1994 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 1994 Mazda Mpv problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mazda MPV 1994, several common problems have been reported:
- Reliability Concerns: The Mazda MPV has been noted for reliability issues, with some owners reporting problems with head gaskets. In comparison to other models like the Kia Carnival, which has been flagged as less reliable, the Honda is often favored for its build quality and contemporary design.
- Towing Capacity: While the 1994 Mazda MPV boasts a braked towing capacity of up to 1200 kg, some owners have raised concerns about the towing performance. It is essential to consider the specific model and configuration to ensure that the towing capacity aligns with your needs.
- Dimensions and Specifications: The dimensions of the 1994 Mazda MPV vary based on the chosen body type, with a maximum width and height of 1825mm x 1745mm. Additionally, the fuel consumption for this model ranges from 11.8 to 11.8L/100km, depending on the engine and transmission type selected.
- Wheel Size Variability: The wheel size for the 1994 Mazda MPV can vary depending on the model chosen. It is crucial to consider the impact of different wheel sizes on tire options and overall performance. Standard wheel sizes for this model typically range from 15x6 inches.
These reported problems highlight key areas of concern for Mazda MPV 1994 owners, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to address these issues effectively.
1994 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Mazda Mpv
The NHTSA has received 42 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Mazda Mpv. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Mazda Mpv vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DEFECTIVE TIRES. STEEL BELTS SPLIT. TIRES READY TO EXPLODE. FUTURA 775 PURCHASED AT PEP BOYS 02/2005. LESS THAN 10,000 MILES DRIVEN ON 55,000 TIRE. SHOWED TIRES TO 4 DIFFERENT AUTO SHOPS AND ASKED IF THIS WAS A NORMAL THING OR IF IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE? ALL 4 SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, INCLUDING THE PEOPLE IN THE PEP BOYS GARAGE. THE MANAGER OF THE STORE SAID IT WAS NOT A DEFECT AND WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES, BUT OFFERED TO SELL ME A COUPLE OF NEW TIRES. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5221R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAD A MVA ON 9/20/03. A VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND I COLLIDED WITH THEIR FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS DRIVING A MAZDA MPV 1994. MPV TOTALED. MPV FRONT END COLLAPSED. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5233R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER. UPON IMPACT THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *AK *NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK , AND IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. MR SCC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-03
- VIN: JM3LV5225R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WE NOTICED FOR NO APPARENT REASON LIGHTS WOULD COME,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BEFORE EXPECTED,EVEN WHEN REPLACED BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE.AFTER TALKING TO MANY PEOPLE,WE FOUND OUT THAT MPV VANS FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAVE THESE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-02
- VIN: JM3LV5228R0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PEOO 020 ; VEHICLE HAD A FLAT TIRE ON PASSENGER'S REAR SIDE. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO A TIRE PLACE, AND MECHANIC TOLD HER THATTWO TIRE TREADS HAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS, P215/65R15, DOT W2VFH30358. THESE TIRES WERE NOT ORIGINAL TIRES ON VEHICLE, BUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LIFTERS & ROCKER ARMS REPLACED 3 TIMES - CARBON BUILD UP WAS NEVER FIXED CAUSES ENGINE TO NEED REPLACEMENT. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-23
- VIN: JM3LV5228R0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I SAW THIS 'SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT' REPORT ON CH. 2 IN LA, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY TIRES, THE TREADS ON THE TIRES CAME OFF THE TIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL MAKING A TURN AND MY VAN COULD OF TIPED OVER. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES AT MY COST. *AK( DOT NUMBER: HYMO316 TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: JM3LV5228R0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY DEALER AND REPAIR SHOP SAY THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL CASES OF THIS SWITCH FAILURE. IT CAUSES THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON BY THEMSELVES. MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY THAT MAZDA IS AWARE OF. MAZDA SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-28
- VIN: JM3LV522XR0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON APRIL 28,2000, THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR L994 MAZDA MPV MINI-VAN WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I WAS TRAVELLING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 60 MILES PER HOUR ON INTERSTATE L2 IN BATON ROUGE. WE PURCHASED THE VAN, USED, IN JANUARY 2,000. WHEN WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE REBUILT. WE THEN PURCHASED A USED TRANSMISSION FOR INSTALLATION IN THE VAN. THE TOTAL COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $2,200.00. WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THERE ARE ANY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS LISTED FOR THE L994 MAZDA MPV MINI-VAN INVOLVING THE TRANSMISSION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-22
- VIN: JM3LV5220R0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS AT STOP LIGHT WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF AND VEHICLE DIDN'T MOVE AT ALL. THROTTLE WAS TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: JM3LV5221R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS PROBLEM WITH THE LIFTERS HAS BEEN REPORTED TWO SEPARATE TIMES. BOTH TIMES WE WERE GIVEN A MAJOR RUN AROUND IN ORDER TO GET THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. ON THE FIRST VISIT WERE TOLD THAT KNOCKING WAS NORMAL FOR A ENGINE TO DO. WHICH I STRONGLE DISAGREED WITH. AFTER GOING INTO THE ENGINE IT WAS FOUND THERE THERE WAS SOME COLLAPSED LIFTERS. SOON AFTER THE REPAIR THE PROBLEM RESURFACED, THIS TIME SPACERS WERE INSTALLED. I WAS TOLD THAT NOT ENOUGH OIL WAS REACHING THE LIFTERS. AFTER THIS THE KNOCKING WAS GONE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND I THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS TAKEN CARE OF. UNTILL WE MOVED TO GEORGIA IN JULY OF 98 THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN WITH US UNTILL PRESENT. I CAN SAFTLY SAY THAT I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VAN THE OIL IS CHANGED ON A 2000 MILE CYCLE SO I WOULD THINK THAT THE OIL SHOULD BE ABLE TO REACH THE LIFTERS FINE. EVEN THOUGH I WAS TOLD BY THE MAZDA DEALER THAT THE KNOCKING NOISE WOULD NOT CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, I HAVE TO DISAGREE. THE CAM SHAFT HAS TO HAVE SOME KIND OF WEAR AS WELL CONSIDERING THATS WHAT THE PUSHES THE LIFTERS UP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5225R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: -ALMOST EVERY TIME WE START THE ENGINE, A VERY LOUD CLACKING NOISE PERSIST FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN AFTER THE VAN IS WARMED UP THE CLACKING SOUND SUBSIDES TO A MINIMAL NOISE LEVEL BUT IS NEVER THE LESS STILL APPARENT. AT FIRST " STARTS" IN THE MORNINGS IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING LOUDER. IT SOUNDS LIKE THER IS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THE VALVES ARE JUST CLICKING AND KNOCKING LIKE CRAZY. I CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3-4000 MILES AND MAKE SURE IT IS CONTINUALLY FULL. I CALLED THE MAZDA MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AT METRO MAZDA, 1087 I-20 WEST FRONTAGE RD., JACKSON MS, 601-944-1333 AND WAS TOLD BY ONE OF THE MECHANICS NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT , BECAUSE MOST OF THE MPV'S HAVE THAT PROBLEM.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-15
- VIN: JM3LV522XR0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SPRING INSIDE ENGINE LIFTERS GAVE OUT.CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV522XR0
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH, SEATBELTS DID NOT RETRACT, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5221R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ROCKER ARM/LIFTERS ARE NOISY, CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, RECOMMENDED REPLACING ALL LIFTERS, COST BET. $850-$1200.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM31V5226R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: IN A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-06
- VIN: JM3LV5222R0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-24
- VIN: JM3LV522XR0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS WERE IMPROPERLY DESIGNED AND RESTRICT OIL FLOW.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-08
- VIN: JM3LV5224R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT REPLACED RESULTING IN ENGINE NOISE, HOWEVER CARBON BUILD UP STILL PRESENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: GM3LV5228R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE SLOWLY PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND RUNNING OVER A SMALL BUMP, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE ARM/NECK/CHEST AND SHOULDERS. *AK *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5230R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LIFTERS IN UPPER VALVE TRAIN MAKE CLICKING NOISES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5230R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LIFTERS IN UPPER VALVE TRAIN ASSEMBLEY MAKES CLICKING NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-06
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKES MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE SOUND, HAS TROUBLE STOPPING THE VEHICLE, IT'S LIKE METAL TO METAL. PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND THE DEALER STATES EVERYTHING IS FINE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5228R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DURING FRONTAL IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
1994 Mazda Mpv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 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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