Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Millenia vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda Millenia and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda Millenia vs Toyota Camry: The Millenia had 72 complaints over 3 years (24/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints over 10 years (206/year) and 31 recalls. The Millenia's top issues are engine and power train; the Camry's are power train and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Millenia or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Millenia
The Mazda Millenia is a luxury sedan from the early 2000s that can be affordable to buy but may bring frequent repair needs. Over three years, owners filed 72 complaints, averaging 24 per year, with no recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and air bags, often involving blue smoke at startup, failing ignition coils, and transmission that won't shift correctly. These are not just minor annoyances; they can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a strong reputation, but this data shows a high volume of complaints: 2,056 over ten years, or about 206 per year, plus 31 recalls. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noises. While many complaints may be for newer models, the sheer number suggests that even a Camry can have its share of problems. Buyers should still check for open recalls and test-drive carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Millenia | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 72 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda Millenia
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
- 02POWER TRAIN13
- 03AIR BAGS8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05SUSPENSION6
Owners report blue smoke from the exhaust at startup, often lasting 15–30 seconds, which can indicate worn valve seals or supercharger issues. Ignition coils also fail one after another due to engine heat, causing misfires and check engine lights. These repairs can be expensive and may recur.
Some owners describe the car continuing to move in reverse after shifting into drive, or the key getting stuck in the ignition because a shifter lever lock tab breaks. This can lead to unsafe situations and costly transmission or ignition repairs.
The airbag warning light may stay on even after multiple dealer visits and replacement of the airbag, cable harness, and control module. This means the airbag system may not work in a crash, and fixing it can be frustrating and expensive.
Ignition coil failures are also reported under electrical issues, causing misfires and check engine lights. In one case, a 2000 Millenia with only 39,000 miles needed a coil replaced. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix.
“I OWN A 2000 MAZDA MILLENIA S MODEL. MY MILLENIA HAS THE LYSHOLM SUPERCHARGER (S/C). RECENTLY, THE CAR HAS BEGUN TO BLOW BLUE SMOKE OUT THE EXHAUST PIPE AT STARTUP. THE SMOKE AT STARTUP LAST FOR ABOUT 15-30 SECONDS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALER.…”
“THE IGNITION COILS IN MY CAR ARE GOING BAD. ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. MAZDA TOLD ME THAT THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE (MILLER CYCLE) IS CAUSING THIS. I THINK THE ENGINE WAS POORLY DESIGNED. THERE ARE 6 COILS & I HAVE REPLACED 3 SO FAR, 1 IN 12/04 & 2 IN 4/06 ALONG…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others note hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Some owners experience a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, making the car feel unresponsive. Hesitation and shuddering are also reported, often accompanied by a check engine light. These symptoms can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal for the ABS system but many find concerning. Brake problems can affect safety and lead to costly repairs.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once, according to one owner. Such widespread electrical failures can make the car unpredictable and difficult to drive safely.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda Millenia
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda Millenia or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda Millenia has far fewer complaints per year (24 vs. 206) and no recalls, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and 31 recalls. In practice, the Millenia may have fewer reported issues overall, but its problems can be serious and costly. The Camry's higher volume means you're more likely to find a well-maintained example, but you must check for recalls and test thoroughly.
Key differences
- The Mazda Millenia averages 24 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Toyota Camry averages 206 complaints per year and has 31 recalls.
- Millenia owners frequently report blue smoke at startup and failing ignition coils, whereas Camry owners report stuck ignition keys and throttle delay.
- Airbag warning light issues are common in the Millenia, while Camry complaints include electronic parking brake failure and multiple electrical system malfunctions.
- The Camry has far more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 6) and injuries (158 vs. 3), though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- Check for blue smoke from the exhaust at startup, which can indicate engine or supercharger wear.
- Test the ignition key and shifter: ensure the key doesn't stick and the car doesn't move in the wrong direction when shifting.
- Test the ignition key removal and shifter operation; ensure the key comes out easily in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's recall history and confirm all open recalls are fixed, especially for the Camry.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or delayed throttle response.
- Start the engine from cold and watch for blue smoke (Millenia) or listen for unusual engine noises.
- Test all electrical features: airbag light, parking brake, stability control, and infotainment systems.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, focusing on engine coils, transmission operation, and brake components.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda Millenia or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Millenia vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda Millenia total complaints
- 72
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mazda Millenia total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda Millenia avg complaints/year
- 24.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Millenia
- Mazda Millenia top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN