The Lemon Index
200220042nd generation
Avoid · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
59 owner complaints, first 3 years 18 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Chevrolet Astro 1072003 Kia Sedona 2152003 Ford Windstar 123
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 500 and 20,000 miles (804–33,000 km) (the middle half of the 41 complaints, of all 59 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 04V282000 (equipment), 04V109000 (equipment) and 03V206000 (lights) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Mazda sent dealers 125 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Tappet (tick) noise from engine”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mazda's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 59 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 20K miles (1K to 33K km) on the car (41 of all 59 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
While driving vehicle down shifted without warning. Consumer stated the part was replaced five times; however, the problem still exists.
2003 Mazda MPV owner · NHTSA complaint 10058045
More owner reports
2003 Mazda MPV developing problems with the transmission shifting.**
NHTSA complaint 10125840
While braking at 45 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and pulled over. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10076174
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 4.0M views · 2000–2006 Mazda MPV
Most-watched topics
- Transmission & shifter336K views
Transmission range sensor problem 2000 Mazda mpv lxNewYorker in Connecticut · 132K views · 5 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring304K views
Low beam head light bulb replace 2000-2006 Mazda MpvNewYorker in Connecticut · 219K views · 4 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors293K views
Mass air flow sensor (MAF) how to remove or clean,2000 mazda mpvNewYorker in Connecticut · 82K views · 7 videos - Cooling system176K views
2001 Mazda MPV radiator cooling fan replacementChris Lewis · 40K views · 5 videos
Show 4 more
- Windows, doors & mirrors159K views
Bolts through the window! Mazda MPV 2005 Window Regulator BrokenRainman Ray's Repairs · 154K views · 3 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical132K views
Starter motor replace 2000 Mazda MPVNewYorker in Connecticut · 70K views · 5 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets73K views
How to Replace the Spark Plugs and Valve Cover Gaskets on a 2005 Mazda MPVHow to Automotive · 72K views · 2 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door65K views
2005 Mazda MPV Removing/Replacing Blower MotorGreg's DIY Garage · 31K views · 5 videos
Before you buy, watch
2005 Mazda MPV 7 Seater Family Wagon ** Cash4Cars ** ** SOLD **Cash4CarsNZ · 21K views
Used 2000 Mazda MPV for sale at Honda Cars of Bellevue...an Omaha Honda Dealer!Honda Cars of Bellevue · 21K views
Used 2005 Mazda MPV ES for sale at Honda Cars of Bellevue...an Omaha Honda Dealer!Honda Cars of Bellevue · 20K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2003 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 125 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tappet (tick) noise from engine
- Stick / slip noise from engine
- Metal snap or popping noise from engine
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Equipment · recall issued 2004
THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT.
- Equipment · recall issued 2004
CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AIR BAG WARNING LABELS INTENDED FOR THE CANAD…
- Lights · recall issued 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE.
Show all 4 recalls
- Lights · recall issued 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mazda MPV year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 6 Mazda MPV years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2003 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda-mpv/?y=2003" title="Mazda MPV reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mazda-mpv/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Mazda MPV reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Mazda MPV reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about twice the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 236; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mazda MPV year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2001.
What are the most common 2003 Mazda MPV problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (49%), engine (14%) and speed control (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda MPV have?
4 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mazda MPV get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Mazda MPV problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 500 and 20,000 miles (804–33,000 km) (the middle half of the 41 complaints, of all 59 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2003 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 49% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Mazda MPV cost in fuel a year?
About $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Mazda MPV have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda MPV year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2001 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about average).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works