2002 Mazda MPV ES
JM3LW28J920311702
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Mazda MPV ES (VIN JM3LW28J920311702). Blue, minivan, 3.0L 6-cyl 180 hp, gasoline. 131,270 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 4 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2002 Mazda MPV worth?
What comparable 2002 Mazda MPV vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN JM3LW28J920311702
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR CABLE MAY BE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH (GROUP 1). ALSO INCLUDED ARE CERTAIN 2000-2001 MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 31, 1999 AND MARCH 31, 2001, THAT HAVE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL REPAIRED AND POSSIBLY HAD A DEFECTIVE CABLE INSTALLED DURING THAT REPAIR (GROUP 2).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 1 BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2004. OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN GROUP 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
NHTSA Campaign #04V234000 · 19/05/2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
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 …
Remedy: 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 CONTA
NHTSA Campaign #03V206000 · 05/06/2003EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." AN INCORRECT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) WAS INDICATED ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED ACCURATE CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSERTS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 12, 2002. 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 CONTACT MAZDA AT 1
NHTSA Campaign #02V078000 · 20/03/2002EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS,THE FOG LIGHT BULB SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: 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
NHTSA Campaign #03V053000 · 13/02/2003We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Mazda MPV, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 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.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 125
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Mazda MPV.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND SHOOK WHILE IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COIL PACK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…
NHTSA ODI #10713299SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT CLASP OR BUCKLE REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE STEEL TAB, AND WILL NOT LOCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10592636ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA ODI #10583487VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ACTUATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V234000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10583207POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION FAILED, COMPLETELY DISENGAGED. NO WARNING. HAD TO BE TOWED. REQUIRED A $2500.00 COMPLETE OVERHAUL. VERY LOW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE, ALWAYS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560288AIR BAGS
2002 MAZDA MPV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10535604POWER TRAIN
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY WHEN MY MPV WOULDN'T SHIFT SO I COULD PASS A TRUCK. THEN IT STARTED TO LOSE SPEED. WOULD DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT NO SPEED. HAD TO PULL OVER TO BREAKDOWN LANE WHICH BECAME A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE ARE LUCKY WE DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MPV WOULD NOT WORK IN DRIVE, REVERSE, 3 OR 2 GEARS. WE WE…
NHTSA ODI #10472070AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MPV. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 172,000. UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10459543+ 117 more complaints on record.
