1997 Mazda Millenia

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train6
2. Service brakes, hydraulic3
3. Air bags3
4. Fuel system, gasoline2
5. Seats1
6. Unknown or other1
7. Vehicle speed control1
8. Wheels1
9. Engine and engine cooling1
10. Fuel system, other1

Latest complaints

• Feb 24, 2006MA109,097 mi
  Seat belts › Front

  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.

• Feb 4, 2005NC63,000 miCrash
  Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  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

• Dec 7, 2003GA125,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
  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…

  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

• Oct 29, 2003MN48,000 mi
  Wheels

  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.

• Jun 16, 2003GA77,500 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
  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…

  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

• Apr 9, 2003NJ
  Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler

  While driving the consumer saw smoke coming from passenger seat which IS where the automatic seat warmers are located. *nlm

• Dec 31, 2002MDCrash
  Air bags

  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.

• Apr 4, 2002RI
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Fuel system, other

  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

• Aug 3, 2001CA
  Power train › Automatic transmission
  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…

  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

• Jul 31, 2001SC
  Unknown or other
  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…

  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

• Sep 5, 2000NC1 injury
  Air bags › Frontal

  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

• Oct 15, 1999MD
  Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft · Power train › Axle hubs · Power train › Clutch assembly

  Consumer has problems with brake hubs/ clutch and wheel bearings. She hears a thumping noise. *ak

• Aug 23, 1999CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components

  Brakes froze after washing car brakes. yh

• Jul 30, 1999CA
  Power train › Automatic transmission

  Transmission IS noisy in low gear. yh

• Feb 17, 1999OH
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components

  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.

• Jun 24, 1998AK
  Vehicle speed control

  Traction control system failed.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
• 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
• 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
• 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
• 10213332Battery Maintenance
• 10213331Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
• 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
• 10208555Radio Unlocking Codes.
• 10200933This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
• 10198689Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. Accessories E-catalog For models prior to 2016: Accessory Parts and Installation Instructions
• 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
• 10186701A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
• 10170661In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10153339In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10153331This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked one on top of another.
• 10153311On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system.When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur tooxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
• 10153309The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. 2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps):CCA ratings are normally located on a sticker affixed to the top of the battery to indicate a battery's Cold Cranking Amps. CCA rated batteries are supplied with domestically produced vehicles. NOTE: If an incorrect CCA rating is entered into the Mazda GR8-1291, it will result in a false result and invalid Warranty Code from the tester. This will also result in unnecessary replacement of batteries.
• 10153308This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10148072In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10148068When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
• 10148003Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims are subject to denial or debit.
• 10148002Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10145242On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system. When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
• 10144333In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10142515Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claimsare subject to denial or debit.
• 10134929The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10134928This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10134703This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked one on top of another. Use these points at your dealership to protect our mutual operations and to help ensure our customers' safety.
• 10134702When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
• 10134699Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10118467In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
• 10098282This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) IS used. Floor mat IS stacked one on top of another.
• 10098245Mazda north american operations received many requests from our dealers asking us to approve additional on-car brake lathes as an option for mnao authorized equipment. Due to your feedback and after evaluating a few on-car brake lathes, we are pleased to announce that we have added the pro cut on-car brake lathe to mnao authorized equipment program. The accu-turn IS still an approved brake lathe but it IS no longer available for purchase from our vendor. Important reminder rotors must be machined using a mazda approved on-car brake lathe or warranty claims are subject to denial or debit.
• 10097942Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owners manual. Services performed outside of mazdas factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10097375Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owners manual. Services performed outside of mazdas factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10097343This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any poten-tial interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.floor mat moves forward due to improper installation.inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) IS used.floor mat IS stacked one on top of another.

Every Mazda Millenia model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.