6th May 2010, 17:36

Hello everyone! Seems like I have the same problem just like everybody else. I have a 02 Millenia S that I bought about 6 months ago. I had a 01 before, but it got in a crash so I bought another one since the first one was so nice and neat.

When I bought the new one, I got it in a deal for $4500 cash in Cincinnati with only 98K miles on it. I just couldn't believe it. However, after a while I kind of feel like it was too good to be true. I have not even done any major repair, the car is already a problem. It's vibrating like crazy anytime I accelerate, and it would be really hesitant at time as if it was going to die.

At first, I was told it was the tires, bought brand new one for $500 total. Alignment, rotation, balance... I did everything. No change, the vibration is still there. Took it the the shop, they told me it was the axle and camber links, got them fix for $945. Vibration is still there. Brought it back to the shop (Mazda dealership) now they are telling me that it's the CAT converters ($2500 for both), spark plugs, fuel filter, ignition coil, etc... for a total of $4000. As soon as I do all that, it will drive like new. That's what I was told. This is insane though, I haven't even had the car for a year and I am already spending that much money on it.

So here I am, haven't done any of them yet and frankly I don't want to do any of it if it's going to cost me the price of the car to fix it, especially since I am an international student who doesn't have that kind of money and already paying an over the top tuition for school and such.

It's a nice looking car with all the luxury you can get from a Lexus or the likes, and above average power under the hood. However, it I knew it was going to be like that, I would have bought a Civic or a Kia. At least they wouldn't cost so much to take care of them.

But anyway, if anyone know what the cause of the vibration is, please please let me know (nann2009@yahoo.com) cause it's driving me crazy. The worst part is that I have an internship coming up soon (a chance of a lifetime if you ask me) and I'm gonna need the car to get me there.

16th Jun 2010, 04:31

I have got a 2001 Millenia S with 142k.

I love the car but had the same vibration from front tires at 50-70 mph with stock tires. I bought new tires and it still shook. I put some 20" rims with Lowpro tires and the shaking is gone. Why? I have no idea. Just for your information, maybe rotors, strut mounts.

I recently got the TCS light with loss of acceleration, I am going to check my vacuum lines tomorrow. It has only happened once, but I fear it will start occurring more often. There is no check engine light, it runs well for 142k, but I've only had it for 6 months and I don't know any previous history. But from what I gather TCS light = vacuum leak. The cat and O2 sensors codes are useless to replace.

It is a nice car, but the on board diagnostic system is a joke. Many problems are simple to fix, but it seems the dealers blame every issue on O2 and cats.

Go to Mazdaworld.org. I found a lot of helpful posts on there.

29th Jun 2010, 16:16

My 01 Millenia with 124000 miles has had constant problems with the check engine light coming on; my airbag light has flashed for 30000 miles (no dealer knows how to fix) ; the transmission slips; the car vibrates when idling from worn out motor mounts; And the body is starting to rust. With the cost of these repairs far exceeding the value of the vehicle, I consider it totaled. That said, the engine runs strong. Really a shame. Could not in good conscience recommend this car.

6th Sep 2010, 11:59

I understand there are some good ones out there, but after reading this, please reconsider your next Millenia purchase!

My parents bought a 2001 Mazda Millenia S in the summer of 2005. For the first year it was great. A beautiful car that ran like a dream. It had 48000 km on it at the time.

My father took it in for a tuneup, and discovered that the sensors were gone and therefore needed to be replaced. As my family and I waited at home for the call that the car was finished, phone call after phone call came from the dealership expressing issue after issue that needed to be repaired and replaced. Totalling to the tune of $4000, the tune up was pretty unsuccessful.

The check engine light came on, and never went off. Turns out you can't change the brakes yourself on this car because of how freaking complicated it is, so once again my folks were forced into taking the car in to get the brakes done. Once again, more phone calls from the dealership, more electrical problems, more hoses replaced, to the tune of $2500+.

Next, (2009) the idler pulley went so the cost of repairs, a tow truck and rental car came to around $3500.

The engine light is still on.

In the last 4 months or so, the car started making this horrific rumbling sound, that gradually got worse and worse. The smell of gas began around the same time. We later discovered that it was the catalytic converter, without taking it to a dealership, but we were unable to get it fixed due to cost.

So, 3 days ago, my father was driving this classy vehicle down the highway, when he heard a loud bang, and saw smoke billowing out the back. He had enough time to pull over, collect his belongings and get out of the car before it burst into flames. The car is a total write-off, thank goodness, because now it means insurance can take over and give back some of the cost of the car. Even a used beater car would feel more reliable and safe than that Millenia death trap.

RIP Millenia, your ghost will haunt me in my dreams.

Don't buy this car!

8th Sep 2010, 10:16

I have a 2001 Mazda Millenia. I haven't had any problems until a few months ago. When I start to drive the hold button comes on and it shifts really hard. When it tries to shift to the next gear, usually, but not always, after a few miles it starts running smoothly. Other than that the transmission runs and shifts smoothly, but I'm afraid that if it keeps shifting hard it will mess up my transmission.

If anyone has had this problem could you please email me with any suggestions at leanettesnyder@yahoo.com

Thanks!