Had a 2000 Mazda MPV with 68,000 miles on it. All was well until my check engine light came on. A noise and fuel smell followed soon after. The van was diagnosed at the Mazda dealership as having bad or cracked manifolds. I was told that the cost would exceed the value and it would not be worth fixing and to consider trading. The price estimated was over $4000. I honestly think that because this is an environmental issue, we should not be responsible for this manufacturer defect. This car did not even have 100K miles.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

We have a 2000 Mazda MPV van. My wife said that the engine was making a loud roaring noise. I found a Mazda MPV site that indicated as "subject"-fog horn/moaning noise from engine compartment...which may occur when engine is half-warmed up or in deceleration. Site calls for iac valve with a modified part to be repaired. I asked the Mazda dealership about a possible recall. They were quick, and I mean quick to say that there are none. I mentioned that there are two other recalls documented on the consumer reports website. One about a possible failing child-lock on the door and another one that could result in a possible fuel leak and subsequent fire. How can Mazda be so quick to say that there are no recalls? they did not even ask for my vehicles VIN number. Believe me, the small cost for Mazda to correct this problem will pale in comparison to my child falling out of the vehicle due to failing child locks or to a fire caused by leaking fuel.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

In September 2003, 2000 Mazda MPV van (approx 80K miles) would not pass emissions although check engine light was not on. Was told the van's obd system could not communicate with state's equipement. Was issued waiver. One month later, check engine light came on and O2 sensor was replace per recommendation. Four days later, light came back on. Since then, light has intermittently gone on and off with noone being able to diagnose the issue. A strong odor has come into the passenger area and the van has run rough. Finally, it was diagnosed as having a cracked exhaust manifold. There is no reason a 3 1/2 - 5 year old van should have a cracked manifold. Unfortunately, there are thousands of people suffering from the same issue as noted on every Mazda message board. The part cannot be purchased aftermarket or even used, because they are all cracked. I have also been told by other garages the welding suggested at the dealer's shop is ineffective and will not solve the leak. The dealer is unwilling to help because the van out of the warranty period. I am wondering how many manifold failures there have to be, which affects our air quality and cannot pass federal emissions, before there is a recall issued for an obviously defective part.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

Van started running rough at stoplights and at low speed. Check engine light came on a day later. Mechanic told us that the left exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. This failure causes a co leak into the passenger cabin. Mechanic said this should not happen on an engine with 83,000 miles.

- Midvale, UT, USA

Problems with exhaust manifold is causing carbon monozide fumes to enter the passenger area. (nar)

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

I have a Mazda MPV 2000, the check engine light came on and I took it in for service on 2/13/03. I was told that the MPV required a new oxygen sensor but it would be 3 to 4 weeks due to a back order. I was told by the dealer that I could drive the car and it would harm nothing. On Feb 20th, I drove 3/4 mile from home when the MPV died with the check engine light, oil light and battery light all on. The MPV was towed to the Mazda dealership, they called me and said the engine was ceased.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

Defective part. Exhaust manifold failed and is out of warranty. Dealer would not cover repair cost due to being out of warranty. This type of part should not have failed in three years no matter what the milage is. It caused driver (me) to breath exhaust fumes and I became light headed and sick. Weather was too cold to drive with windows open. Manufacturer should cover the cost of this repair.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA