1999 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 1999 Mazda Mpv problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1999 Mazda MPV, several common problems have been identified:
- Power Steering Oil Pump Pulley:
- A common issue was the power steering oil pump pulley retaining nut coming loose, leading to a choppy steering feel and a burning smell inside the MPV. If not addressed, the pulley could detach, causing engine failure. Mazda released a modified nut to fix this issue.
- Oil Consumption:
- Some owners experienced high oil consumption due to a seal failure on the cylinder, particularly in MPVs built between August and November 2003. Mazda dealers could replace the seal under warranty, or owners could opt to replace it themselves.
- Ignition Coils Defect:
- Another prevalent problem was a drop in power, engine misfires, and an illuminated check engine light caused by defective or worn-out ignition coils. Replacing these coils was recommended to resolve the issue.
- PCV Valve and Crankcase:
- Owners reported occasional surges and misfires in the engine, likely due to a cracked PCV valve causing a vacuum leak and lean fuel mixture. Replacing the valve and potentially the PCV crankcase was necessary to address this problem.
- Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters:
- High mileage MPVs exhibited a loud ticking noise from the engine, indicating worn hydraulic valve lash adjusters. Regular oil changes could delay this issue, but replacement of the adjusters was eventually required.
- Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner:
- A low rumbling sound and decreased engine power were linked to a collapsed hydraulic timing belt tensioner, causing cambelt problems. Replacing the timing belt and tensioner, along with the water pump, was recommended to resolve this issue.
These common problems with the 1999 Mazda MPV highlight various mechanical and performance issues that owners have encountered. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to ensuring the longevity and reliability of this vehicle.
1999 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Mazda Mpv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Mazda Mpv complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Mazda Mpv.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP UPON APPLYING BRAKES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE INTO A TREE. DEALER NOTIFIED.FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-08
- VIN: 4F4YR16VOXT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS A 99 MAZDA PICKUP. ORIGINAL TIRES HAD 18,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THE DRIVER REAR TIRE BLEW. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SET ON CRUISE CONTROL WHILE GOING 55MPH . THE DAY BEFORE TIRES WERE MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE SIZE P225/70R15 DOT# VN.*AK
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