Four problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2003 Mazda MPV. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mazda MPV based on all problems reported for the 2003 MPV.
Every time this Mazda Mpv gets a little wet it will not go over 40 mph. I have contacted the dealership with no return phone call or email. The coils allow moisture to get in which will cause the vehicle to think it is overheating and will not go no matter what you do. I was on the highway when this happened in jacksonville during rush hour and being stuck in the middle of no where because of a faulty coil that the dealership does not want to take responsibility for, is beyond frustrating. I have kids that have been in the vehicle other times when this has happened and we had to sit in the van or go to gas stations and wait until it was somewhat derivable again. I have read forum after forum and there seems to be a lot of people having this issue with their Mpv, ranging from 1993-2006 models. Something needs to be done with this before someone gets hurt.
On 2 separate occasions, engine coil on 2004 Mazda Mpv broke while driving in the rain and another occasion on a 2003 Mazda Mpv I also own an engine coil broke while driving in wet weather. Each time it caused the engine to shake violently. The service department at the dealership admitted to problems with the engine coils but reports no recall for them. The is a design flow that prevents the coils from dispersing moisture properly.
2003 Mazda Mpv lx with 35,000 miles ignition coil failure after driving through rainstorm in extremely rural area. I was driving alone and had to limp the vehicle 30 miles back to town at 25 mph. Only one place in town could fix it and it was an expensive repair. I have been told this is a common issue with the Mazda Mpv and if so, there should be a recall for the poorly designed coil.
There is a sulfur smell coming from the engine into the passenger compartment, dealer said its the ethanol gas that is causing the problem and that it is seasonal; dealer said to try other gas; dealer has said they have received other complaints of this same smell and that at least one (pregnant) owner cannot drive her car without becoming sick.