The contact owns a 2002 Mazda MPV. As soon as the warranty expired, the contact experienced failures with her vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle had major engine failure. Since the summer of 2007, the entire vehicle vibrates when driving 40-50 mph and stalls when approaching a stop. The vehicle is able to be restarted. The dealer stated that cylinder three was misfiring and informed the contact that newer models have been upgraded. When the vehicle stalled, the check engine light illuminated, but there was no brake or steering failure. The contact also smelled rotten eggs in the passenger compartment. The transmission was repaired and the catalytic converter was replaced, in addition to other small failures. The vehicle began rusting within the first year of being purchased. The VIN, purchase date, engine size, number of cylinders, transmission type, powertrain, and fuel system were unknown. The current mileage was 67,000 and failure mileage was 7,000.

- Fredonia, NY, USA

Engine was running rough and misfired. One dealer said this was a transmission module. After keeping it for several days and said the sparks needed adjusting, waited on the transmission module because it was running fine. Then it stopped suddenly in snowy weather, towed, I was left stranded for 2 hours in cold weather, battery replaced, 2 months later it was running extremely rough and misfired. A new dealer said it was not the transmission module but the coils and all would need to be replaced for a $1,000. They said 3 were bad, but if they replaced those they would be back redoing the others with in a few weeks. Car had 56,000 miles, but was past warranty date not warranty mileage. This seemed to be what was wrong all along. I understand the catalytic converter might go due to this problem. I have heard that coils should not have to be replaced at this point.

- Denver, CO, USA

Had to replace two ignition coils within 100 miles of each other, and at least one of the coils has been causing problems for a year. Also, it led to a catalytic converter malfunction.

- Grabill, IN, USA

I have had three issues with my minivan. I have had a rotten egg smell for the longest time and was told to change the type of gas I used. After further persistence with the dealer, I was told that they are having problems with the catalytic converters and they are now finally replacing them after 5 trips to the dealer complaining. Second, there was a computer sensor failure which caused the van to overheat...I had to be towed to the dealer and get a new sensor and temperature gauge. Third, I have been complaining about hesitation in the transmission on turns and when slowing down and then accelerating. This is still unresolved. I would also like to state that the stearing column gear shift is extremely annoying and I have on more than one occasion hit the vehicle out of gear.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

The catalytic converter malfunctioned and as a result a foul odor seeped through the vents and inside the vehicle compartment. This problem has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased. The smell is very foul and has caused problems for the consumer's asthmatic child.

- Beavercreek, OH, USA

Exhaust system: Catalytic convertor vehicle emitting strong sulfur oder from catback system. This is not acceptable, especially at 20,000 miles. Dealership service dept. Noted this was a common complaint with this vechicle ( MPV). Dealer said- "this problem seems to be common in new V6 and V8 engines.- something in the design of lower emmissions. Again, unresolved- this is not acceptable (for any vehicle).

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

We have had a terrible "rotten egg" smell coming from our exhaust since we have purchased the vehicle. We were told by the dealer that the van would be replaced without any inconvenience to us. The dealer later withdrew that offer because Mazda corporation felt this was an isolated incident. We were also informed by the dealer to try 3 tan fulls of the same gasoline and the smell would go away. They told us if this did not work to go to other gas stations and start this process all over again until we found a brand that would work. We have tried this and have no improvement in the smell. We were also told by the dealer that Ford Motor Company (who makes the engine) issued a statement to Mazda service centers that this smell will go away between 8,000 to 12,000 miles. I asked the dealer, Mazda Corp., and Ford Motor Co. For a written copy of this statement, and no one could provide one for me. Have you had other complaints about this defect? I do not believe it is reasonable to expect a customer to put up with this smell for up to 12,000 miles. It is very embarrasing when people pull up next to you in traffic and hold their nose because of the terrible smell from our exhaust (this has actually happened.) have their been any recalls issued to correct this defect? thank you.

- Loveland, OH, USA