TCM reflashed. I've only heard one or two issues with the catalytic converter at the MPV Club, about 3 or 4 trans. failures, no paint issues, and maybe one or two issues with oil pan leaks. The main problems have been with the ignition coils and the PCV hose. Which is a cheap fix if you are a DIY'er. There's a reason they quit making it in 2006. Mazda quit selling the MPV in the U.S.A because sales weren't high enough. People were more interested in the bigger Honda and Toyota minivans. The MPV is still being made and sold in Japan and parts of Asia... doing very well I might add. The posts here back in 2003-2006 were all pretty negative Actually if you go back and look most of the posts are positive.
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It's true that they are still making it overseas, but it did not do well here due to reliability issues (and the size). I liked the smaller size and sportier look. That's why I bought it. But if you were to peek at the thread for MPV Problems and go back in time, there were MANY people complaining about the tranny issues - that were NOT being fixed by the dealers after SEVERAL visits. I beg to disagree strongly that it was a RELIABLE vehicle. The dealers around here no otherwise and have come just short of admitting that there were design flaws and mechanical issues. I'm glad I only had a 'few' of them. I know more that had handles falling off, power doors no longer working after a short time. I myself had an extended warranty on mine and burned up over 2K of it by replacing the front rack and other steering and suspension components due to squeaking in the steering wheel and creaking when going over things like speed bumps when the temp was under 30 degrees here in MN. I'm glad you like your MPV and wish you all the best. I just know that Consumer Reports changed there tune in 2004 after all the input came in from the previous 2 years when they put the new engine in it and changed some of the cosmetics. BTW. RUST has been a big issue as well. I had my lower door panel replaced in 2004 due to rust coming thru the bottom of the passenger door! Unbelievable. I baby my unit too. It has more wax on it that water flies off it. Again, there were MANY that use to be on this thread that had major concerns that may not even be around here any more due to selling them off. BTW also, when it's time for you to replace the rear license plate lights, good luck. The dealer does mine and curses me out when I come in to have it done. You just don't pluck the lense off like the manual says.... All the best! TCC
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| Thanks to all for their inputs. Reading everything I can about the MPV, I get the impression many owners have had the same experience. Vehicle runs great for approximately 4 years/50K miles. Then the check engine light comes on and from then on it's nothing but O2 sensor/cat converter/oil pan/engine coil/PCV valve etc etc etc with a big risk of transmission failure. Mine has 82K miles; my neighbor, who is a master mechanic with 30+ years has had it in his shop for a week and still can't figure out what the heck is wrong. If this was a normal sedan I would have traded it in a long time ago but I hate to give up a 6 year old minivan. Tough decision. | |
I hope I didn't come across too negative. But I know that there are issues with these units that Mazda has not stepped up and taken care of. There were many posts here about Mazda Corp. bucking out on supporting major issues with these vans. I even had a faulty gas gauge that had to be replaced due to not reading properly. They are/were a sharp small mini and had some great potential features. Too bad that things like 'the drivers power window going up at a crawl when the temps are colder' had to happen. I am going to baby mine for at least two more years. I tend to keep my vehicles about 8 years and then sell them off. I had the notorious Dodge Caravan before this Mazda. THAT had tranny issues too. Not sure why these issues just keep coming. Right now my MPV is in good shape after putting 500 dollars into a new oil pan gasket and seal. That's another story why it was leaking! I have 120K on mine right now and am holding my breath that it will keep functioning for a while. I DO know that the same like vehicle (Toyota or Honda) with 120K miles on it would not have these conditions. I should have spent the extra $5K at the time and went that route! Good luck! TCC
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Replying to: tcc21 (May 02, 2009 8:19 pm) Whem my first coil went out maybe 2 years after we bought our 04 MPV, the car felt really clunky in reverse. I thought it was a tranny problem and took it to the dealer. The tech couldn't find anything, and since the coil problem was intermittent the code reader didn't find the problem. It took two visits until they identified the problem properly. Last month we found the MPV surging and feeling choppy at times, so we correctly surmised it was another coil issue. This time two of them weren't firing off and on, so sometimes it felt like a transmission problem.
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Replying to: shirohniichan (May 04, 2009 9:29 am) |
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My 2000 MPV LX has 95,000 miles. It has major engine problems. For the last several years (3 to 8) it had a very subtle occasional cylinder miss. For the first several years of ownership, the miss was almost unnoticeable (or I would have taken it in for warranty repair). The last three years, the miss became more prominent and frequent. I have taken it back in for diagnostics at and independent mechanic and at the Mazda dealer. I have personally replaced most of the electronics (ignition coil, spark plugs, wire set). The Mazda dealer ruled out the fuel injection system, emission control system, etc. The conclusion is that it is a major engine problem which would require taking the engine head off to inspect everything. We are starting to talk about over $1,000 in labor just to inspect and find the problem. The engine also has a pervasive coolant leak that has been hard to isolate. I am very happy with the entire car, other than the engine. I has been a major disappointment. I also have a 2003 Protoge5 with 75,000 miles and that 2.0L engine is an absolute gem. My 93 Miata has 180,000 miles, another gem. My conclusion is the Ford Duratech 2.5L V6 is major disappointment. |
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Replying to: tcc21 (May 02, 2009 8:19 pm) Really? Are you sure about that? I've had a 2001 Honda Odyssey needing a new transmission twice already. Turns out that Honda installed defective transmissions on the Odyssey from 1999-2004. The Acura CL, TL, MDX and Honda Accord suffered similar problems. The Third Generation Odyssey hasn't reported major transmission issues in case you're wondering. I've heard a rumor that it shares it's transmission with the Ridgeline. As for the Second Generation Sienna, it's had quite a few problems too. From electrical problems, to door spot welds constantly breaking. So if you think buying a Toyota or Honda is anymore troube free, think again. I personally would trade my $4500 transmission troubles for all of your minor problems any day. |
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| Well, maybe there are a few bad apples out there with the Honda emblem on them....but I know of a person who owns a 2003 and they love it and my sister has a 2004 Sienna and it is very solid after 160K miles on it. Maybe I should have only mentioned Toyotas are better in the long run. I know the Blue Book on both Hondas and Toyotas are stronger in the long run than Mazdas! My 2003 MPV with 122K on it in excellent shape is around 7K dollars. The similar Sienna is worth more! Sorry if I mispoke for those of you having troubles with your Hondas. I know there are more bad apples with Mazda on them out there....I could go on about the Mazda 6's from 2003 -2006 - people I know that had those vehicles were not real happy. | |
I only have one pet peeve with her. I can't find a manual for the van. NO one seems to carry one, internet or otherwise. The van is 5 years old, so surely someone should've taken one of these apart by now and wrote some notes or something. Haynes & Chiltons are starting to dissapoint me greatly...
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