Table 1 shows two common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 1996 Mazda MPV.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Radiator problems | |
| Engine Exhaust System problems |
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?.
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.