Three problems related to engine exhaust system 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.
Vehicle has about 112, 500 miles when it had a catalytic converter failure. Cost to repair $1800. Service manager said this repair is tied to driving with the check engine light on due to engine coil failures. All engine coils had been replaced before 89000 miles. Since the coils were replaced earlier, no way to identify the nexus to the catalytic converter. There have been numerous "check engine" warnings and related repairs: O2 sensor, pcv hose, and O2 cannister have been replaced in addition to all 6 engine coils. There was no recall notice on any of these failures and there were other "check engine" warnings where no problem was found. I have driven several cars over 112000 miles and I have never had to replace a catalytic converter. Based on this experience, and the treatment at the Mazda dealer, I would not buy another Mazda product.
My daughter, danielle grande, was burned on the leg by the tailpipe of my Mazda Mpv minivan. Her leg touched the tailpipe because it sticks out past the bottom edge of the back bumper. I called Mazda and reported the problem but they refused to fix it or take any action.
There is a sulfur smell coming from the engine exhaust, dealer said to try different gas, and it should go away, I have tried several brands of gas and the smell is still there.