1997 Mazda B-Series Truck

Routine

Owners filed 52 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires8
000
Tires › Tread/Belt5
000
Suspension › Front4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline4
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer2
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner2
000
Interior Lighting2
100
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring1
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control09V414000
Filed Oct 23, 200939,600 vehiclesMazda Motor Corp

Defect. MAZDA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1997 AND MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) AND/OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND MANUFACTURED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 5, 2002. A COMPONENT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME AND DEVELOP A LEAK. THIS OCCURRENCE COULD CAUSE THE SWITCH TO OVERHEAT, SMOKE OR BURN WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A UNIVERSAL FUSED JUMPER HARNESS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500 OPTION #6.

Tires › Tread/Belt00T005000
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 2016300,000 milesMA

AT INSPECTION STATION MEYER & SONS, 62 SHEFFIELD ROAD, EGREMONT, MA 01258: DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS CHECK; BUMPERS/FENDERS CHECK BOTH FAILED; THERE IS A CRACK IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT DOME, WHICH DOES NOT AFFECT THE OPERATION OF ANY LIGHTS. THERE IS A LARGE RUST SPOT IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. WE DO NOT BELIEVE A CRACKED LIGHT GLOBE AND RUST HOLES SHOULD FAIL THE TRUCK INSPECTION!!!

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 2016115,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA B-SERIES 4000. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CLUTCH FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED STEEL CASTING LOCATED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BEHIND THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 12, 2010165,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA B4000( N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH PROCEEDING TO A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY, SMOKE EXPELLED UNDERNEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HOOD AREA WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A TEMPORARY FIX WAS PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME OPERATION. DURING THE TRAVEL THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT INSTALLED A NEW BRAKE RESERVOIR AND DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE TECHNICIAN BLEED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V414000 (VEHICLESPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 165,000

Suspension › Rear
Filed Aug 23, 20091 milesCT

FRONT AND REAR LEAF SPRING SUPPORT MOUNTS ROTTED AWAY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 10, 200672,000 milesNJ

UPON FILLING MAZDA 1997 B-2300 TRUCK WITH GAS NOTICED A STREAM OF FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE GAS TANK INCHES AWAY FROM EXHAUST. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE. *JB

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Feb 3, 200680,000 milesMA

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK IN MY MAZDA PICKUP TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY RELEASED FALLING BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. FORTUNATELY I WAS GOING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT AT THE TIME AND THERE WAS NO LOSS OF CONTROL. I FOUND THE LARGE TORX-HEAD SCREWS THAT ANCHOR THE SEAT BACK TO THE RECLINING FRAME HAD SHEARED OFF.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 8, 2005KY

1997 MAZDA PICKUP CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF STICKING CONTACTS IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. UPDATED 08/28/07. *JB

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Dec 1, 2004150,000 milesOK

VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, AND THEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONSUMER'S HOUSE, WHERE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT TIE ROD BROKE. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Mar 5, 2003FL

NAR 03/05/2003 THE CONSUMER EXPERINCED SEVERE FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATIONS AND DATE THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY EITHER MAZDA OR FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *CB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Mar 2, 200360,000 milesNY

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS. THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. IF VEHICLE IS STALLED AN THEN RESTARTED, ABS LIGHT WILL GO OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKE TO 3 DEALERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON MORE OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS WARM. WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL START OPERATING AT THE HIGHEST SPEED. TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING THEM ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS AND BRAKING. CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. PROBLEM IS REMEDIED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE DOME LIGHT OVER NIGHT AND THEN REPLACING THE NEXT MORNING.*JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 13, 20036,114 milesFL

THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY VIBRATED, THE TIRES WERE REPLACED 5 TIMES, ALSO THE ABS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY.*SCC *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 26, 2002FL

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCESSIVE FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATION WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO WEAR UNEVENLY, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL FACILITIES TO BE REPAIRED BUT HE PROBLEM STILL EXIST, THE VEHICLE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES. NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 24, 2002CA

TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN DRIVING, HARD TO ACCELARATE.*AK *SLC

Tires
Filed Mar 12, 2002TX

RECEIVED BLOWN TIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON US 190. I HAD NO ADVANCE WARNING. THE TREAD IS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VNFC1PR476 TIRESIZE: P225/70R14)

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Feb 11, 2002TX

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE BACK REST OF SEAT COLLAPSED AND WOULD NOT STAY UP.*AK *JG

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Feb 11, 2002CA

THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BUCKLE FAILED. *YH

Tires
Filed Sep 18, 2001MO

REPLACED MY FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS ALL TERRAIN TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE FAILING. THE TIRES BELTS WERE PEELING FROM THE TIRES. NOW MAZDA CORP. USA OPERATIONS WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? THIS OCCURED AUG. 2000, I MAILED MAZDA ALL PAPERWORK. THEY SAID DENIED, WRONG PURCHASE DATE FOR BUYING TIRES. THE TIRES WERE IN LAYAWAY, SO PLEASE CONTACT MAZDA(USA). FIRESTONE WILDERNESS A/T P215/75R15

Tires
Filed Aug 13, 2001TX

WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH IN RIGHT LANE ON RURAL HIGHWAY, I HEARD A THUD AND IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND WAS THROWN INTO THE LEFT LANE ALMOST OVER THE CENTER LINE. I REGAINED CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE TREAD ON THE DRIVER BACK TIRE WAS COMPLETELY PEELED OFF, BUT THE TIRE HAD NOT DEFLATED. THE BACK TRUCK FENDER AND FENDER GUARD WAS COMPLETELY BENT UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. THE FENDER AND GUARD IN FRONT OF THE TIRE WAS BENT OUTWARD, WITH THE SUPPORT FRAME BROKEN AND THE FENDER GUEARD STICKING AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE OUT FROM THE TRUCK. WHEN I TOOK THE TIRE OFF THE TRUCK, THE ENTIRE TREAD WAS WRAPPED 3 TIMES AROUND THE AXLE. BOTH BACK TIRES AND THE SPARE ARE THE SAME FIRESTONES. ON INSPECTION OF THE OTHER BACK TIRE, WE HAVE FOUND CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL BOTH NEAR THE CENTER, AS WELL AS CRACKS NEAR THE TREAD ALONG MOST OF THE TIRE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HYFC80A239 TIRESIZE: P225/70R14)

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 15, 2001ID

TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE VERY UNCOOPERATIVE DUE TO TIRE SIZE.*AK (TIRESIZE: 265/75R15)

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jun 13, 2001MO

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH COULD FEEL A VIBRATION FROM FRONT TIRES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. THEN, FOUND OUT THAT FRONT TIRES HAD A BELT SEPARATION, THEN REPLACED. MAZDA, B4000 1992, 265/75R15 SL. *AK TIRES ARE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT. *SLC

20 of 52 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20094500Do not drive
200811300Do not drive
200737310Do not drive
200611600Do not drive
200516300Do not drive
200424300Do not drive
200321120Routine
200228200Routine
200137310Routine
200058330Routine
199978410Routine
1998675312Fatalities reported
1997 — this page52210Routine
199655201Fatalities reported
199542200Routine
1994122601Fatalities reported
19939200Routine
199211300Routine
199114410Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every B-Series Truck year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 23, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.