Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2001
Best: 2000
3 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 7 model years, the Mazda Millenia has 166 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train. 2001 drew the most complaints (30), 1997 the fewest (18).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mazda Millenia vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2001 (30 complaints). Lowest: 1997 (18).
The sentiment among long-term owners is predominantly negative, with a strong consensus on poor reliability, high maintenance costs, and significant mechanical failures, particularly as the vehicle ages.
Including complete replacement under 37,000 miles, delayed shifting, metal shavings in fluid, and general unreliability.
Faulty ignition coils (noted as expensive, with reports of $500 per coil), spark plugs, wires, rotors, and caps causing rough idle, shaking on startup, and misfires.
Characterized as a "horrible car for the long term" with expensive parts and frequent, costly repairs exceeding the vehicle's value.
Overheating, coolant leaks (including from cylinder head), suspected water pump or thermostat failures.
Causing the vehicle to die overnight despite a new battery, along with complex electrical diagnostics for no-start conditions.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Millenia. Individual model years are broken down above.
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