1998 Mazda B4000

Introduction

The 1998 Mazda B4000 was a compact pickup truck available with two engine options: a 2.5L inline-four producing 120 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0L V6 producing 160 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The B4000 was praised for its ruggedness, reliability, and affordability, but it was criticized for its lack of power, especially with the 2.5L engine.

Engine

2.5L Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate, RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in speed
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, instability
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery warning light illuminated, dimming headlights, electrical accessories not working
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to start, clicking sound upon starting
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels, frame, and suspension components
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted parts, apply rust protection
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat fabric tears
  • Description/Symptoms: Rips or tears in seat fabric
  • Solution: Repair or replace seat fabric
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity of tear
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Mazda B4000 is generally a reliable and affordable pickup truck. However, it can suffer from some common issues such as engine gasket failures, transmission slippage, and rust. While these issues can be serious and expensive to fix, they are not particularly common. Overall, the B4000 is a good choice for those seeking a rugged and dependable workhorse.