Table 1 shows two common exterior lighting related problems of the 2001 Mazda MPV.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Headlights problems | |
| Headlight Switch problems |
There is an occasional short in the headlight switch in my 2001 Mazda Mpv dx which results in the headlights not working unless I disassemble and clean the contacts. This has happened several times while driving the van and I now have to carry tools to fix it at any given time. We also try to avoid driving at night because of it. The plastic around them are burned and melted which is what caused the smoke. Tonight when we were driving home the smell was there again as well as quite a bit of heat when you feel the steering column then the headlights started fading off then back on again several times. We took it to Mazda the other year and they wanted somewhere in the range of $3500 dollars to fix the issue. This is certainly a major safety issue and should be a recall in my opinion. I have seen on internet forums that this is not a isolated issue because other people have complained about it. And the cost to fix such a safety issue is ridiculously high. I worry that if the lights do not just go out that there may be a fire since things are obviously burning.
Headlight malfunction Mazda Mpv 2001 while driving my Mpv on city streets & freeways, the low beams flicker, or turn off, and the high beam indicator illuminates on dash board. However the high beams do work. When this occurs it persists both when stationary or in motion. The low beams will intermittently and momentarily turn on, later the "high beam" indicator will illuminate that the low beams off again. No reason. I cannot drive at dusk or at night due to the issue of never knowing if the low beams will work or not! if I drive with high beams all other motorists are honking or bothered. I have had the bulbs checked and replaced as well as the fuses, all check out good. An electrical specialist advised that I call Mazda and enter complaint due to safety issues, because he cannot trace any faulty wiring. Troubleshooting this has been very costly. They had to review the schematic of the switches on the steering column as well as connections to headlights - no anomalies found. Mazda has responded to my request for assistance.