1992 Mazda Mpv problems
The Mazda MPV (Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle) is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1988 as a rear-wheel-drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, this was replaced in 1999 with a front-wheel-drive version with optional all-wheel-drive in some markets. Over one million MPV models have been produced since its introduction.
First generation (LV; 1988)
The MPV was designed from the ground-up as a minivan specifically for the American market, and was introduced in 1988 for the 1989 model year. It was based on the large rear-wheel-drive Mazda Luce's platform. The platform allowed such options as a V6 engine, and optional four-wheel drive. However this large platform created some liabilities in other markets. When it was introduced in Japan in January 1990, its engine displacement and exterior dimensions exceeded Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as "compact", and as a result, Japanese buyers were liable for additional annual taxes. It was available at Mazda's Japanese luxury dealership network Ɛ̃fini starting in 1991.
Its selectable 4WD system is not to be confused with all road conditions "all-wheel-drive" systems; the MPV can be switched into locked 4WD with a switch mounted on the column gear selector. A dash mounted switch controlled the center differential, creating a locked power distributions on the front and rear axles. The 4WD is not for use on dry roads, but can be engaged and disengaged while moving. Its efficient use of interior space while offering a relatively small exterior drew from Mazda's experience with space efficient one-box minivans, like the Mazda Bongo.
Unlike other minivans, the MPV's parking brake was directly on the floor beside the driver's seat and operated by the hand, when most other minivans had the parking brake in the driver footwell area and operated by the left foot. Like the later Honda Odyssey introduced in North America in early 1995, it featured traditional hinged doors instead of sliding rear doors, though the original MPV only had a single rear door. This was also the only Mazda MPV generation sold in North America with a manual transmission, offered in the '89 through '91 model years. The middle row was available as a 3-person bench, allowing seating for eight, when most minivans only seated seven. Because of the MPV's optional 4WD, the Mazda Navajo version of the Ford Explorer (sold from 1990 to 1994) was only offered as a two-door, so as to minimize internal competition.
The van was named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990 and 1991 and featured as one of their "vehicles for the coming (fuel) crisis". Initial sales were strong as well, but rapidly fell off once other makers introduced all-wheel drive and V6 engines. In the years to come, Toyota's 1991 Previa, Nissan's 1993 Quest, and Honda's 1995 Odyssey had entered the market and began diluting Mazda's market share. Sales weren't helped when the MPV received one star out of four in the Australian Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests and a "Marginal" rating in the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests for damage to the occupant compartment, tire intrusion into the driver footwell area, poor dummy kinematics, and possibility of injuries to both legs.
In 1992 for the 1993 model year, a new Mazda emblem and a remote keyless entry system were introduced. A standard driver's airbag was later introduced in early 1993.
The van was facelifted in 1995 for the 1996 model year, adding driver's side rear door, passenger side airbag, and extending the nose for improved crash protection. While the four-cylinder engine was retired for the American and Canadian markets, it was replaced with a similar but somewhat smaller 2.5 L unit for the rest of the world. A mild refresh was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year with "all-sport" body cladding and wheel arches, and polished alloy wheels. Mazda discontinued the original MPV after the 1998 model year for North America, and after the 1999 model year for the rest of the world.
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Common 1992 Mazda Mpv problems
The Mazda MPV, a minivan produced by Mazda, has been known to have several issues over the years, including some specific to the 1992 model. Here are some of the most common problems based on complaints from owners:
- Distributor Issues: Some owners of the 1992 Mazda MPV have reported issues with the distributor, which can cause the vehicle to fail to start or run properly. In some cases, this issue can be traced back to a lack of voltage output from the distributor, even though the necessary voltages are being supplied to it.
- Fuel System Problems: Another common issue with the 1992 Mazda MPV is problems with the fuel system. Some owners have reported issues with the fuel filter, which can cause the vehicle to stall or fail to start. In some cases, this issue can be traced back to a lack of spark off of the plugs, which can be caused by a problem with the distributor or a related component.
- PCV Valve and Hose Issues: The 1992 Mazda MPV has also been known to have issues with the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve and hose. In some cases, these components may need to be replaced, which can be a relatively involved process that may require removing the intake manifold.
- Recall Issues: The 1992 Mazda MPV has been subject to several recalls over the years, including recalls related to air bags, brakes, electrical systems, and other components. Some of these recalls may affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle, so it is important for owners to be aware of them and to have any necessary repairs performed promptly.
- Ignition Switch Problems: The 1992 Mazda MPV is also subject to a recall related to a problem with the ignition switch, which can cause a short-circuit and potentially lead to smoke or even fire in the steering column. This issue is particularly concerning, as it can pose a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.
In summary, the 1992 Mazda MPV has been known to have several common problems, including engine issues, distributor problems, fuel system issues, PCV valve and hose issues, recall-related problems, and ignition switch issues. These problems can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety concerns, so it is important for owners of this vehicle to be aware of them and to have any necessary repairs performed promptly.
1992 Mazda Mpv car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mpv problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Mazda Mpv
The NHTSA has received 78 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Mazda Mpv. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Mazda Mpv vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5223N0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE THEN DOWN SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITH THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THIS HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR A WHILE WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK THE CONSUMERS GRANDDAUGHTER HAD GONE ON A RETURN TRIP, THE ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR, STAYED THERE AND HIT A VEHICLE. *SC *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-13
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-12
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE WAS A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5221N0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: APPROACHING INTERSECTION WENT TO SLOW DOWN/STOP VEHICLE. BRAKES FAILED, UPON PRESSING ON BRAKE THERE WAS NOTHING BUT AIR. PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. CAR SKREECHED A FEW TIMES. ENDED UP GOING THROUGH RED LIGHT CAUSING ACCIDENT & INJURY.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- VIN: JM3LV5224N0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WITH THIS VAN THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS SINCE AUGUST OF 1993. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VAN WAS OUT OF SERVICE FOR 3 MONTHS WHILE THEY DALLIED AROUND TO FIX IT. I HAD IT TAKEN TO NORTHTOWNE MAZDA AND IT TOOK THEM A WEEK TO FIX IT. THE SECOND PROBLEM WAS A CONSTANT BREAKAGE OF THE LITTLE PIN THAT SHIFTS THE GEARS. THE THING BREAKS CONSTANTLY AND CAUSES THE GEAR DIAL LETTERS TO BE OFF BY ONE LETTER FOR INSTANCE THE R FOR REVERSE IS D FOR DRIVE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS A GAS LEAK THAT I TOOK IN TO HAVE FIXED THREE TIMES BEFORE IT WAS FINALLY FOUND. I WAS TOLD ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT IT WAS JUST EXHAUST AND THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MEMPHIS AND LIKED TO GAS MYSELF TO DEATH FROM THE FUMES ON THE WAY THERE AND BACK. UPON RETURN TO KCMO I TOOK IT DIRECTLY BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID JUST LEAVE IT OUTSIDE AND WE WILL BRING IT IN AND CHECK IT. I MADE HIM COME OUTSIDE TO THE CAR. YOU COULD SMELL THE GAS FROM 50 FEET AWAY. WHEN HE TOOK IT IN THERE WAS A RUPTURE INTHE FOURTH QUARTER PANEL HOSE THAT WHEN YOU TOOK A LEFT TURN IT SPILLED GAS INTO THE PASSENGER REAR SEAT. THE NEXT PROBLEM THAT I HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE WAS THAT THE CALIPERS, ROTORS AND BRAKES WORE CLEAN THROUGH AFTER ONLY 20,000 MILES OF WEAR ON THE NEW BRAKES. FIRESTONE FIXED THEM. THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT NOW 5 TIMES. I HAD THE FIRST TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AT 66,000 MILES, THE SECOND AT 78,000 MILES, THE NEXT AT 108,000, AND THEN 138,000, NOW AT 139,463. S MEMO CAME OUT FROM MAZDA TO SERVICE REPAIR SHOPS THAT THE SPACERS ARE DEFECTIVE AND THAT WHEN THE TIMING BELT IS CHANGED THESE NEED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THIS MEMO JUST CAME OUT IN JUNE 2002. THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD IS THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BECAUSE MAZDA HAS A DEFECTIVEPART THAT WON'T LET ENOUGH OIL IN TO ALLOW THE ENGINE TO RUN, THIS CAUSES A LOUD TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS THE SWAY BAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5236N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RECEIVED INFORMATION ON SPECIAL PROGRAM #SSP-33 FROM MAZDA REGARDING FUEL FUMES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIRS ON VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER ADDS WHILE DRIVING UP HILL, VEHICLE WILL ONLY ACCELERATE UP TO 10 MPH, ONCE REACHED LIGHTS FLICKER ENGINE, BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL, VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND STEAMING CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ENGINE IS OVERHEATING, COOLANT LEAKS AT ENGINE, THE WATER PUMP BELT BROKE, DEALER REPLACED COOLANT HOSES, WATER PUMP, TIMING BELTS, HEAD CYLINDER, THERMOSTAT, RADIATOR HOSE AND FAN CLUTCH. *TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-16
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- VIN: JM3LV5224N0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE LANES WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT A GUARDRAIL TWICE, PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUFFERED INJURIES, IN WHICH ONE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED FROM VEHICLE, TIRE INFORMATION (THOROBRED STEEL P205/75R14 M/6 DOT MYKCEA9.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-89-181).*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
- VIN: ADD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH APPLIED BRAKES, PEDAL FELT SOFT, BRAKES FAILED. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE PAD HAD FALLEN OUT. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON 28 APR 2001.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5224N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LIGHT HAD COME ON, BUT GAS GAUGE SHOWED HALF A TANK, CONSUMER PULLED OVER, OPENED HOOD, AND RADIATOR RESERVOIR EXPLODED, AND HE RECEIVED BURNS. THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRIOR TO THAT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5237N0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE MOTOR WAS RUNNING WITH CONSUMER NOT IN VEHICLE, VEHICLE STARTED GOING BACKWARD, HIT 2 PARKED CARS, SPUN AROUND, WENT 100 YARDS, AND HIT A UTILITY POLE. AFTER CONSUMER TURNED OFF ENGINE, HE NOTICED VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, NOT IN PARK AS HE PUT IT. *AK *SLC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-20
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: LOCKS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WILL NOT UNLOCK AT ALL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
- VIN: JM3LV5225N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-25
- VIN: JM3LV522XNO
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS SPORADICALLY TURN ON. ENGINE MAY BE OFF OR ON, AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING TO NUMEROUS VEHICLES OF SAME MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5235N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ENOUGH OIL FLOW IN THE ENGINE LIFTERS, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE . MANUFACTURERIS AWARE OF DEFECT, AND HAS REDESIGNED PART . *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5225N0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5222NO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FEED HOSE IS TOO SMALL FOR THE OIL TO GO THROUGH, CAUSING THE LIFTER TO COLLASPE AGAINST ROCKER ARM, RESULTING IN A LOUD NOISE. FAULTY DESIGN IN THE ENGINE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-10
- VIN: JM3LV5230N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REBUILT, UNDER THE WARRENTY, AFTER I MOVED TO OHIO, FOR A NEW JOB, THE WARRENTY HAD RUN OUT, AND I NEEDED TO GET THE CAR REPAIRED, BUT I NEVER PROCEEDED WITHA COMPLAINT AT THAT TIME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-10
- VIN: JM3LV5230N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL SMOKE, VALVE OR LIFTER NOISE, RATTLE WHEN VEHICLE NOT IN ACCELERATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: JM3LV5237N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: MAZDA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPER ARM-IT QUIT DURING MY COMMUTE DURING A HARD RAIN. IT POSED A VERY REAL DANGER. REGARDING THE ENGINE: MAZDA KNOWS THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND IT HAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX...I NOW OWN A 2ND MPV ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME HLA PROBLEM WITH THIS SECOND VAN. NOW I KNOW IT'S AN INHERENT PROBLEM AND THE CONSUMER IS HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS VERY EXPENSIVE FIX.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-12
- VIN: JM3LV5224N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE IS MAKING A LOUD TKICKING NOISE.THE CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE IS ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE LIFTERS. *AK PISTON RING, HEAD GASKETAND ROCKER ARM FAILED. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-28
- VIN: AM3LV522XN0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING AT APPROXIMATLEY 25-30MPH REAR WHEEL DIFFERENTIAL BROKE WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-26
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE REPLACEMENT SEARS DIEHARD BATTERY, PURCHASED 3/94, HAD 6 MONTHS LEFT ON ITS WARRANTY. IT LITERALLY EXPLODED JUST AS I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE, WHERE SERVICE TECHNICIANS TESTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THE BATTERY OBVIOUSLY MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A DEFECT. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL DID NOT SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN REPORTING THIS MALFUNCTION; THEY SEEMED TO CARE MORE ABOUT WHICH REPLACEMENT BATTERY I WANTED INSTALLED IN THE CAR. I FELT THEY DIDN'T FULLY APPRECIATE THE SAFETY DANGER INVOLVED WHEN A BATTERY EXPLODES LIKE IT DID. YOUR COMMENTS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-09
- VIN: JM3LV5221N0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55-60 MPH THE POWER STEERING PUMP EXPLODED, WHICH CAUSED DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VAN. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GET VAN OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-16
- VIN: JM3LV5229NO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS AND CALIPERS FAILED.
1992 Mazda Mpv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 Mazda Mpv.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
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