Most common 1998 Mazda Millenia problems
Share of the 29 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 1998 Mazda Millenia owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 1998 Mazda Millenia. While driving 55 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH. Approximately five minutes later, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH accompanied by a loud noise from the engine. The contact quickly took the vehicle to a repair shop. The mechanic could not duplicate the deceleration failure, but he was able to hear the noise. Since the summer of 2008, the contact has spent $7,000 at two dealers. The vehicle has also been serviced at pep boys. In addition, the cylinders misfire. One of the dealers performed a compression test on the vehicle, but could not find any failures. The vehicle has been experiencing various issues since 2006. The fuel pump, spark plug wires, and all of the gaskets, including the head gasket, have been replaced. The vehicle also shakes significantly. …
I fully purchased my car on 02/28/2019 with "auto landmark". That same day I paid a $200-300 service fee for registeration and title, I paid full car tax on the car. I call in regards to my car and if the mechanic it's not calling out, he's on vacation. It's been over a month and still no results. They just need to remove the check engine light for emission which I paid in full for.. I have court because the paper work I have are photo copy not original officers couldn't take it nor the dmv. I lost my job because they kept my car for so long and still refuse to update me on the car. Please help me get car back or have them finish there jobs. They're definitely toying with me and I don't know what I can do about it. I need the car with plates and registered and they refuse to give me a refund for me to do it myself. So I'm left with them finishing the job. Please help.
Transmission & drivetrain
The first time that I have problems with my 98 Mazda millennium. Was 1 month after we brought it "May 2001". The transmission went out on the car, they put an new transmission in. Now for the second time "March 2003" the transmission is acting up again, after shifting into second gear it will not go into third gear causing the car to jerk and redline. Since I have brought my car I have come into contact with alot of people who have had the same problems out of this car. If Mazda knows that these cars are having these kinds of problem why are they still selling them. I'm afraid to put my daughter in this car because I don't know what's going to happen next. And I am getting no help from the place where I brought the car except we'll put a new one in. When are they going to do something about this? When someone gets hurt ar killed? …
After exiting from a ramp, I proceeded to accelerate into traffic. There was a jerk and car felt as if it was "stuck" in gear. Turned on and off, car did not move forward while in drive. Other components appeared to be working. Towed to Mazda dealer. Informed needed completely new transmission
Fuel & propulsion system
Tl contact owns a 1998 Mazda Millenia. While driving 55 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH. Approximately five minutes later, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH accompanied by a loud noise from the engine. The contact quickly took the vehicle to a repair shop. The mechanic could not duplicate the deceleration failure, but he was able to hear the noise. Since the summer of 2008, the contact has spent $7,000 at two dealers. The vehicle has also been serviced at pep boys. In addition, the cylinders misfire. One of the dealers performed a compression test on the vehicle, but could not find any failures. The vehicle has been experiencing various issues since 2006. The fuel pump, spark plug wires, and all of the gaskets, including the head gasket, have been replaced. The vehicle also shakes significantly. …
While enging is running whether parked or driving there is a very strong fuel odor - 1. Standing outside the vehicle particularly at the front of the vehicle and 2. Inside the passenger compartment, this makes it impossible to drive without opening windows. Vehicle also has very poor gas mileage, mechanic discoverd failed fuel line connector and is in process of replacing part, the replaced part will be saved and will be available, other such failures have been found on other Mazda vehicles like the tribute.
1998 Mazda Millenia engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mazda Millenia a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Millenia rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Millenia at the same age. It is one of the Millenia years we suggest avoiding. 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 1998 Mazda Millenia?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and fuel & propulsion system (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mazda Millenia have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 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 1998 Mazda Millenia problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 0% 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.