2004 Mazda B2300

Introduction

The 2004 Mazda B2300 is a compact pickup truck that offers a combination of practicality, affordability, and maneuverability. It is equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-four engine that produces 104 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. While the B2300 is generally praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency, it has been known to experience some issues, as detailed below:

Engine

2.3L I4

• Intake camshaft position sensor failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illumination, rough idling, stalling
  • Solution: Replace the intake camshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, squealing noises from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power steering pump failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff steering, whining noises from the engine bay
  • Solution: Replace the power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace the clutch assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, rough shifting, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front ball joint failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when turning or driving over bumps, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system malfunctions, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, difficulty starting the vehicle
  • Solution: Test and replace any faulty electrical components that are draining the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels, especially around wheel wells and undercarriage
  • Solution: Preventative maintenance and rust removal/repair
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Variable depending on the severity of rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked dashboard:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard surface
  • Solution: Replace or repair the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2004 Mazda B2300 has a good reputation for reliability, but it is not immune to certain issues. The most common problems revolve around engine components (such as the intake camshaft position sensor, water pump, and power steering pump), transmission slipping, and suspension issues (specifically ball joint failure). While some of these issues can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as transmission replacement, can be quite costly. It is important for owners of this vehicle to be aware of these potential issues and to factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering a purchase.