1998 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 1998 Mazda Mpv problems
The Mazda MPV, a minivan produced by Mazda, has been a popular choice for families due to its spacious interior and comfort. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. One of the most frequently reported issues with the 1998 Mazda MPV is its inability to accelerate beyond 60km/hr when the fuel gauge is at half-tank or lower. This problem can be attributed to a faulty fuel pump, which may struggle to supply sufficient fuel to the engine at lower fuel levels. Replacing the fuel pump often resolves this issue, as reported by a Mazda MPV owner who experienced the same problem.
Another common problem with the 1998 Mazda MPV is misfiring, which can be caused by worn-out ignition cables. Replacing the ignition cables with Denso OEM ignition cables has been found to eliminate misfiring issues in this model.
The 1998 Mazda MPV's automatic transmission is also known to have issues. However, the cost of replacing the automatic gearbox for this model is relatively affordable compared to other vehicles of the same era, making repairs more accessible for owners.
Despite these issues, many owners of the 1998 Mazda MPV have reported that the vehicle is reliable and comfortable, making it a suitable choice for families. It is essential to address any problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
In summary, the 1998 Mazda MPV has several common problems, including fuel pump failure, misfiring due to worn-out ignition cables, and automatic transmission issues. However, these problems can be resolved with proper maintenance and repairs. Regular inspections and timely replacements of worn-out parts can help ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
1998 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
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Mazda Mpv complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mazda Mpv.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-07
- VIN: JM3LV5221W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-16
- VIN: JM3LV5229W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO EMIT SMOKE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 217,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5233W0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 MAZDA MVP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM3LV523XW0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA MVP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE IGNITION BEGAN TO SMOKE. NO FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FLAMES. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-12
- VIN: JM3LV5235W0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOLT HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH SNAPPED IN TWO AND LEFT THE LATCH HANGING FREE. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5233W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA MPV WAGON. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR PROVIDE A REMEDY. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF RETRIEVING A REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-07
- VIN: JM3LV5225W0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TRAVELING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 275 NORTH OF TAMPA, FLORIDA AT 10:30 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2006 WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATED ON A NEARLY NEW (6 WEEK OLD) FIRESTONE TIRE. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SKIDDING SIDEWAYS TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT, ALMOST OVER TURNING BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I ALSO ALMOST COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEPARATING TREAD HIT THE LEFT BACK WHEEL WELL, TEARING OUT THE WHEEL WELL COVER, DAMAGING THE BACK BUMPER BEYOND REPAIR AND DAMAGING THE FRONT OF THE WHEEL WELL COVER AND LEFT BACK PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED AND A TROOPER KEPT HIS VEHICLE BEHIND ME WITH HIS EMERGENCY LIGHTS FLASHING WHILE I CHANGED THE TIRE BUT HE DID NOT WRITE A REPORT. REPAIRS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-28
- VIN: JM3LV5237W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: (1) IT WAS RAINING. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT AS THE HIGHWAY TURNED SLIGHTLY. (2) WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL THERE WAS A DELAY FOR THE WHEELS TO RESPOND. CONSEQUENTLY, I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE WHEEL TURNED, THEN I TURNED THE WHEEL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES. AS I SLOWED DOWN TO BELOW MINIMUM HIGHWAY SPEED, I FINALLY GAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. (3) I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE & HAVE DONE NOTHING SO FAR EXCEPT TO CALL MAZDA, AS I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-12
- VIN: JM3LV5225W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WITH ONLY 66,000 HIGHWAY MILES, TRANSMISSION STARTING SLIPPING.VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION COOLER AS PART OF FACTORY TOWING PACKAGE.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-18
- VIN: JM3LV5234W0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CRACKED FRONT WINDSHIELD : A CRACK DEVELOPED AT THE BOTTOM CENTER. NO SIGN OF AN OBJECT HITTING IT. IT IS SYMMETRICAL, STRAIGHT UP APPROX. 2" AN ARC THEN STRAIGHT ACROSS 6-8" THEN AN ARC AND STRAIGHT DOWN. THE CRACK IS SMOOTH AND STRAIGHT. *NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE INTO DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5231W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE DO NOT FEEL THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FOWLERERS WHEN IT IS PART OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER 50,000 MILE AND THE INSERVICE DATE IS 5-29-1998. ITS ONLY 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. WHICK MEANS IT WAS PROBLAY BAD AT THE TIME IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WE HAD ONLY HAD IT 2 WEEKS BEFORE WE HEARD TAPPING COMING FROM THE ENGINE,. WE TOOK IT TO ROSE CITY MOTORS AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS BAD FOWLERS AND MAZDA SAID WE SHOULD REPLACE ALL FOWLERERS WHICK COST 1,500.00 DOLLARS. THEY ARE WILL TO ONLY CHARGE US HALF. WE DO NOT CONSIDER THIS AS FAIR. THE ENGINE IS A MAJOR PART OF A VEHICLE. ITS SCARY TO THINK YOUR BUYING A GOOD VEHICLE AND SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE MOTOR ALREADY.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5234W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN FRONT END CRASH. NO INJURIES. *AK *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV222W08
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN VAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: JM3LV5237W0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR ANTI-SWAY BAR BRACKETS SNAPPED OFF (BOTH) FROM REAR AXLE HOUSING - MAZDA SERVICE REFERRED TO AUTO BODY - DETERMINED BY AUTO BODY THEY WERE NOT WELDED ENTIRE LENGTH OF BRACKET (ENGINEERING/PRODUCTION OVERSIGHT) - MAZDA CONSUMER COMPLIANCE HAS DENIED RESPONSIBILITY
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-24
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WITH THE TOW PACKAGE, THE OPTIONAL FEATURE LOAD LEVER WHICH IS USED BY AN AIR PUMP FAILED, CAUSING THE REAR SUSPENSION TO DROP AND MISALIGN. THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ALSO REAR PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT "RECOIL" PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV522XW0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, VAN STARTED ROLLING FORWARD AND HIT A COMMERICAL TRUCK TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. VAN WAS TOTALLED. ALSO, AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM3LV5226W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE, CAUSING A REAR-END COLLISION. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. VEHICLE BEHIND ME NOTED REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ON. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-02
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE. MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS CAP DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-02
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE. MJS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: GAS CAP DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-02
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE. MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM3LV5223W0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS CAP DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. MJS
1998 Mazda Mpv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 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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