Most common 1997 Mazda Millenia problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Millenia complaints by model year
Best Millenia years: 1996, 1997, 2000. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998. Compare all years →
What 1997 Mazda Millenia owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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. …
Brakes
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. The consumer stated the vehicle was totaled. Updated 12/12/07
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.
Air bags
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. The consumer stated the vehicle was totaled. Updated 12/12/07
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.
1997 Mazda Millenia engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 20 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Mazda Millenia a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Millenia rates average: 31% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Millenia at the same age. It is one of the best Millenia years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mazda Millenia?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the brakes (3) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda Millenia have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Mazda Millenia. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Millenia?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1997 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1998. See the full Mazda Millenia years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Mazda Millenia problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.