2002 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.
Social links
Common 2002 Mazda Millenia problems
The Mazda Millenia, produced from 1995 to 2002, was a mid-size luxury car that was well-received for its performance and features. However, some owners have reported common problems related to the engine, transmission, electrical system, suspension, and rust
Engine problems are one of the most frequently reported issues with the Mazda Millenia, particularly with the supercharged V6. Common problems include oil leaks, failure of the supercharger, and issues with the timing belt. Oil leaks are often caused by a failure in the oil cooler, which can lead to oil mixing with coolant and eventually causing damage to the engine. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause catastrophic engine failure.
Transmission problems are also common in the Mazda Millenia, with some owners reporting issues with the automatic transmission, including slipping and shifting problems. These issues can be costly to repair
Electrical problems have been reported by some Mazda Millenia owners, such as issues with the alternator or battery. These problems can be difficult to diagnose and repair, and can lead to other issues with the car's electrical system
Suspension problems are another common issue with the Mazda Millenia, with some owners reporting issues with the struts and shocks. These problems can affect the car's handling and ride quality, and can be costly to repair
Rust is a common problem with the Mazda Millenia, particularly on the rear quarter panels. This can affect the car's appearance and structural integrity, and can be difficult to repair
It's important to note that not all Mazda Millenias will have these issues, and many owners have reported no problems at all. However, it's always a good idea to have a used car inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase to identify any potential issues. Additionally, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help prevent problems from developing or becoming more serious
What happened to the Mazda Millenia?
Unfortunately, the Mazda Millenia wasn't particularly popular and faded into obscurity after being discontinued in 2002. Mazda never used the KJ-ZEM in any of its other models, as it was relatively complex and expensive to produce. This makes it among the rarest of Mazda's engines today.
What was the last year for the Mazda Millenia?
| Mazda Millenia | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Eunos 800 Mazda Xedos 9 Mazda Eunos 800 (Australia) |
| Production | 1993–2002 |
| Assembly | Japan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant) |
| Designer | Yujiro Daikoku (1990) |
How much does a Mazda Millenia cost?
Prices for a used Mazda Millenia range from a high of $17,700 to a low of $5,999. Remember that mileage and condition can affect price.
What size engine is in a 2002 Mazda Millenia?
A 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine goes into the base model, while the S sedan carries a supercharged, 210-hp, 2.3-liter V-6. Little has changed for the 2002 model year.
2002 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mazda Millenia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Mazda Millenia complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mazda Millenia.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-25
- VIN: JM1TA221521
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT IN DRIVER DASH CLUSTER HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. SOMETIMES IT STAYS ON, SOMETIMES IT BLINKS OFF AND ON.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-21
- VIN: JM1TA221721
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES WHEN CAR SUDDENLY OVER-HEATED, IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO BERM. SMOKE IN THE ENGINE AREA AND ALL COOLANT LOST. TOTAL DRIVING TIME BEFORE INCIDENT WAS LESS THAN 20 MINUTES. CAR WAS TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WHICH DIAGNOSED SAME ISSUE, ENGINE FAILURE. CAR REMAINS AT PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-08
- VIN: JM1TA222921
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OBDII, O2 SENSOR (OXYGEN SENSOR), EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION), EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSES CHECK ENGINE TO FLASH. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA PAINT PEELING OFF OF SIDE VIEW MIRRORS & BACK SIDE WHEEL WELLS PAINT BLISTERING AND RUSTING. CALLED MAZDA THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-13
- VIN: JM1TA221221
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM PRACTICALLY SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. NOTIFIED MAZDA MOTORS BUT WAS BRUSHED ASIDE. 1/13/03-ENGINE DECARBON/FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER;12/17/03-REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS;02/06/04 - REPLACED SHORTED OUT KNOCK SENSOR; 07/23/04 - ENGINE DECARBON/FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER; 08/23/04 - REPLACED STICKING IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE & THROTTLE BODY GASKET; 01/14/05 - REPLACED FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER; 02/04/05 - REPLACED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR; 07/22/05 - REPLACED IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE & THROTTLE BODY GASKET; 05/24/06 - REPLACED PULSE GENERATOR; 09/15/06 - REPLACED STARTER WITH REMANUFACTURED STARTER; 10/18/06 - REPLACED THERMOSTAT /CAR OVERHEATING; 10/13/06 - REPLACED INTAKE AIR TUBE; 10/18/06 - REPLACED SPARK PLUGS & REPLACED BELTS / CAR OVERHEATING; 12/08/06 - REPLACED CAM SHAFT BELT, 2 SERPENTINE BELTS 11/25/08 - REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS, WIRES & CLEANED THROTTLE BODY THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 159,000 MILES ON IT & HAS NOW BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED, WHEEL BALANCE LINKS REPLACED, VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED. I WISH I'D KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE A LONG TIME AGO. I CAN'T AFFORD THE $3500 IT'LL TAKE TO REPAIR THIS CAR SO TODAY, I'LL HAVE TO TRADE IT & GO BACK TO PAYING A CAR NOTE. THIS CAR WAS PAID OFF. IT DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW RULE BUT IF I HAD TO CLASSIFY IT, I'D CERTAINLY CLASSIFY IT AS A LEMON OR PUT IT UP FOR RECALL CONSIDERATION. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME PART OF THE VEHICLE IS ABSURD. I'VE OWNED MANY VEHICLES & NEVER REQUIRED THIS MUCH MAINTENANCE. I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW 11/2002. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC CODE 1170. TO MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS COVERING EVERY ENGINE PART FROM COMPRESSION,FUEL ,HOSES ,SOLENOIDS COIL, OXYGEN SENSOR, INJECTORS, FUEL PUMP, ECT; MADZA SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE DIAGNOSTIC CODE 1170 MORE CLEAR , THEY EVEN LIST ENGINE FAILURE COME ON THIS IS UNJUST. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-01
- VIN: JM1TA221121
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING BY THEMSELVES REPEATEDLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A CODE THAT WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE DISTRIBUTOR; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WILL CURRENTLY NOT START. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08.*JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-21
- VIN: JM1TA222X11
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAS BEEN LOSING TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY. THE TIRE WAS MOVED TO THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED FOUR NEW MICHELIN TIRES. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE RIM CORRODING FROM THE INSIDE. THE RIM HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. NO OTHER TIRE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 56,559 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,503.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-18
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON , SENT TO DEALER, AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. CAME ON AGAIN ,CHANGED PARTS ON DRIVER'S SIDE. CAME ON AGAIN CHANGED PARTS ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. NOW AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON AND OFF AGAIN. HAD BEEN LIKE THAT FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS NOW. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-13
- VIN: JM1TA221921
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE WIRING, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-19
- VIN: JM1TA221021
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT, AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING. RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-29
- VIN: JM1TA221921
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE WERE BATTERY ACID FUMES SPILLING ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE COMPONENTS TO CORRODE. THE FUMES SOMETIMES ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. *JB *SC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-06
- VIN: JM1TA221621
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END SUSPENSION! I HAVE FOR THE PAST YEAR BEEN TRYING TO GET THEM TO ADHERE TO MY FINDINGS. THERE ARE SOUNDS COMING FROM THE END, AS THOUGH THERE WAS A HELICOPTER COMING IN FROM THE DISTANT. THE FASTER YOU GO THE LOUDER IT GETS. ALSO, DRIVING REAL SLOW OR PULLING IN AND OUT OF PARKING SPACES THERE IS A RUBBING NOISE. EVEN THE SOUND OF A METAL TAP WHEN BRAKING AND BACKING UP AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS SHIFTING. I HAVE PUT UP WITH ARLINGTON ROSENTHAL MAZDA FOR TOO LONG WITH THIS. I REALLY NEED ASSISTANCE FROM SOMEONE AND THAT'S JUST THE MAJOR PROBLEM. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS WITH MY REAR DECK THAT HOLDS THE SPEAKERS. SOUNDS LIKE BUSTED SPEAKERS OR SOMETHING IS NOT PROPERLY PLACED SEALED TIGHTLY WITH THE DECK. THEY JIMMY-RIGGED THE BRAKE LIGHT COVER IN THE REAR WINDOW WITH A LITTLE PIEACE OF RUBBER TO APPLY PRESSURE A YEAR AGO. WHICH I HAVE BEEN BACK SEVERAL TIMES SINCE FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BECAUSE IT HAS COME LOOSE OR THE RUBBER WAS JUST WORN. I THINK IT'S REALLY A SPEAKER AND MAYBE THE DECK AS WELL. WHY DON'T THEY JUST REPLACE THE WHOLE THING ALONG WITH THE SPEAKERS. BUT OF COURSE THEY WILL PROBABLY CLAIM MY WARRANTY MAY HAVE EXPIRED ON THAT PART. THE FIRST DATE OF PROBLEMS WAS STARTED BACK IN LATE AUGUST 2002 ALL THE WAY THROUGH JUNE 2004. I'M JUST TIRED NOW OF DEALING WITH AND THEY CLAIM TO BE THE BEST SERVICE SHOP IN THE AREA. CAN ANY SOMEONE ASSIST WITH THIS MATTER PLEASE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-13
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE. THE FASTER THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING THE LOUDER THE NOISE. ALSO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING LONGER TO CHANGE GEARS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. AFTER BEING TO THE DEALER TWICE AND A MECHANICS SHOP ONCE, A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-02
- VIN: JM1TA222321
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING.*MR *CB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 11111111111
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I DROVE A MAZDA MILLENIA. IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION OF THE INTEGRITY OF THIS VEHICLE, TALK TO ME! THIS CAR HELD TOGETHER AND SAVED MY LIFE AFTER A VERY BAD ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT TWICE,SPUN AND HIT A CONCRETE POST! THIS IS A MIRACLE AND I AM A BELIEVER! BAD VALENTINES DAY, GREAT CAR! THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT, BUT I DIDNT KNOW WHERE TO SUBMIT A GREAT COMPLIMENT! I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS CAR DID SAVE MY LIFE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE HEADLIGHTS PROVIDE VERY POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. CONSUMER CAN NOT SEE 20FT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE AT NIGHT. TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-10
- VIN: JM1BJ246221
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: NOTICED BULGE ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE. REPLACED TIRE TO PREVENT TIRE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT/CASUALTIRES. DT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-13
- VIN: JM1TA221X21
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THEY WHEN FASTEN A CHILD SEAT IN THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT,THE SEAT BELT CAME APART WHEN BUCKLING BELT. CONSUMER AFRAID THAT IF THIS HAD HAPPEN WHILE IN A CAR ACCIDENTCHILD WILL NOT HAVE BEEN PROTECTED. MR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-08
- VIN: JM1TA221721
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE DEALERSHIP EFFECTED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE WAS "LEFT FRONT DAMPER FORK BROKE AND IT CUT THE AXLE BOOT AND STRUT IS SLIGH". TECH NOTES INCLUDE "TLY BENT, REPLACED FORK STRUT, LEFT AXLE ON LEFT FRONT AND PERFORMED ALIGNMENT". REPAIRS COVERED BY WARRANTY. REPAIR COST $1,269.06. THIS INCIDENT MAY BE SIMLIAR TO ODI ID: 8009829. POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CONTROL ARMS ON 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1TA221921
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-14
- VIN: JM1TA221521
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AT 35-45 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT VEHICLE DROPPED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN. *AK
Negative 2002 Mazda Millenia car reviews
Positive 2002 Mazda Millenia car reviews
-
I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with your new Millenia S!
-
Mazda offered fantastic incentives for pricing the car. I completely agree that this is an incredible amount of luxury for the money. I never thought I would be able to afford such a high-quality car at this price! This was my first time purchasing a Japanese car, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality!
-
This is the car I've always wanted - the Millenia S. It's easy to drive, yet fun, affordable, yet luxurious, and low key, yet strikingly beautiful. In my opinion, it's simply the best car around in its league. My roommate purchased a new Maxima just a day before I bought the Millenia. Although the Nissan has some nice touches (especially in the interior), he's already had to have a speaker replaced and his parking brake handle readjusted. So far, I've only had to put some gas into the Millenia. Overall, I think this is an awesome car. I've heard that this is their last year, so if you want to finally drive a perfect car, I'd recommend buying one while they're still available.
-
Congratulations on your new Millenia! It's great to hear that you finally got one after wanting it for so long. The 2002 S Model is a stylish and fun car to drive, and it's even better that it didn't break the bank. It's impressive how many things it does right, and I'm sure you'll be enjoying it for a long time, especially with only 13k miles on it.
-
Great value for the price.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mazda Millenia problems:
2002 Mazda Millenia Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Mazda Millenia? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Mazda Millenia.
HELP.. 02 Millenia problems | Mazda World Forum
Oct 1, 2013 ... very common for 2.3 to go thru the vacuum/vent solenoids, and vacuum leaks. if you are mechanically challenged, get rid of the car now. while it ...
Q&A: Mazda Millenia 2002 Problems & Specs
Apr 29, 2017 ... I have a Mazda Millenia S 2002 and there is a poblem with acceleration from the complete stop. It's not a problem per - Answered by a ...
Mazda Millenia Questions - I have a 2000 mazda millenia se. It is ...
Jun 6, 2014 ... The major problem here is that the car has the Miller Cycle supercharged engine and a lot can go wrong from intake gasket leaks to bad coils and ...
2001 Millenia S *PROBLEMS* - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast ...
Sep 7, 2006 ... Mazda Millenia - 2001 Millenia S *PROBLEMS* - I have a list of issues with this Millenia that maybe someone can help on.
Other years of Mazda Millenia
Are you having problems with your 2002 Mazda Millenia?
Josiah Nader 2024-09-07
They definitely need a bigger engine in this car, but overall it's a good ride.