Owners filed 122 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 2 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
30
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
6
2
0
2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
6
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
5
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
5
4
0
2
Unknown or Other
4
0
0
0
Power Train › Manual Transmission
4
1
0
1
Electrical System › Ignition
4
0
0
0
Air Bags
4
0
0
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
3
0
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch15V674000
Filed Oct 19, 20151,368,500 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Fuel System, Gasoline05E065000
Filed Oct 5, 200542,962 vehiclesSpx Filtran
Defect. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Remedy. SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 11, 201690,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A DRIVER IN ANOTHER VEHICLE NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, PULLED OVER, AND EXITED WITHOUT INJURIES. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A POLICE LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 1, 200982,000 milesTX
I OWN A 1993 MAZDA 626 LX WITH A 2.0 LITER ENGINE AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I PURCHASED IT IN EARLY 1998. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE CAR FOR THE YEAR, WITH JUST MORE THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAD JUST OVER 40,000 WHEN I PURCHASED IT USED FROM A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. JUST TWO WEEKS AGO, THE TRANSMISSION BROKE AT THE TRANSAXLE AND BECAME COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHOM I'VE USED FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS NOW. THE TRANSAXLE SPLINES IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE GALLED AND FRACTURED WHEN THE MECHANIC TOOK IT APART. IT WAS BEHAVING FAIRLY WELL UNIT FAILED, BUT IT FAILED VERY QUICKLY, WITHIN A FEW MILES. THIS AUTOMOBILE IS, AND HAS BEEN, VERY WELL CARED FOR AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TRANSMISSION, THE CAR IS IN OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD CONDITION. THE TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED AND FREQUENTLY CHECKED SINCE I'VE OWNED IT. *TR
Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2009IL
MY CAR STARTED BLINKING "HOLD" IN RED ON THE DASH ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. IT WOULD CONTINUE BLINKING, EVEN THOUGH I WASN'T USING THE 'HOLD BUTTON' ON THE SHIFTER. LAST MONTH, IT STARTED SPUTTERING AND MAKING ODD NOISES. IT NOW DOES NOT ACCELERATE VERY EASILY AT ALL. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, BECAUSE WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT DURING THE DAY (EVERY DAY, WHEN I DRIVE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME) IT WON'T ACCELERATE PAST 25, EVEN WITH MY FOOT FULL ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN INCREASINGLY WORSE AND I FEAR THAT IT WILL CAUSE IN ACCIDENT BY GETTING STUCK ON A TURN OR SOMETHING. ALSO, I'VE NOTICED SOMETIMES WHEN I'M DRIVING, THE RPM'S WILL GO UP AND DOWN RANDOMLY AND MY CAR WILL JERK. *TR
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 5, 200880,000 milesHI
SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING AND I HAVE A "HOLD" LIGHT BLINKING. FROM THE STATEMENTS ON INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN BY MAZDA. *TR
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jun 8, 2007247,050 milesMD
I HAVE A SET OF SIGMA SHADOW TIRES ON MY CAR MADE BY TBC CORPORATION. THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND DAMAGED MY REAR BUMPER. I HAVE ORDERED AN NEW SET OF TIRES TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SET OF TIRES THAT ARE NOW ON MY CAR. THE PROPER SIZE FOR MY CAR WAS NOT LISTED IN THE CHOICES SO I AM LISTING THE PROPER SIZE HERE. THE TIRE SIZE 195/65 R14 NOT 215/60 R16.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 31, 2006118,000 milesMI
THE PROBLEM JUST OCCURRED ALL OF A SUDDEN. FROM A STOP LIGHT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED, IT PUSHED THE CAR FORWARD TO WHICH I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BROUGHT THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, TRIED TO FIX IT BUT STILL THE PROBLEM IS THERE. *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 27, 2006FL
MAZDA 626 LX SLIPING GEARS, JURKING, LEAKING TRANSMISSION,TRANSMISSION FAILER HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT STILL NO GOOD. *NM
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 17, 200589,380 milesIA
1993 MAZDA 626-2.0 4CYL AUTO TRANS, 89000 MILES. BOUGHT CAR 9/28/05 FOR $2900.00, ON 11/15/05, ON HIGHWAY, CAR STARTS BUCKING AS THE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED. I KNOW THAT THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR THE TRANSMISSION. MAZDA, FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. USED CAR DEALERS, NO DOUBT, KNOW ABOUT THESE CARS TRANNY PROBLEMS, AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO INFORM A POTENTIAL BUYER OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FOR SURE, FUTURE PROBLEMS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THE MAZDA 626! THEY NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE! THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUILD A RELIABLE AUTO TRANS AND INSTALL THEM, FREE OF ANY CHARGES TO THE OWNERS OF 626 OWNERS WITH (BY NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN) AUTO TRANS PROBLEMS! *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 8, 2005270,000 miles00
MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF MAZDA 626 1993 GE 2.0 HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. *AK
I HAVE HAD A MAZDA 626 MODEL 1993 FOR 1.5 YEARS NOW. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 83000 MILES AND WAS VERY WELL AKEN CARE OF BY ONE PREVOIOUS OWNER. I SERVICE THE CAR EVERY 3000 MILES REGULARLY. # WEEKS AGO THE TRANSMISSION DIED ON ME A LL OF A SUDDEN. I WAS LEFT TO COAST ON A MAIN STREET, ALMOST CAUSING A 3 CAR ACCIDENT TILL I COULD ENTER A PARKING SPOT ON THE RIGHT. CONSEQUENTLY I FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION BUT GOT STUCK AGAIN IN A HEAVY JUNCTION PUSHING MY CAR TO SAFETY AND AGAIN TWICE AFTER FIXING (1837$!) IT COASTING TO SAFETY LUCKILY ON THE HIGHWAY! IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME THAT A CARS TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL AFTER 83000 MILES AND THERE WERE MANY MORE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB. IS THERE ANY WAY THE MANUFACTURER CAN BE MADE TO PAY THE TAB.*AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 17, 2005183,000 milesKY
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING ON O/D. IT HAS PROGRESSED TO THIRD GEAR NOW. A TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL IS NEEDED BUT WILL COST ABOUT $3,000.00. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 18, 2004120,000 milesWV
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *JB
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jun 29, 200450,000 milesNC
I HAVE A 19"93 MAZDA BOUGHT IN '95. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY IN 19'96 AND AGAIN IN 19'97. NOW IT'S LEAKING AGAIN SINCE2003.*AK
Equipment
Filed Jun 9, 2004139,056 milesVA
MY MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT TWICE ALREADY AND ABOUT TO REPLACE ONE AGAIN. THE CONVERTER IS GOING OUT AND JUST PURCHASES ONE ABOUT 6MONTHS AGO IT IS GOING SO FAST. THE OLD PARTS WAS REPLACED BUT THIS STRAGEDY IS OCCURING ONCE MORE. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 22, 2003100,000 milesNC
626 MAZDA TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ONCE AGAIN A CAR COMPANY IS COMPLETELY IGNORING MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EARLY AND PREMATURE PROBLEMS WITH A PRODUCT. AND NHTSA DOES NOTHING. 30 MINUTES SPENT ON THE NET WOULD CLEARLY SHOW ANY ONE RELATED TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY THAT MAZDA HAS BEEN GIVEN A FREE PASS ON ITS RESPONSIBILITY. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU NEED? *NLM
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 17, 2003130,050 milesFL
AFTER OWNING MY 1993 MAZDA 626 LX FOR OVER TWO YEARS I FIND OUT THAT THE CAR IS DESTINED TO BAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS CAUSING THE CAR TO GET WORSE. I STARTED HAVING THE NOTORIOUS FLASHING HOLD LIGHT THUS CAUSING MY TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. BEING SOMEONE OF AVERAGE INCOME IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP REPAIRING MAZDA'S INEVITABLE PROBLEMS. I NOW FEEL INSECURE OF MY LIFE, THE LIFE OF MY WIFE AND OUR NEWBORN BABY. AFTER REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSION THE PROBLEM AROUSED A FEW MONTHS LATER. UNFORTUNATELY, THE WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR IS OVER. I WISH AND HOPE TO REPLACE THE MAZDA 626 UNFORTUNATELY I BUDGETED TO HAVE THE MAZDA 626 FOR YEARS TO COME. IT WAS STUPENDOUS WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE MAZDA 626. HOWEVER, IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE COMMON TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THE MAZDA 626 LX HAS I WOULD HAVE PASSED ON PURCHASING THE CAR. OWNING THIS CAR HAS EVEN PUT ME IN A FINANCIAL DOWN SPIRAL. I PUT MONEY INTO THIS MAZDA 626 THAT I SHOULDN'T BE PAYING FOR. IF THE MAZDA 626 LX HAS MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHY THEN ARE THEY SOLD AND PUT OUT ON THE ROAD TO EVENTUALLY SUBJECT MOTORISTS TO ACCIDENTS DUE TO FAULTY CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE CAR. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH, UNFORTUNATELY TOO LATE, ABOUT THE MAZDA 626'S AND HAVE READ REPORTS AND FORUMS FROM CONSUMERS AND EXPERT MECHANICS AND PASSED MAZDA EMPLOYEES ABOUT THE INEVITABLE DECLINE OF THE MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION. I TRUSTED THE MAZDA NAME AND WAS HORRIF
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 18, 2003161,000 milesTN
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND DIDN'T RESEARCH ON IT FIRST. BIG MISTAKE. HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION NOISE, SLIPPAGE AND/OR GEAR SHIFT HESITATION, AND ENGAGING FROM PARK. MOST MECHANICS WON'T EVEN WORK ON THESE BECAUSE OF FREQUENT PROBLEMS. HAD TO TRACK ON DOWN, SAYS TRANSMISSION MUST BE REBUILT, APPROX. REPAIR COST = $1500.00, WONDERING WHERE I'M GOING TO COME UP WITH THAT KIND OF MONEY. *NLM
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 17, 2003DC
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE, AND IF REBUILT, IT WILL LAST FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS. MR SCC *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 4, 2003112,000 milesPA
TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE EVENTUAL FAILURE - REPLACED $1500.00 - CORRECTED PROBLEM TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE ON HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF TWO 18-WHEELERS - I ALMOST CAUSED A FATALITY WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER ON BOARD - THANK GOD FOR MY DRIVING EXPERIENCE - IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WE WOULD NOT BE HERE. * TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP EXPLAINED HE HAS 3 SHELVES SET ASIDE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS (GF4A-EL) WHERE THE OLD ONES SIT UNTIL THE NEW ONES COME IN - THAT SHELVE WAS 1/2 FULL OF NEW AND OLD TRANSMISSIONS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE ALSO USED IN THE FORD PROBE'S. NOW AFTER TWO YEARS THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN.*JB
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 19, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.