1998 Mazda Millenia problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Mazda Millenia sits mid-pack among Millenia years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 29, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), speed control (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Millenia years?
What are the most common 1998 Mazda Millenia problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT INDICATON, AND START BACK UP WITH STOPPING OR RESTARTING ENGINE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK *ML”
“ DURING WARM CLIMATE AND IN BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK ENGINE RPM'S JUMP TO 3000-4000 WHEN IN HEAVY BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER…”
“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”
“OWNER COMPLAINED ABOUT A FUEL TANK PROBLEM. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, AND INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK REPLACED BECAUSE THE GAS TANK COLLAPSED. *AK THE PROBLEM WAS WITH, THE FUEL…”
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A BRAKE LOSS WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND APPLYING BRAKES. BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE CONTINUES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, CAUSING A VEHICLE CRASH.DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK”
1998 Mazda Millenia — common questions
Is the 1998 Mazda Millenia reliable?
It is close to typical for the Millenia: 36 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Millenia problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), speed control (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mazda Millenia have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mazda Millenia.
Which Mazda Millenia years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Millenia years to avoid are 1995. The cleanest record among Millenia years belongs to 2003.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.