2002 Mazda B3000

The 2002 Mazda B3000 is a compact pickup truck that was essentially a rebadged Ford Ranger. This model year offered three engine options: a 2.3L inline-four, a 3.0L Vulcan V6, and a 4.0L Cologne V6. The 3.0L V6, the focus of this report, produced approximately 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally appreciate the B3000 for its affordability, reliability, and compact size, making it suitable for light-duty tasks and city driving. Common complaints often revolve around its relatively basic interior, fuel economy (especially with the V6 engines), and potential rust issues in certain climates. While offering decent utility, it wasn’t known for its performance or advanced features.

Engine

3.0L Vulcan V6

• Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough running engine, coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Synchronizer Failure (Cam Sensor)
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle will often develop a chirping or squealing noise that increases with engine speed. Can lead to a no-start condition. The check engine light might illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft synchronizer and the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, hesitation during acceleration, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the throttle position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Slipping Transmission
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid change, or transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2,500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hard Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, especially between gears, making driving uncomfortable.
  • Solution: Check and adjust the transmission control cable, perform a transmission fluid flush, or replace damaged transmission components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and steering. Tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn or Broken Leaf Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, especially when loaded. Reduced load capacity. Rough ride.
  • Solution: Replace the worn or broken leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), flickering lights, or complete instrument cluster failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster. Could be a wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Bed
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, fender wells, and bed, particularly in areas exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles can break, especially in cold weather.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replace or cover the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Door Panel Clips
  • Description/Symptoms: Door panels become loose because the retaining clips break.
  • Solution: Replace the clips to reattach the door panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $50
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mazda B3000, sharing much of its DNA with the Ford Ranger, is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any older vehicle, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine-related problems such as intake manifold gasket leaks and camshaft synchronizer failures on the 3.0L V6 can be moderate in cost. Suspension components like ball joints and leaf springs wear out over time, leading to handling and ride quality issues. Electrical problems like instrument cluster malfunctions and power window motor failures are also common. Rust is a significant concern, particularly in regions with road salt. Overall, the cost of addressing these issues can range from relatively inexpensive repairs to more substantial investments, particularly for rust repair or transmission work.