1997 Mazda Millenia

Introduction

The 1997 Mazda Millenia is a mid-size sedan that was available with two engine options and two transmission options. The base engine was a 2.5-liter V6 that produced 170 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 2.3-liter turbocharged V6 that produced 210 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Millenia was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and responsive handling. However, it was also criticized for its high price and lack of power from the base engine.

Engine

2.5-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold, causing overheating or engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of engine power, accompanied by a loud snapping or grinding noise.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.3-liter Turbocharged V6

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased oil consumption, and excessive smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, poor fuel economy, and rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears or slipping of the clutch.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power or delayed gear changes.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, slow cranking, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering headlights.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight bulbs or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard material.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• A/C compressor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of cooling or heating from the A/C system.
  • Solution: Replace the A/C compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Mazda Millenia is a generally reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems are with the engine, transmission, and suspension. These issues can be expensive to repair, so it is important to factor in the potential cost of repairs when considering purchasing a Millenia.