Model year guide

2003 Mazda MPV

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Mazda MPV is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 49 on record.

2003 Mazda MPV — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Mazda MPV at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints114
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$1,622

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Mazda MPV recalls 4

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #04V109000 · 09/03/2004

CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AIR BAG WARNING LABELS INTENDED FOR THE CANADIAN MARKET. THUS, THE LABELS CONTAIN WARNINGS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH. AS A RESULT, THE AREA OF THE ENGLISH WARNING IS ONLY 16 SQUARE CENTIMETERS, AS OPPOSED TO THE 30 SQUARE CENTIMETERS RE…

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AIR BAG CAUTION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WHICH WERE MAILED ON JULY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights NHTSA Campaign #03V206000 · 05/06/2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH …

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #04V282000 · 10/06/2004

THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS NOT CORRECT. THE LABELS SHOW THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE AS 240 KPA/32 PSI WHEN IT SHOULD BE SHOWN AS 240 KPA/35 PSI. AS A RESULT OF THIS ERROR, THE LOAD RATIOS FOR THE 205/65R15 94H AND THE 215/60R16 95H TIRES EXCEED THE LEVELS PERMITTED BY FMVSS 120.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL THAT THEY CAN APPLY TO THEIR VEHICLE, OR THEY CAN HAVE A DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL, IF DESIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights NHTSA Campaign #03V053000 · 13/02/2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INSTALLATION CONDITION OF THE FOG LIGHT BULB ASSEMBLY, AND REPAIR IT WHEN NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Mazda MPV common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2003 Mazda MPV safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Mazda MPV. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Mazda MPV MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2003 Mazda MPV worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,622
High
$2,800

From 45 comparable 2003 Mazda MPV listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Mazda MPV costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$700
Total$19,200
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,622) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,217), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Mazda MPV trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · ES · LX-SV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 180 hp

2003 Mazda MPV vehicles on record

2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A930374400 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J130351290 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A730378428 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A130353766 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A730355540 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A330355647 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J930351196 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A930359170 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A730334980 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28J730374959 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A230365196 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J730341752 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J230362508 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A930348704 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A130345554 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28J330365417 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A130375718 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A530351230 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J530346853 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J530335884 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV ESJM3LW28J030340409 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A930343972 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A330366602 2003 Mazda MPV 2003 Mazda MPV LXJM3LW28A430344821

Other Mazda MPV model years

2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1997

2003 Mazda MPV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mazda MPV have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Mazda MPV. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda MPV?

Across all 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine and engine cooling, electrical system.

What is the 2003 Mazda MPV safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Mazda MPV crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mazda MPV get?

The 2003 Mazda MPV has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2003 Mazda MPV worth?

Comparable 2003 Mazda MPV listings run roughly $700–$2,800, typically around $1,622 (from 45 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.