Selling a worn-out Mazda MPV minivan

Across both, owners filed 938 complaints, counted October 10, 2026, and Mazda ran 22 recall campaigns. If yours is done, we buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

Two MPVs, two sets of complaints

The 1999 adds 2 complaints to make 938. Wikipedia says the MPV was discontinued in North America after the 2006 model year, which is where the EPA data ends.

First generation, 1989-1998: brakes and seat belts

The early vans drew the most complaints on the 1990 through 1993. Power train leads on the 1990 (13), 1991 (15) and 1993 (16). Brakes are close behind: 14 complaints on the 1991 and 11 on the 1992.

Mazda's early recalls match that. On 1989 vans, campaign 91V013 replaced a brake vacuum hose whose check valve could stick below 5°F (6,680 vehicles), and 91V161 replaced brake shoes that could grab harder than expected at low speed (29,824). Campaign 92V027 replaced 1990-1991 rear brake assemblies whose linings changed over time and could trigger the ABS early (95,074).

Seat belts got two campaigns. 89V194 replaced third-seat center belt brackets on 1989 vans (10,587). 95V103 covered 1989-1991 front buckles whose red PRESS buttons can break (360,433 vehicles in the whole campaign, not MPVs alone).

The 1989-1998 vans are also part of ignition switch campaign 15V674, where dealers replace the switch free. That campaign spans seven Mazda models and 1,368,500 vehicles.

Second generation, 2000-2006: transmissions and air bags

The 2000 has the most complaints of any MPV year, 149: engine and engine cooling (21), tires (18) and air bags (14) lead. The 2002 is where the power train stands out. Of its 124 complaints, 64 name the power train, more than half. The 2003 follows with 31 of 113. If your second-generation van has stopped shifting, the bad transmission guide covers what comes next.

Recalls on these vans include a rear door lock linkage that dust could jam on the 2000 (99V191, 13,030 vehicles), brake pipes on 2000-2001 vans without ABS (01V382, 19,000), and a cruise control actuator cable that could break on 2001-2002 vans (04V234, 10,200).

The 2004-2006 vans carry the air bag recalls. Campaign 04V073 rewired the front passenger seat air bag on 2004 vans after a crash test (15,800 vehicles). Three later campaigns replace the front passenger inflator and are marked DO NOT DRIVE: 18V402 (308,591 vehicles, also the Mazda6 and Mazdaspeed6), 18V404 (4,184, 2005-2006 MPVs in certain states) and 19V781 (47,006, also the Mazda6 and RX-8).

MPV complaints and recalls by year

We took these MPV figures from NHTSA on October 10, 2026. One recall can stretch over more than one MPV year.

The final MPVs had a shorter window for reports, though even a 2006 is now two decades old.

Worth fixing?

Hold the repair quote up against the price a working MPV of that year sells for. On a van this age, one big repair often passes that.

1. Check the VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup. On a 2004-2006, the air bag inflator recalls are free at a dealer; see open recall if you'd rather sell first.
2. Transmission gone on a 2002 or 2003? Get a written quote before deciding.
3. Parked for years in the driveway? Read sitting for years for what usually needs attention.

Selling the van whole

1. Write down the VIN, mileage and problem. Mention if it's a 4WD first-generation van.
2. Get an offer on the website or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe the spot: driveway, street, back lot. Say if it rolls and has all four tires so the truck can load it. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Leave it as it is, seats and all. Mention anything already removed.
5. Keep the title and ID with you when the truck comes, and read after you sell about plates and insurance.

Looking at other Mazdas? Try the Mazda5, Navajo or Tribute, or the full Mazda list.