Hatchback/liftgate Hinge Problems of Mazda MPV

The ball stud that holds the right rear liftgate cylinder snapped and the liftgate crashed down because the cylinder became disengaged. Luckily, no children were under the liftgate. The same thing happened to the ball stud that holds the left rear liftgate cylinder about 5 years ago. We were lucky there were no children under the liftgate at that time also. This is a serious safety problem and Mazda would not acknowledge it as such. Mazda also would not acknowledge that we had the left side repaired about 5 years ago, thus indicating a pattern of failure.

See all problems of the 2000 Mazda MPV 🔎.

The liftgate damper pivot bolt broke, causing the liftgate to fall on my head. It only fell a couple of inches because of my height. I see there is a recall in canada for this exact same issue. I called Mazda - they stated my car was not covered by the recall. I saved the old part. I replaced the 2 dampers and bolts - about 160. 00 in parts. Below is the canadian recall 2905l, date : 04/2005, model: Mazda Mpv 2000-2004. Subject: liftgate stay dampers and stud bolt replacement. Summary: note: this recall is applicable to canadian vehicles only. On certain vehicles, the liftgate stay dampers and stud bolts may rust and stick together, causing the stud bolts to break off. In the worst case, this condition may allow the liftgate to suddenly drop during opening or closing, injuring the operator. Correction: dealers will replace the left and right dampers and stud bolts.

See all problems of the 2002 Mazda MPV 🔎.

When raising the rear lift gate door, one of the bolts that secures the lifting piston to the van broke and the lift gate fell. The person lifting the door was able to get out of the way so no one was injured. I contacted my Mazda dealer to report it to Mazda but the service manager talked me into letting them replace both pistons no charge. The bolt that broke was rusted and so was the other one. I think they should inspect all vehicles and replace them.