2002 Mazda B2300

The 2002 Mazda B2300 is a compact pickup truck that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.3-liter inline-four that produced 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People like the B2300 for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.3-liter inline-four engine
  • Blown head gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.0-liter V6 engine
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, rough idle, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve cover gasket leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve covers
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
    • Solution: Replace the clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Synchronizer failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping transmission, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission fluid leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from the transmission
    • Solution: Replace the leaking seals or gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension
  • Strut failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the struts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the suspension, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension
  • Leaf spring failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • U-joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the driveshaft
    • Solution: Replace the U-joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights * Solution: Replace the battery * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 * Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure * Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, dimming headlights * Solution: Replace the alternator * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 * Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle * Solution: Replace the starter * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust * Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the body panels, frame, or other metal components * Solution: Repair or replace the rusted parts * Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust * Recalls: None Found
• Dent * Description/Symptoms: A dent in the body panel * Solution: Repair the dent * Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the size and location of the dent * Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracks * Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard * Solution: Replace the dashboard * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 * Recalls: None Found
• Door lock failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking the doors * Solution: Replace the door lock actuators * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 * Recalls: None Found
• Window regulator failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty raising or lowering the windows * Solution: Replace the window regulators * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 * Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2002 Mazda B2300 is a reliable and affordable compact pickup truck. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems reported by owners include engine gasket failures, transmission problems, and suspension issues. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the condition of the vehicle.