1996 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 1996 Mazda Mpv problems
The 1996 Mazda MPV, a popular people mover, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:
- Sputtering Problem: Intermittent problems, such as sputtering and misfiring, can be challenging to diagnose, as they may not occur when the vehicle is at a mechanic. However, when the MPV is misbehaving, it tends to continue doing so for some time. This issue can be due to partly blocked injectors, which can be resolved by cleaning them. Additionally, all engine sensors should be checked to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Starting and Stalling Problems: Some owners have reported issues with their MPV not starting or stalling unexpectedly. In some cases, this may be due to a faulty distributor, which may not be providing spark to the plugs. Before replacing the distributor, it is recommended to check the fuel system, ignition, and spark plugs for any issues. In some instances, the problem may be due to an ECU issue, which can be more expensive to fix.
- PCV Valve and Hose Problems: The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system is responsible for regulating the pressure inside the engine crankcase. Over time, the PCV hose and valve may wear out, leading to various issues, such as reduced engine performance, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage. It is recommended to replace the PCV hose and valve if they are causing problems.
- Recall for Ignition Switch: In 1998, Mazda issued a recall for certain models, including the MPV, due to a problem in the ignition switch that could cause a short-circuit. If this issue is not addressed, it could lead to smoke coming out of the steering column and, in some cases, even a fire. It is essential to check with a Mazda dealership to ensure that the recall work has been done on your MPV, even if it is out of warranty.
- Towing Capacity: The 1996 Mazda MPV has a braked towing capacity of up to 1200 kg. However, it is essential to check the towing capacity for the specific configuration you are considering, as it may vary depending on the engine, transmission, and other factors.
In summary, the 1996 Mazda MPV has several common problems, including sputtering, starting and stalling issues, PCV valve and hose problems, recall for ignition switch, and towing capacity. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
1996 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
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Mazda Mpv complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mazda Mpv.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-29
- VIN: JM3LV5221T0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON JUNE 29,2005 MY 5 MONTH OLD SON AND I WERE TRAVELING IN OUR 96' MAZDA MPV NORTH ON 291 HIGHWAY (I WAS MEETING MY HUSBAND) WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE. WE WERE TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH. AS I WAS GETTING READY TO GET OVER THE VAN JERKED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING US TO VEER THROUGH BOTH LANES OF TRAFFIC. I FIGURED MY TIRE HAD BLOWN AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS A HOT DAY APPROX. 96 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND DUE TO WHERE WE HAD TO PULL OVER I HAD TO GET MY 5 MONTH OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE WE WERE NEAR AN ENTRANCE RAMP AND ONCOMING CARS WERE CUTTING IT CLOSE TO THE VAN AND I DIDN'T WANT TO RISK THE VAN GETTING HIT WITH MY SON INSIDE. MY BROTHER LENNY HAD JUST CALLED ON MY CELL PHONE MOMENTS BEFORE THE INCIDENT SO HE COULD COME HELP US. HE WASN'T ABLE TO ARRIVE FOR 35-45 MINUTES. THE CAR IT HAD DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK PANEL - SCRATCHES, DENTS, TEARING IN THE PANEL ITSELF, THE WHEEL WELL COVER WAS COMPLETELY MISSING, AND THE MUD GARD IN THE WHEEL WELL HAD BEEN TORN AND MANGELED. IT WAS ODD THAT THE TIRE HADN'T BLOWN - IT WAS STILL AIRED UP BUT ALL OF THE TREAD WAS OFF!!! THE TREAD COMING OFF HIT THE SIDE OF MY VAN AND DID A LOT OF DAMAGE! WHEN MY BROTHER ARRIVED HE SAW THE SITUATION AND TOLD ME TO PULL THROUGH THE MEDIAN TO AVOID BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND AT THAT TIME MY BABY WAS LOOKING A BIT SWEATYAND HOT. I PULLED MY CAR THROUGH THE MEDIAN AND ABOUT 1/4 MILE DOWN THE RAOD THE A PARKING LOT WHERE MY BROTHER CHANGED MY TIRE AND MY HUSBAND (HAD BEEN CONTACTED THROUGH MY SISTER-IN-LAW CALLING THE MCDONALDS ) SHOWED UP TO HELP TOO. MY BROTHER CHANGED MY TIRE AND ALSO FOUND TREAD JAMMED BETWEEN MY SHOCKS AND THE TIRE. UNFORTUNEATLY I HAVE FOUND THAT THE COMPANY COOPER CO THAT MAKES THESE TIRES HAVE HAD A LOT OF INJURIES AND CRASHES (EVEN DEATHS) WITH THEIR TIRES AND I HAPPEN TO HAVE 3 MORE ON MY VAN! THEY WERE COOPER TIRES FUTURA 2000 LTE P215/65R15 TOURING TIRES. THEY HAVE GOOD TREAD LEFT ON THEM BUT I AM GOING TO GET THEM ALL CHANGED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OWNER OF 1996 MAZDA MPV, WHILE TRAVELING TO AMMUSEMENT PARK REQUIRING LONG LINES FOR PARKING VEHICLE GOT HOT. WHEN MOTOR WAS TURNED OFF RADIATOR PRESSURE INCREASED, THIS PRESSURE WHILE BEING RELEASED SAFELY TO THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE THROUGH THE CONNECTING HOSE THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF PRESSURE. THIS RESULTED IN THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE TOP EXPLODING AND SPRAYING SCALDING FLUID IN THE FACE OF A 13 YEAR OLD BOY WHO WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE OPEN HOODED COMPARTMENT. HE SUFFERED 1ST & 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO ON MORE THAN 50% OF HIS FACE AND SOME ON HIS TORSO. THIS IS THE ORGINAL FACTORY OVERFLOW BOTTLE, BY CLOSER INSPECTION IT APPEARS THAT THE INPUT TUBE AND OUTPUT VENT ARE DIFFERENT IN SIZE, THE OUTPUT PORT IS SMALLER. THIS PROVIDES FOR THE PRESSURE IN THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE TO INCREASE AND EXCEED THE SNAP-ON-CAP'S HOLDING STRENGTH. HAS THIS BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST?*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-27
- VIN: JM3LV523XT0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING 40MPH IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE UNIT LOCKED UP. DIRVER AND 5 PASSENGERS WERE PRESENT. VEHICLE STARTED TO SKID AND CAME TO A STOP. DRIVER ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO UNLOCK UNIT, AND SUCCEEDED IN PUTTING VEHICLE BACK INTO 2 WHEEL DRIVE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES OCCURRED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-14
- VIN: JM3LV5233T0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE EVENING OF SAT. OCTOBER 14TH, 2000 WHEREIN MY GIRLFRIEND (WHO IS 9 MONTHS PREGNANT) AND MYSELF WERE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON I-93 IN BOSTON, MA. I HEARD A LOUD CRASH-TYPE SOUND AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE THEN PRODUCED A LOUD THUD AND THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED DRAMATICALLY. I PROCEEDED TO THE NEAREST SAFE LOCATION WHICH WAS JUST OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE SOUTH BAY SHOPPING PLAZA (IN FRONT OF THE KMART STORE). IN THE PARKING LOT I NOTICED THAT MY RIM WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND MY TIRE WAS NOT ON THE VEHICLE. I CHANGED MY TIRE WITH A SPARE AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY AXLE AND ALIGNMENT WAS ALSO SEVERELY DAMAGED. I RETURNED TO THE HIGHWAY AND LOCATED MY BLOWN OUT TIRED AND SAW THAT THE TIRE WAS SHREDDED SEVERELY TOO (THE LOCATION ON THE HIGHWAY WAS CLEAN AND PAVED). ON TUESDAY MORNING I THEN PROCEEDED TO THE FIRESTONE DEALERSHIP IN BOSTON WHERE I WAS REFUSED SERVICE BY THE MANAGER...STATING THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT ON THEIR RECALL LIST. I THEN CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS OF FIRESTONE AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN-A-ROUND FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 1/2 HOURS. AS OF TODAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2000, I AM STILL WITHOUT A VEHICLE WHICH IS A PRIORITY AS MY GIRLFRIEND IS READY TO DELIVER OUR CHILD ANY DAY NOW. I AM ALSO IN RISK OF MY FAMILY'S AND MY LIFE AND LIVILHOOD BY NOT HAVING A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IMMEDIATE ATTENDANCE TO MY VEHICLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: HYM3 TIRESIZE: P215/70R15)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
- VIN: JM3LV5227T0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RUST CAUSED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF EXHAUST SYTEM AFTER 22,400 MILES (3 YEARS). BOTH DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND COLE MUFFLER (SPECIALIST) STATE THAT MUFFLER AND EXHAUST PIPES SHOULD NOT RUST OR DETERIORATE IN THIS TIME FRAME. AFTER MUFFLER SEPARATED FROM EXHAUST PIPE, IT REMAINED ATTACHED TO UNDERCARRIAGE OF MPV MINIVAN, AND CREATED A HAZARD BY CONTACTING THE TIRE AND BRAKLE CABLES WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING OPERATED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
- VIN: 1YVGE22C3T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH NO SIGNS OR PROBLEMS, JUST STOP AND COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5224T0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF NEITHER PASSENGER NOR DRIVER'S AIRBAG RESULTED IN IJURY WHEN VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER. NLM
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN3LV5237T0
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING COLLISION INSIDE GARAGE, NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING FRONT END COLLISION. MJS
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-18
- VIN: JM3LV5238T0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AT LOW SPEEDS DRIVETRAIN BINDS UP. MAKES POPPING NOISES. VIBRATIONS OCCURS IN ACCELERATOR. DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH DRIVE TRAIN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5233TO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES. WHILE TRYING TO DEPRESS THE ABS BRAKE PEDAL, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. ALSO ABS BRAKES LIGHT WOULD COME ON AT TIMES FOR NO REASON. THERE WERE NUMEROUS BRAKE SENSORS REPLACED WHICH DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: JN3LV5227T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON WET PAVEMENTS THE VEHICLE SKIDS TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5222T0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT FRONT STRUT IS WEAK CAUSING DAMAGE TO TIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 4F4CR16UOTT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VACUUM HOSE FAILED CAUSING TRUCK TO HESITATE.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223TO
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER TAKES TOO LONG TO COOL.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223TO
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER GOT HIS FOREFINGER CAUGHT IN THE LOCK SPRING OF THE ASH TRAY.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: JM3LV5228T0
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-02
- VIN: JM3LV5229T0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ROUGH IDLE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: JM31V523XT0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN GOING 48 MPH OR MORE AND ROLLING DOWN THE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS, THE WAY THE AIR COMES IN, IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND THE AIR PRESSURE CAUSES SEVERE DAMAGE TO EARS. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: OWNER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH AND THE TIRE BURST. OWNER ALSO SAID THAT THE TIRE SIZE IN THE MANUAL DOESN'T MATCH TIRE CO. SIZE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
- VIN: 1YVGE22C8T5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PROBLEM WITH DRIVER'S WINDOW.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5237T0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION SPEED 40MPH, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-15
- VIN: 4F4CR1ZA8TT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: HEADRESTS DO NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO PROTECT DRIVER FROM INJURY. *DSH
1996 Mazda Mpv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 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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