RoadVitals

2002 Mazda Millenia

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Oct 25, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Mazda Millenia, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and suspension categories. 103 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine628.6%
  • Airbags419.0%
  • Suspension314.3%
  • Body & structure29.5%
  • Other / unspecified14.8%
  • Seat belts14.8%
  • Transmission14.8%
  • Electrical14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Oct 25, 2014

AIRBAG LIGHT IN DRIVER DASH CLUSTER HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. SOMETIMES IT STAYS ON, SOMETIMES IT BLINKS OFF AND ON.

NHTSA ID
10649875
Incident
Oct 25, 2014
Mileage
143,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2012

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES WHEN CAR SUDDENLY OVER-HEATED, IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO BERM. SMOKE IN THE ENGINE AREA AND ALL COOLANT LOST. TOTAL DRIVING TIME BEFORE INCIDENT WAS LESS THAN 20 MINUTES. CAR WAS TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WHICH DIAGNOSED SAME ISSUE, ENGINE FAILURE. CAR REMAINS AT PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10485953
Incident
Oct 21, 2012
Mileage
92,345 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 8, 2012

OBDII, O2 SENSOR (OXYGEN SENSOR), EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION), EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSES CHECK ENGINE TO FLASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10442823
Incident
Jan 8, 2012
Mileage
146,036 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 4, 2009

2002 MAZDA MILLENIA PAINT PEELING OFF OF SIDE VIEW MIRRORS & BACK SIDE WHEEL WELLS PAINT BLISTERING AND RUSTING. CALLED MAZDA THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10267728
Incident
Jan 1, 2007
Engine
Filed Nov 29, 2008

PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM PRACTICALLY SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. NOTIFIED MAZDA MOTORS BUT WAS BRUSHED ASIDE. 1/13/03-ENGINE DECARBON/FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER;12/17/03-REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS;02/06/04 - REPLACED SHORTED OUT KNOCK SENSOR; 07/23/04 - ENGINE DECARBON/FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER; 08/23/04 - REPLACED STICKING IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE & THROTTLE BODY GASKET; 01/14/05 - REPLACED FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER; 02/04/05 - REPLACED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR; 07/22/05 - REPLACED IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE & THROTTLE BODY GASKET; 05/24/06 - REPLACED PULSE GENERATOR; 09/15/06 - REPLACED STARTER WITH REMANUFACTURED STARTER; 10/18/06 - REPLACED THERMOSTAT /CAR OVERHEATING; 10/13/06 - REPLACED INTAKE AIR TUBE; 10/18/06 - REPLACED SPARK PLUGS & REPLACED BELTS / CAR OVERHEATING; 12/08/06 - REPLACED CAM SHAFT BELT, 2 SERPENTINE BELTS 11/25/08 - REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS, WIRES & CLEANED THROTTLE BODY THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 159,000 MILES ON IT & HAS NOW BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED, WHEEL BALANCE LINKS REPLACED, VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED. I WISH I'D KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE A LONG TIME AGO. I CAN'T AFFORD THE $3500 IT'LL TAKE TO REPAIR THIS CAR SO TODAY, I'LL HAVE TO TRADE IT & GO BACK TO PAYING A CAR NOTE. THIS CAR WAS PAID OFF. IT DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW RULE BUT IF I HAD TO CLASSIFY IT, I'D CERTAINLY CLASSIFY IT AS A LEMON OR PUT IT UP FOR RECALL CONSIDERATION. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME PART OF THE VEHICLE IS ABSURD. I'VE OWNED MANY VEHICLES & NEVER REQUIRED THIS MUCH MAINTENANCE. I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW 11/2002. *TR

NHTSA ID
10250138
Incident
Jan 13, 2003
Mileage
2,876 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2008

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC CODE 1170. TO MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS COVERING EVERY ENGINE PART FROM COMPRESSION,FUEL ,HOSES ,SOLENOIDS COIL, OXYGEN SENSOR, INJECTORS, FUEL PUMP, ECT; MADZA SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE DIAGNOSTIC CODE 1170 MORE CLEAR , THEY EVEN LIST ENGINE FAILURE COME ON THIS IS UNJUST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10240559
Incident
Aug 1, 2008
Mileage
90,000 mi
EngineInterior & seats
Filed Aug 25, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING BY THEMSELVES REPEATEDLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A CODE THAT WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE DISTRIBUTOR; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WILL CURRENTLY NOT START. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08.*JB

NHTSA ID
10239606
Incident
Aug 1, 2008
Mileage
116,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 26, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAS BEEN LOSING TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY. THE TIRE WAS MOVED TO THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED FOUR NEW MICHELIN TIRES. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE RIM CORRODING FROM THE INSIDE. THE RIM HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. NO OTHER TIRE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 56,559 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,503.

NHTSA ID
10194222
Incident
Jun 21, 2007
Mileage
56,503 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

09-022-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.

SA-029-26

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda 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. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

07-004-25a

A 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. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.

07-004-25

A 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.

09-038-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In 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.

SA-011-24b

Mazda 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda Millenia by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003100
2002Viewing210035.1
2001290036.2
2000190031.7
1999270033.7
1998290038.4
1997160039.2
1996150042.1
1995820040.9
1991100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.