Research · Compact Cars
2001 Mazda MilleniaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2001 Mazda Millenia. Most complaints involve power train (8) and engine and engine cooling (7). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
30
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 Mazda Millenia as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
30 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2001 – Feb 2020
- Power train8
- Engine and engine cooling7
- Air bags4
- Visibility4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Tires2
- Wheels2
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
8 reports2 crashes
“THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET. STARTED THE VEHICLE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE.VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT NORMAL RPM. WHEN THE FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE PETAL, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT FULL THROTTLE. MY FOOT NEVER TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL. IT TRAVELED ABOUT 10 FEET STRIKING A VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PUSHING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CAME TO A STOP. THE ENGINE SPEED RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM. I STARTED TO LIFT MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK PEDAL AND THE CAR RESUMED FULL THROTTLE FORWARD. IT PUSHED THE FIRST VEHICLE I HIT INTO THE CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF IT AND PUSHED IT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE I COULD GET IT STOPPED. THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT FILED. AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC CHECKED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH AND FOUND THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS FREE, WAS NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE HIGH RPM, AND COULD NOT READ ANY ERROR CODES ON THE COMPUTER. THIS WAS WITHIN 20 MINUTES OF THE CRASH WHILE THE POLICE WERE PRESENT. BOTH VEHICLES I HIT WERE TOTALED. NO SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS IN THE ACCIDENT.”
Engine and engine cooling
7 reports
“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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.”
Air bags
4 reports1 crash
“MY MECHANIC, MOJARRO AUTO REPAIR, ORDERED FROM AUTOZONE THIS PART....WHEN IT ARRIVED, REALIZED IT DIDN'T AT ALL RESEMBLE THE PART THAT HIS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL STATED WAS THE PROBLEM. JESSE, FOUND 1 AT A WRECKING YARD. IN 3 DAYS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AGAIN. I PHONED DETROIT, MICHIGAN....GAVE THEM THE VIN & PART'S #, THE GENTLEMAN STATED, " THAT PART IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED" THIS CAR STILL DRIVES...W/NO HESITATION, CITY OR HWY. CAN I GET A 1 TIME PASS FROM DMV TIL IT'S NEXT RENEWAL?”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.3L 6-cyl supercharged · 2.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millenia Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.3 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| Millenia Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Mazda Millenia as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 4198
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2001 Millenia questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda Millenia have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2001 Mazda Millenia problems?
Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (8), engine and engine cooling (7), air bags (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 Mazda Millenia get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Mazda Millenia at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026