1997 Mazda Millenia problems
The Mazda Millenia is an automobile which was manufactured by Mazda in Japan from 1993 to 2002.
The Millenia was originally planned as the second of three models for Mazda's proposed luxury brand Amati. As the company's dwindling finances caused by the onslaught of the "bubble economy" prevented the launch of the Amati brand, the Millenia was released in the autumn of 1993 in Europe as the Mazda Xedos 9 and in Japan and Australia as the Eunos 800. The car was launched in North America in 1995 as the Mazda Millenia and in July 1997 the Japanese market Eunos 800 was also renamed to Mazda Millenia as Mazda discontinued the Eunos brand. There was no model link to the other Mazda marque, Ẽfini.
Having been developed for a separate market from typical Mazda customers, the Millenia boasted myriad finer details. It was engineered to far greater levels of perceived quality than existing Mazda cars, such as interior plastic quality, panel gap and thicker paint coating. The Millenia/Eunos 800/Xedos 9 was assembled along with the smaller Eunos 500/Mazda Xedos 6 in a new production line, presumably set up for Amati cars.
The Millenia does not have a direct predecessor or replacement in the Mazda product line, and production ceased with the introduction of the Mazda6 in 2002, itself a replacement for the 626. It appears to have received a brand-new platform, although the multi-link suspension at both ends strongly resembled that of the 1991 Mazda Sentia, with minor changes such as replacing the lower I-arm with an A-arm for front wheel drive. It was the only production car in the world to employ a Miller cycle engine (The current Demio/Mazda2 features Miller Cycle on one of its engines). Yaw-sensitive four-wheel steering was available as an option in Japan; Mazda claimed that with this feature, the Millenia was capable of passing the elk test at speeds comparable to the BMW 850i and Nissan 300ZX.
The 1997 Japanese market name change from Eunos 800 to Mazda Millenia was accompanied by a significant facelift that included some cost-saving measures. For instance, the hood was downgraded from aluminum to steel. The Millenia was again facelifted for the 2001 model year.
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Common 1997 Mazda Millenia problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Mazda Millenia 1997 based on complaints from owners:
- Starting Problems: Owners have experienced difficulties with starting the 1997 Mazda Millenia. This issue can manifest as the engine cranking but struggling to start, requiring multiple attempts before successfully starting the car.
- Electrical Problems: Some Mazda Millenia owners have faced electrical issues, particularly with the alternator or battery. These problems can result in issues like dimming headlights, flickering lights, or a dead battery .
- Transmission Problems: Complaints have been made about transmission issues in the Mazda Millenia 1997, including slipping and shifting problems. These transmission issues can be costly to repair and affect the car's overall performance .
- Suspension Problems: Owners have reported problems with the suspension of the Mazda Millenia, including issues with struts and shocks. Suspension problems can impact the car's handling and ride comfort, requiring attention to ensure safe driving conditions .
- Rust Issues: The Mazda Millenia is known to have rust problems, particularly on the rear quarter panels. Rust can affect the structural integrity of the car and its overall appearance, necessitating preventive measures to address this issue .
These common problems with the Mazda Millenia 1997 can vary in severity and impact on the vehicle's performance and reliability. Addressing these issues promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is crucial to maintaining the car's functionality and safety.
1997 Mazda Millenia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Millenia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mazda Millenia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Mazda Millenia complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mazda Millenia.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-24
- VIN: JM1TA222XV1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT STRAPS EXTENDED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT EXPOSING THE MANUFACTURER'S WARNING STICKER INDICATING A NEED TO REPLACE THE STRAPS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE ALERTED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING THE FRONT SEATBELT STRAPS, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1TA2210V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN SEVERE COLD WEATHER BRAKE PEDAL COMMENCED TO MAKE A POPPING NOISE WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE LOST BRAKING AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 12/12/07
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-18
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THE FILLER NECK TUBE HAS RUSTED. AS A RESULT FUEL VAPORS SEEPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A RECALL FOR THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK HAS BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-07
- VIN: JM1TA2219V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND OFF FOR TWO YEARS. I'VE TOOK IT TO 5 DIFFERENT MAZDA SPECIALIST INCLUDING THE DEALER AND EVERYONE OF THEM TELLS ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT... THINGS THAT WERE ALREADY DONE. KNOW ONE CAN SEEM TO PIN POINT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. OH BY THE WAY... THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE GEAR SWITCHING FROM THE FIRST TO SECOND AND IT'S NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR HAS COST ME A LOT OF MONEY AND IT'S UP THERE WITH THE 626. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MAZDA AGAIN. *LA
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-21
- VIN: JM1TA2229V1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TWO WHEELS HAVE CRACKED AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES OF CITY DRIVING ON MY 1997 MAZDA MILLENIAS. THIS HAS CAUSED GRADUAL ESCAPE OF AIR--UNKNOWN TO THE DRIVER UNTIL POTENTIALLY UNSAFE TIRE PRESSURE DEVELOPED AND VISIBLE DEFLATION NOTED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1997 626 IS HAVING A SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY 60000 MILES ON IT. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILES ON THIS ISSUE, I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MAZDA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT (RECALL OR BETTER GO OUT OF BUSINESS). *NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-16
- VIN: JM1TA2211V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 97 MAZDA MILLENNIA IN 8/97 WITH 29K MILES. TODAY IT IS AT 77K MILES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK HAS STARTED IMPLODING DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF SUCTION IN THE TANK. THE SUCTION HAS ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSORS. THE QUOTED REPAIR PRICE WAS $1,800. THE SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT MAZDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED AN ADVISORY TO MECHANICS TO NOT ONLY CHECK THE FUEL GAUGE BUT ALSO THE FUEL TANK. THIS IS NOT CURRENTLY A RECALL ITEM OR A DEFECT BUT SHOULD BE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL CASES OF OTHER MILLENNIA OWNERS WITH SAME MODEL YEAR EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS SHOULD BE AT MAZDA'S EXPENSE SINCE THE SUCTION IN THE TANK IS TOO HIGH OR THE FUEL TANK ITSELF IS NOT STRUCTURALLY CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE PRESSURE. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL/DEFECT NOTICE SO THAT THIS ISSUE CAN BE FIXED. *NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM PASSENGER SEAT WHICH IS WHERE THE AUTOMATIC SEAT WARMERS ARE LOCATED. *NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: FULL FILL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE GOING 30MPH. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT MARK THE CORRECT MEASUREMENT OF FUEL IN GAS TANK. FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY NEEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-31
- VIN: JM1TA2210V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAD PROBLEMS GOING TO A MAZDA DEALER (VAL STROUGH MAZDA, OAKLAND, CA)IN GETTING THE TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSED. THEY FIRST SAID IT WAS THE SELECTOR WHCIH COST $300 PLUS , THEN AFTER CHANGING IT SAID IT WAS THE VALVE BODY AND WOULD COST $1200PLUS BUT WERE ONLY 90% SURE. IF IT WASNT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $3000 PLUS FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY REFUNDED ONLY THE COST OF THE PART APPROX $100 BUT STILL CHARGED ME FOR LABOR THAT WAS UNECESSARY.I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO IMMEDIATLEY TOLD ME IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH INTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE GEARS. IT COST ME $2500 TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT RATHER THAN TRYING TO RUN UP A BILL WHICH STILL WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A NEW TRANSMISSION OF COURSE AFTER PAYING $1500 PLUS DOLLARS TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I ALSO FIND IT UPSETTING THAT A TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL AFTER ONLY 68K MILES. MY MECHANIC (GEORGES AUTO, SAN LEANDRO ,CA) AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOP (DONS TRANSMISSIONS, SAN LEANDRO CA) HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE VEHICLES RECENTLY WITH SIMILAR AND LESS MILEAGE HAVING NEED OF THE SAME REPAIR.. THEY CALL IT A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ONE WAS REPORTED WITHIN 2 DAYS OF MINE ANOTHER JUST 3 WEEKS LATER. AS RECENTLY AS THIS WEEK I SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE'S SEEN 3 MORE. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS.I WAS INFORMED BY DONS TRANSMISSION THATTHERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION BUT I CANNOT FIND ANY RECORD,THE 626 USES THE SAME TRANSMISSION AS THE MILLENIA.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1TA2212V1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON EVERY FOUR MONTHS IN THE LAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS. EACH TIME I TAKE IT TO PULLIAM WRAY, I'M INFORMED THAT IT'S A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE IS THREE HUNDRED DIFFERENT THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. WITH THIS IN MIND , I COULD SPEND A SMALL FORTURE. EACH TIME THAT I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP, I'M CHARGE NEARLY THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE FIRST TIME THAT IT WAS IN THE SHOP, THE PART WAS UNDER WARRENTY. IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, I HAVE HAD SOME SENSOR REPLACED TWICE. AT THE PRESENT THE LIGHT IS ON, AGAIN.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JM1TA2215V1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN DUAL FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT OR UNDER CARRIAGE IMPACT . VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, AND THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF DEFECT. DEFECT CAUSED BURN ON ELBOW. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-05
- VIN: 4F4CR13XAVT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE HUBS/ CLUTCH AND WHEEL BEARINGS. SHE HEARS A THUMPING NOISE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1TA2211V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS NOISY IN LOW GEAR. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1TA2221V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FROZE AFTER WASHING CAR BRAKES. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-04
- VIN: JM1TA2213V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES & THEY CANNOT FIX IT. THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR PARTS ALL OVER THE WORLD, THEY SAY, AND CANNOT FIND ONE. THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A DATE WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED. I AM LEASING THE CAR BUT I DON'T HAVE USE OF IT. THEY HAVE LOANED ME A CAR THAT IS NOT TO THE STANDARD I AM PAYING THE LEASE FOR. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-17
- VIN: JMITA2212V1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED.
Negative 1997 Mazda Millenia car reviews
Positive 1997 Mazda Millenia car reviews
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Hi there! I've been driving my Mazda for 9 years now and I have to say, it's been a pretty good ride. I did have to replace the transmission at 100,000 miles and a few other parts along the way, but overall the engine has held up well. The only downside is that some of the parts can be a bit pricey and hard to find. Also, the resale value isn't as high as I would like. But all in all, it's a great looking car and has served me well. Maybe Mazda could consider improving the durability a bit, but I still highly recommend it!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it brand new back in '95 and I absolutely loved the look and the way it drove. It gets great gas mileage, around 24-26 mpg in town, and it's also very quiet. I didn't have any problems with it until the warranty expired at 60k miles. Since then, I've had to replace both cv jts and plug wires, and it has developed a transmission fluid leak, 3 oil leaks, and now possibly a head gasket issue. I've been keeping up with regular maintenance, but it's been quite expensive to maintain and repair. Just last week, the coolant leaked out of the AC and had to be replaced. Overall, I've had some challenges with this car, but I'm still grateful for the time I've had with it. Thanks for listening!
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This is a great car to drive! The Bose sound is very quiet and the supercharged engine is impressive. However, it's important to keep in mind that repairs can be costly. For example, the water pump and timing belt can cost up to $1800, and vacuum leaks can cost $200. Additionally, a used tensioner for the AC belt can cost $175. Despite this, it's still a pleasure to drive. Just be prepared to spend some money on maintenance.
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It's great to hear that you've had your car for a few years now and it's still running smoothly! It used to be a company car, but it's been reliable with no major engine issues or troubles, and it has covered a lot of mileage. It seems like it's going to last for a long time!
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I bought my millenia used with just under 100k miles on it. I have had it for almost 10 years and I can honestly say it is the best car I have ever owned and the one I have loved most. I have only had to replace the timing belt/water pump and a few hoses, and that is it. This car is so fun to drive, and I have driven it hard in the city daily with a lot of stop and go. Unfortunately, it developed an oil leak a few days ago, and I drove it anyway, stupidly, but I had no choice. As a result, it ran dry and caused severe damage to the radiator and hoses. It will not be worth it to fix, as I can't be assured the engine hasn't suffered damage as well. I am so sad to let this car go.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mazda Millenia problems:
1997 Mazda Millenia Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Mazda Millenia? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Mazda Millenia.
Q&A: 1997 Mazda Millenia Problems & Steering Relay | JustAnswer
Dec 16, 2007 ... I have a 1997 mazda millenia 2.5L and it has auto tilt steering and it stopped working i have tryed to check for fuses - Answered by a ...
1997 Mazda Millenia - Car won't start up
Jun 12, 2010 ... I recently had a mechanic replace the transmission but I don't know if that has anything to do with it starting up. Any idea what the problem ...
Mazda Millenia Questions - My 2002 millenia, has rough idle ...
Oct 19, 2010 ... I'm not a mechanic, but I have the same symptoms on my 1997 S. I've narrowed this down to a vacuum leak or a solenoid, regulating fuel mixture.
2000 Mazda Millenia Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2000 Mazda Millenia ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1997 Mazda Millenia problems. (5).
Other years of Mazda Millenia
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mazda Millenia?
Alan Hoppe 2024-11-21
This car has had several issues, including airbag deployment, distributor cap failure, alternator, transmission, fuel pump, and oxygen sensor problems. Despite the significant amount of money I have spent on repairs, I cannot recommend this car to anyone. It is not a wise investment.
Robb Herzog 2024-11-07
The head gasket failed at 52K miles, unfortunately the warranty only covered up to 50K miles, so Mazda was unable to provide assistance. Additionally, I encountered an issue with lost keys, which Mazda initially had an incorrect key code for in their system, resulting in a charge to determine the correct keys. While I was disappointed with the customer service experience, I remain confident in my decision to not purchase another Mazda in the future.
Erik Rowe 2024-10-03
I have a 2nd Millenia 1995. The standard engine lacked power and the shifting was unimpressive, so I traded it for the S version. While the S version has more power, the shifting is still unimpressive. Unfortunately, maintenance and repairs for this car are very expensive. For example, the 60K miles maintenance at the Mazda dealer cost me $1600 due to the special engine, and the front shock absorbers cost $700. I paid $1200 for the first extended warranty, but repairs exceeded $2500 by the time it expired. While the car does not break down often, when it does, it can be quite costly. For instance, the CHECK ENGINE light (Oxygen Sensors: 4 instead of 2) cost $600, and replacing a $4 part somewhere in there cost $260 in labor.
Eliseo Paucek 2024-09-16
This car has a bit of a reputation for its phantom check engine light problems, but unfortunately, that's not the only issue. I've had to replace the thermostat, O2 sensors, and pre-catalytic converters, and there's also an unhealthy coolant burning problem. However, I have to say that the typical stuff like brakes, hoses, and exhaust have remained well-preserved, which is a relief. It's a bit of a strange dichotomy - expensive to repair, yet relatively low maintenance. Oh, and just a heads up, the car does tend to rust quite a bit in northern climates.
Kris Mills 2024-07-29
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it used with 40,000 miles and overall it's been pretty good. However, I did have a couple of big ticket items come up - the head gasket blew at 52,000 miles and cost $1300 to repair, and now at 112,000 miles the transmission is out and it will cost $2500 to repair. I also had to replace 2 CV joints. Just wanted to give you a heads up, but overall I've had many good experiences with this car. Take care!