1997 Mazda B3000

1997 Mazda B3000

The 1997 Mazda B3000 was a compact pickup truck offered with a 2.3L inline-4 engine or a 3.0L V6 engine. The 2.3L engine produced 142 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0L engine produced 190 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The B3000 was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful V6 engine. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of off-road capabilities.

Issues

Engine

• 2.3L Inline-4
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure: The camshaft position sensor may fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power. The sensor can be replaced for $100 - $200+.
    • Recall: None Found
• 3.0L V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket may fail, causing a vacuum leak that can lead to poor engine performance. The gasket can be replaced for $200 - $300+.
    • Recall: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner may fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damage the engine. The tensioner can be replaced for $300 - $500+.
    • Recall: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual
  • Synchronizer Wear: The synchronizers in the manual transmission may wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears. The transmission may need to be rebuilt for $1,000 - $2,000+.
    • Recall: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Valve Body Failure: The valve body in the automatic transmission may fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. The valve body can be replaced for $500 - $700+.
    • Recall: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension:
  • Ball Joint Wear: The ball joints in the front suspension may wear out, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or make a clunking noise when turning. The ball joints can be replaced for $200 - $300+.
    • Recall: None Found
• Rear Suspension:
  • Leaf Spring Sag: The leaf springs in the rear suspension may sag over time, causing the vehicle to ride lower in the rear. The leaf springs can be replaced for $500 - $700+.
    • Recall: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge and the vehicle to stall. The alternator can be replaced for $300 - $500+.
  • Recall: None Found
• Battery Drain: The battery may drain quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. A parasitic draw may be present, which can be difficult to diagnose and repair. The cost to fix will vary depending on the source of the draw.
  • Recall: None Found

Exterior

• Bed Rust: The bed of the truck may rust over time, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads. The bed can be replaced for $2,000 - $3,000+.
  • Recall: None Found

Interior

• Dash Panel Cracking: The dash panel may crack over time, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. The dash panel can be replaced for $500 - $700+.
  • Recall: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Mazda B3000 is a generally reliable vehicle, but it does have some potential issues that can be expensive to repair. The most common issues include camshaft position sensor failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and ball joint wear. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues are moderate, but they should be considered before purchasing a used B3000.