2001 Mazda Millenia problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2001 Mazda Millenia sits mid-pack among Millenia years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 28, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), transmission (7), and visibility & wipers (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Millenia years?
What are the most common 2001 Mazda Millenia problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 22% | — flat |
| Transmission | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA MILLENIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
“WHILE PARKED AND IDLING, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND INADVERTENTLY JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND FORCED VEHICLE FORWARD INTO A PALM TREE BEFORE STOPPING. VEHICLE AT BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO A COMPUTER CHECK TO DETERMINE THE REASON WHY THE VEHICLE…”
“DT: CONTACT STATED THE TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR WERE DEFECTIVE. THE BACK TIRES WERE BALD AND THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING THIN. THE CAR HAS 14,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONSUMER ORDERED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES . SHE HAD NOT TALKED TO THE DEALER. *AK THERE WAS A PROBLEM KEEPING THE TIRES BALANCED AND THERE…”
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECKON MAY 7. MY CAR WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BY ANOTHER CAR AND THEN THE FRONT OF MY CAR HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT.*AK”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA MILLENIA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OR GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT NOTICED TINY DOTS ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT OBSTRUCTED HER VIEW. AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT…”
2001 Mazda Millenia — common questions
Is the 2001 Mazda Millenia reliable?
It is close to typical for the Millenia: 37 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2001 Millenia problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).
Does the 2001 Mazda Millenia have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 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.