1994 Mazda 626

Above average

Owners filed 282 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Mazda 626 years to avoid. Which Mazda 626 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
114,000 milesMedian miles at failure

64 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Mazda 626 problems

169 of the 282 complaints (60%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission151
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags10
1006
Electrical System › Ignition9
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine8
010
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission7
000
Power Train · transmission6
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch · headlights5
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes4
101

1994 Mazda 626 transmission problems

60% of all complaints

169 of the 282 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • jerks, lurches or bucks14% · 24
  • shifts hard, late or not at all9% · 15
  • slips or will not engage a gear7% · 11
  • loses power5% · 9
  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 6

Share of the 169 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
116,000 mi
median of 58 reports
Peak year of filing
2002
26 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
“I have a madza 626 (1994) and the transmission just stopped working. It will go in reverse, but thats it. I had the fluids changed with high temp. Fluids. The hold light would blink, and it was real slow on the take off. Then it would jerk alot when speeds increase. Sometimes, I would have to take off with the hold light on to keep it from jerking on take off.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 12, 2005 at 148,254 miles
“My 1994 mazda 626 "hold light" flashes on a daily basis and when it tries to shift to a lower gear, ie: at speeds under 50 MPH, the transmission jerks really hard. I took it to the garage and they said it was the motor mount & transmission mount they were replaced and it did not help, its getting worse! Not sure what to do now, the transmission work is very expensive :(. *nm”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 13, 2005

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 12 complaints, 2 about the transmission'951996: 20 complaints, 2 about the transmission1997: 13 complaints, 4 about the transmission'971998: 17 complaints, 7 about the transmission1999: 32 complaints, 17 about the transmission'992000: 34 complaints, 19 about the transmission2001: 30 complaints, 15 about the transmission'012002: 32 complaints, 26 about the transmission2003: 28 complaints, 18 about the transmission'032004: 23 complaints, 21 about the transmission2005: 20 complaints, 20 about the transmission'052006: 7 complaints, 7 about the transmission2007: 5 complaints, 3 about the transmission'072008: 3 complaints, 3 about the transmission2009: 2 complaints, 2 about the transmission'092010: 3 complaints, 2 about the transmission2011: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'112012: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2013: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'132014: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2015: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'152016: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'172018: 1 complaints, 1 about the transmissionRecall 99I005000 (transmission)Recall 99V358000 (headlights)Recall 05E065000 (fuel system)Recall 15V674000 (electrical system)NHTSA investigation SQ98024
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 626 peaked in 2000, with 34 filed that year. Owners had filed 23 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 99I005000 in August 1999; 146 more have come in since. In 2018 owners filed 1 so far.

4 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch99V358000
Filed Dec 17, 199940,000 vehiclesMazda (north America),inc

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT WIRE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS SOLDERED TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Risk. THE FAILURE OF THIS WIRE COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH LEVER.

Power Train › Manual Transmission99I005000
Filed Aug 16, 199947,651 vehiclesMazda (north America),inc

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET CAN FAIL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER, SEVERE LACK OF POWER, AND/OR A TRANSMISSION WHICH STAYS IN THIRD GEAR. IN SOME CASES, THE "OD OFF" LIGHT MAY ALSO FLASH.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF INCREASED SPEED DUE TO THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AND IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AT NO CHARGE. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS NECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET FROR 9 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 1994 626.

HEADLIGHT FAILURERecall query RQ99022Closed
Opened Dec 20, 1999Closed Aug 30, 2000headlights

Obtained recall 99v-358

SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVEInvestigation SQ98024Closed
Opened Oct 29, 1998Closed Sep 10, 1999transmission

See resume for details.

Technical service bulletins

48 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 626. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 13electrical system 9equipment 6visibility 4body and frame 3transmission 3airbags 2steering 2
003/97KService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 27, 1997transmission

TORQUE CCONVERTER CLUTCH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - DTC 628. *TW

006/95Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 1995transmission

LA4A-EL TRANSAXLE FLUID LEAK AT TORQUE CONVERTER HUB SEAL. *SD

K001/95Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 1995transmission

SHIFT LEVER WILL NOT MOVE FROM PARK. *TW

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Dec 8, 2018187,356 milesSC

TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT PROPERLY. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT, IT SHIFTS HARD. OD LIGHT FLASHES. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE FROM WORK AND TOOK OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR REVVED UP REAL HIGH BUT WOULDN'T SHIFT. MADE IT HOME, AND NOW VEHICLE WON'T MOVE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 20, 2010138,000 milesCA

THE 1994 MAZDA 626LX WITH A V-6 2.5L MOTOR HAS REQUIRED 3 TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 8 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AS WELL. THIS LAST TIME THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, I WAS ON I-5 HEADING NORTH NEAR THE LOS BANOS TURNOFF WHEN IT JUST STARTED SLIPPING AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE FREEWAY. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE DESIGN AND LONGEVITY OF MANY PARTS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 21, 201068,339 milesNJ

THE HOLD LIGHT IS CONTINUALLY FLASHING. THIS STARTED ON SUNDAY MAY 16, 2010. I CALLED MAZDA MAPLE SHADE MADE AN APPT. I TOOK THE CAR IN ON MAY 19TH AT 7:30 AM. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON MAY 20TH AT 7:30 AM AND AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 3 PM., THE PROBLEM HAS WORSEN. I CALLED MAZDA ON MAY 21TH AT 8 AM AND I AM WAITING FOR THEM TO RETURN MY CALL. IT IS NOW 10:24 AM. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 27, 2010220,000 milesUT

I PUCHASED A 1994 MAZDA 626 2.0L AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR THEY HAD TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE DUE TO FALURE. I DO NOT KNOW THE STORY OF HOW THE TRANSMISSION CAME TO FAIL ON THE PREVIOUS OWNER. NOW THAT I OWN IT THE CAR HAS STARTED TO SHIFT VERY HARD, AND RANDOMLY SHIFT DOWN FOR A SPLIT SECCOND AT CRUISING SPEEDS(NO CHANGE IN ACCELARATOR TRAVEL OR GRADE CHANGE). THE TRANSMISSION ALSO CAUSES A FLUCTUATION IN RPM'S IN CRUISING CONDITIONS FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. *CN

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 7, 2009149,500 milesTX

I PURCHASE A 1994 MAZDA 626LX AUTOMATIC SEDAN APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO, FROM AN INDIVIDUAL HERE IN AUSTIN, TX. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AFTER OBTAINING, AND PUTTING NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES AND A COMPLETE TUNE-UP, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. AFTER DOING SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON THE CAR, I FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION(CDF4E) FOR THAT YEAR MODEL HAS GOTTEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. APPARENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION IS TO SMALL FOR THE 2.0 LITER ENGINE, AND BURNS UP AFTER SO MANY MILES OR LENGTH OF DRIVING. I CHECKED IT OUT ONLINE, AND THE SITE THAT I CHECKED GAVE A FAIRLY DECENT APPROVAL RATING OF THE VEHICLE. ANYHOW, THE VEHICLE, AS OF NOW, IS DISABLED AND RIGHT NOW, I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. THE TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-35 AT 65MPH, IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING FAST ENOUGH TO COAST TO THE END OF THE CONSTRUCTION AREA, TO PARK ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, SAFELY. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 14, 2009146,545 milesTX

I BOUGHT A 1994 USED MAZDA 626 LX A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO FOR $1600.00. AND I PUT ANOTHER $500.00 IN IT GETTING 2 NEW FRONT TIRES A COMPLETE TUNE UP, AND A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB. I TEST DROVE IT AND IT RAN FINE. I FOUND OUT LATER AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IN A FEW DAYS WHILE GOING UP A STEEP HILL HERE IN AUSTIN, AND PUT IT IN D2 A LOWER GEAR, AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. SO, AT THE TOP OF THE HILL, I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE, AND IT WORKED OK. BUT SOMETIMES IS WOULD TAKE OFF VERY SLUGGISHLY AFTER WARMING UP. THE HOLD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ALSO. I FIXED THE HOLD LIGHT PROBLEM, BUT 2 WEEKS LATER, GOING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUR, RIGHT AT A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, WITH THE CONCRETE BARRIER WALLS ON BOTH SIDES. SO FORTUNATELY, I MANAGED TO COAST ABOUT ANOTHER MILE TO THE END OF THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND OFF THE HIGHWAY, ONTO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY FOUND OUT HERE ONLINE ON THESE AUTO FORUMS, THAT THE 1994 MAZDA 626 LX AUTOMATIC IS A LEMON. LOT'S OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE CD4E FORD TRANSMISSION ON THE CAR. I HONESTLY CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RE-CALL ON THEM. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH, AND IM OUT OF AROUND $2100.00 DOLLARS ON IT. I HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING ANYONE AROUND HERE THAT WILL WORK ON IT, AT A FAIR PRICE. I COULD REPAIR IT MYSELF, WITH SOME HELP, BUT FROM WHAT I'VE READ, THE WHOLE CAR WAS A DESIGN FLAW, IN THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS ACTUALLY TO SMALL FOR THE 626 BODY, AND CAUSES THE TRANSAXLE T

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 15, 200890,000 milesNV

ROUGH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING THAT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH O/D LIGHT FLASHING. NO REPAIR SHOP IS ABLE TO FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. LAST REPAIR SHOP CHARGED ME $800 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE MOUNTS BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. ISSUE IS STILL ON GOING. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 94 MAZDA 626 MODEL FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. SEE THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO HTTP://WWW.DUSTBURY.COM/626/94SPEEDO.HTML. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 20, 2008102,000 milesFL

TRANSMISSION ON 1994 MAZDA HOLD LIGHT FLASHING. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 8, 2008200,000 milesTX

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Aug 22, 2007PA

REAR CALIPERS WILL NOT STOP SEIZING. TRIED USING REMAN'D AND NEW WITH THE SAME RESULTS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 10, 2007201,652 milesMO

1994 MAZDA 626 AUTO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BY MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN DEFECTIVE AUTO TRANSMISSIONS THAT FAIL PREMATURELY. ONLY SOLUTIONS ARE TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT SOMETIMES ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THIS HAS BEEN ADDRESSED IN A TSB BY MAZDA, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY THEM TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 28, 2007100,000 milesOH

MAZDA 1994 100K MILES TRANSMISSION SHIFTS BADLY AND HOLD LIGHT BLINKS AND JUMPS LIKE A MONSTER WHEN SHIFTS GEARS. LOSES POWER.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 5, 2007120,900 milesKY

TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. HIGH RPM RACING FOR PROLONGED PERIODS BETWEEN EACH GEAR SHIFT. TODAY, "HOLD" BUTTON STARTED FLASHING ON DISPLAY PANEL. *TR

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 2007103,696 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA 626. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE MECHANIC DIDN'T CHECK THE OVERHEATING FAILURE. HOWEVER, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TERRIBLE VIBRATION. THE MECHANIC REBUILT THE FRONT END. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT , AND THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY DAMAGED. THE SECOND REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THEY COULDN'T REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103696 ,AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT REPAIRS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES WERE PERFORMED: NEW RADIATOR, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION SERVICE, ENGINE TUNED, AND NEW TIRES. THE DEALER STATED STEERING GEAR DRIFTS DURING TURNS. UPDATED 06/26/07 *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 18, 2006NY

REPETITIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON MY 1994 MAZDA 626 ALREADY COST ME MANY THOUSANDS DOLLARS. HISTORY: DECEMBER 1992 - INITIAL TRANSMISSION ERROR CODES. AUTHORIZED MAZDA REPAIR SERVICE CHANGED TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID. CODES WERE COMING BACK. INSTALLED EXTRA COOLER. MAY 1993 - TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE; TRANNY REBUILT AT ST. JAMES TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP; WARRANTY 1 YEAR OR 12K MILES; MARCH 1995 - TRANSMISSION ERROR CODES BACK AND UNEXPLAINABLE FAILURES. TOOK IT TO LEE MYLES IN YONKERS - GAVE ME 2 YEARS WARRANTY. ON THE WAY HOME SIGNAL WAS BACK. SINCE THEN THE CAR WAS BACK IN THE STORE FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. DURING THAT TIME LEE MYLES MANY TIMES OPEN AND REPAIRED TRANSMISSION TO FIX TR, INSTALLED ANOTHER EXTRA COOLER, REPLACED MY ORIGINAL RADIATOR, REPLACED MAIN ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM AND MANY OTHER PARTS. I HAD ALSO MY ENGINE INSPECTED AND TUNED SEVERAL TIMES IN ANOTHER SHOPS, INCLUDING REPLACING OF FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR AND OTHER. HOWEVER TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AGAIN AND AGAIN. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY BY LEE MYLES 3 TIMES AND I DROVE IT SEVERAL TIMES AT SLOW SPEED ON SIDE ROADS BACK TO THE LEE MYLES. FINALLY LEE MYLES BOUGHT ME A FACTORY REBUILD TRANSMISSION AND FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS EVERYTHING LOOKED NICE AGAIN. THEN AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED RPM STARTED TO GO UP AND THE ERROR CODE CAME BACK AGAIN. SINCE THEN I AM USING MY CAR ONLY VERY LOCALLY AND AFTER ABOUT $10,000 (YES 10K) SPENT ON TRANSMISSION REPAIRS AND CA

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 25, 2006120,000 milesAZ

I HAVE A MAZDA 626 1994. ON 9/9/06 I CALLED BIDOLUPH MAZDA TO ASK ABOUT A RECALL ON MY TRANSMISSION FOR MY 94, 626. THEY SAID "SURE BRING IT DOWN WE WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING. ONCE I PAID $80 IN TOWING FEES. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED AND SAID THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED AND PROCEEDED TO CHARGE ME OVER $400 TO FIX THE RECALL. THEN ONE WEEK LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BUSINESS RELATIONS. MAZDA IS NO GOOD. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 25, 2006120,000 milesAZ

MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 16, 200640,000 milesNY

TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT 6 YEARS AGO AT 40,000 MILES AND NEEDS REBUILD AGAIN AT 57,000 MILES .AN EXTERNAL COOLER WAS INSTALLED AFTER FIRST REBUILD AND CAR IS BABIED . ITS A FORD CD4E AND IT IS A LEMON. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 23, 2006128,000 milesNE

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 28, 200680,000 milesNC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SPILLS INTO A VENT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE VEHICLE THAT ADDRESSES THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE BULLETIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 20, 2006100,100 milesFL

TRANSMISSION HOLD LIGHT COME ON AND OFF,WILL NOT OPERATE IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR ANY OTHER GEAR. TRANS SEEM TO BE OVER HEATING. LOUD SQUEAKING SOUNDS LIKE A FAN BELT. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 23, 200568,703 milesNY

POWER TRAIN FAILURE AT 68000 MI IN 10/09/02, REBUILT FAILURE AT 88000 MI 12/20/05. *NM

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 23, 2005105,516 milesOR

I HAVE A 1994 MAZDA 626. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BURNT OUT ONE MONTH AFTER A FACTORY RECONDITIONED TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED IN IT. I WAS STRANDED ON I-84 IN PORTLAND OREGON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAS STRANDED IN THE RIGHT LANE. I WAS SIDE SWIPED AND SLIGHTLY INJURED. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS,POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION BUILT FROM 1994 TO 2002. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECTED THE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS ON THESE CARS. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS THAT WAS INSTALLED WAS $1800.00 AND WAS NOT EVEN THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION THAT CAME WITH THE CAR.THIS WILL BE AT LEAST THE FOURTH TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR IN ITS 105,000 MILE LIFE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 29, 2005192,200 milesUT

PURCHASED A 1994 MAZDA 626 THAT SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS CONSISTENT WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINTS. IDLES HARD AND JUMPS BETWEEN GEARS, HOLD BUTTON FLASHES AND TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 13, 2005178,000 milesPA

I THOUGHT I WAS GTOOD TO GO AFTER INSTALLING MY THE SECOND TRANSMISSION IN MY 94 MAZDA 626, ONE YEAR LATER I AM IN THE SAME POSITION I WAS WHEN THE FIRST TRANSMISSION FAILED...GOING NOWHERE. FORTUNATELY IT MOVED ENOUGH TO GET TO DEALER WHERE I TRADED MY BELOVED CAR IN FOR A "NEWER" CAR...NO NOT A MAZDA 626.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 6, 2005116,000 milesLA

I OWN A 94 MAZDA 626 4 CYLINDER. IT HAS 116000 MILES AND NOW THE HOLD(O/D) LIGHT IS BLINKING, IT IS SHIFTING HARD, AND THE RPM'S ARE ACTING FUNNY BETWEEN GEARS. THIS JUST STARTED DURING A SHORT TRIP. THIS HAS BEEN AN OVERALL GOOD CAR, BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS SCREWED UP NOW. I HAVE HEARD THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND I DON'T REALLY WANT TO PAY $2500 FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION JUST TO HAVE IT SCREW UP 30000 MILES FROM NOW. THE CD4E IS CRAP AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 10, 2005225,000 miles00

94 MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION FAILURE (3 TIMES), HOLD LIGHT FLASHES, JERKS INTO GEARS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 30, 200500

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE. ONLY REVERSE WORKED. BUT DEALER FIXED. LATER, FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR, CONTINUED TO STAY IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. ALSO, DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT TO 2ND GEAR WHEN AT LOW SPEEDS, STAYS IN 3RD AND OVERDRIVE KICKS IN MUCH EARLIER THAN NORMAL. ALSO, ENGINE TEMPERATURE SEEMS TO BE ABOVE AVERAGE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 14, 200591,700 milesNJ

(1)I BOUGHT A USED 1994 MAZDA 626 WITH AN AUTOMATIC 4 CYLINDER CD4E TRANSMISSION AND 2.0 LITER ENGINE ON 10/7/04. A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED, I HAD THE CAR KEPT OVERHEATING SO I HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, WHICH COSTED $375. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING, BUT I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG PROBLEM AT FIRST. BY THE TIME CHRISTMAS CAME, THE TRANSMISSION WAS TOTALLY SHOT. IT WOULD REV UP TO 4000 RPM IN FIRST GEAR, AND IT WOULDN'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO THIRD. SECOND GEAR WOULD JUST REV BETWEEN 3000-4000 RPM WHEN I HIT THE ACCELERATOR. I FINALLY GOT THE TRANS REBUILT. IT COSTED ME $1270. THIS WAS ON 1/17/05. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR THE NEXT 4 MONTHS. 2 DAYS AGO, I NOTICED 2ND GEAR REVING HIGH AGAIN BETWEEN 3-4000 RPM. I THOUGHT MAYBE I HIT THE GAS HARDER THAN NORMAL , SO I TOOK IT LIGHTLY. I WAS WRONG. THE TRANSMISSION IS REVVING HIGH IN LOW GEARS LIKE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY BFORE HAD IT REBUILT. THIS IS REDICULOUS. THERE IS NO WAY YOU SHOULD HAVE TO REBUILD OR REPLACE A TRANSMISSION TWICE WITHIN 6 MONTHS. I THINK MAZDA SHOULD REPAY ME FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I'M GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN, OR I WILL HAVE NO CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK. THE MACHANIC WHO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION THE FIRST TIME GAVE ME A 1 YEAR ARRANTY ON IT, BUT I SHOULD STILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS INCONVENIENT TRANSMISSION. AM I GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT EVERY 4 MONTHS?

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 13, 2005134,660 milesFL

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email protected]

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 2, 200560,000 milesIN

TRANSMISSION FAILURE

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 11, 200584,000 milesIL

I PURCHASED A 1994 MAZDA 626 WITH 72,000 MILES. AT 84,000 MILES, MY HOLD LIGHT WOULD START FLASHING ON AND OFF, WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY TRANSMISSION WAS VERY ROUGH, SHIFTED HARD. NOW, THE HOLD LIGHT DOESNT ALWAYS FLASH, ONLY FROM TIME TO TIME. IM AT 93000 MILES NOW AND ITS STARTED AGAIN, MY CAR IS RUNNING ROUGH WITH A WHEEZE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAVENT HAD ANY WORK DONE CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION YET. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 1, 2005TX

EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE: MY 1994 MAZDA 626 LX 4 CYL. AUTOMATIC CAR WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO FIRST OR SECOND GEAR WELL. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND APPARANTLY, MY TRANSMISSION IS PRETTY MUCH SHOT. THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FIXED IN THE LAST 4 YEARS. FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: WELL, I AM CERTAINLY SPENDING MORE MONEY ON TRANSMISSIONS THAN I WOULD HAVE EVER LIKED. IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE REPAIR SHOP AS SOON AS I DID, I MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE ROAD IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THAT STATE. REPAIR SHOP HAS BEEN TRYING TO PUT A USED TRANSMISSION IN THE CAR FROM OTHER 626'S...BUT AFTER 3 DIFFERENT TRANSMISSIONS, NONE OF THEM HAVE WORKED WELL. IT LOOKS LIKE TRANSMISSIONS FOR MAZDA 626'S 4 CYL AUTOS WERE EXTREMELY EXTREMELY BAD IN 1994.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 22, 2005NY

ONCE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH AND HIGHER IT SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION COMES OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE REASON BEING THERE IS A LOUD ACCELERATION NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE ENGINE. WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 12, 2005148,254 milesMI

I HAVE A MADZA 626 (1994) AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL GO IN REVERSE, BUT THATS IT. I HAD THE FLUIDS CHANGED WITH HIGH TEMP. FLUIDS. THE HOLD LIGHT WOULD BLINK, AND IT WAS REAL SLOW ON THE TAKE OFF. THEN IT WOULD JERK ALOT WHEN SPEEDS INCREASE. SOMETIMES, I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OFF WITH THE HOLD LIGHT ON TO KEEP IT FROM JERKING ON TAKE OFF.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 10, 2005160,000 milesAR

HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE A 94 MAZDA 626 4CYL 2.0 NOW I HAVE TO SPEND OVER 2000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX . MY TRANSMISSIONS WENT OUT ON ME WITH NO WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION HAD TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND RESTARTED JUST TO GET IT OUT THE INTERSECTION AND WAS LUCKY I WASN'T HIT AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I HAD MY ONLY CHILD WITH MY SO I THANK GOD THAT NOTHING BAD HAPPENED . *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 9, 2005130,000 milesIN

ONCE AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT ON MY 1994 MAZDA 626 I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR SIX YEARS AND IT HAS GONE THROUGH THREE TRANSMISSIONS. ALL THE SHOPS TELL ME THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS CAR. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL OF THIS CAR? THANK YOU. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 24, 200588,320 milesNJ

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WINDOW IS OFF TRACK AND OVERDRIVE INDICATOR FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 13, 2005KY

MY 1994 MAZDA 626 "HOLD LIGHT" FLASHES ON A DAILY BASIS AND WHEN IT TRIES TO SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR, IE: AT SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION JERKS REALLY HARD. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR MOUNT & TRANSMISSION MOUNT THEY WERE REPLACED AND IT DID NOT HELP, ITS GETTING WORSE! NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NOW, THE TRANSMISSION WORK IS VERY EXPENSIVE :(. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 11, 200560,000 milesMI

REPLACED MY MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES, THE LAST TWO TIMES I DEPLOYED WITH THE ARMY, HENCE THE WARRANTY TIME PERIOD HAD SURPASSED, LEAVING ME TO PAY THE BILL. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS ALL BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF. MY VEHICLE IS MAINTAINED TO A DEGREE SO HIGH, MY TEN YEAR OLD CAR RUNS BETTER, CLEANER, AND IS MORE MECHANICALLY SOUND THAN A BRAND NEW CAR (ASIDE FROM THE TRANSMISSION).*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 6, 2005122,000 milesGA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A MAZDA 626 LX MODEL 1994. SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM DUE TO FAULTY PARTS/DESIGN OF VEHICLE (AS INDICATED BY THE LARGE NUMBERS OF COMPLAINS POSTED IN VARIOUS WEBSITES). SPEED SENSOR HAS TO BE REPLACED,AND THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT OTHER TRANSMISSION PARTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED TOO. CLASS ACTION SUIT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED, BUT MAZDA DOES NOT ACCEPT THAT THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 16, 2004109,999 milesND

1.)I PURCHASED A 1994 MAZDA 626 W/AT AND 2.0L ENGINE. TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REBUILT TWELVE MILES BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I DROVE IT HOME, AND THAT EVENING THE TRANSMISSION HAD LEAKED ABOUT 4 QUARTS INTO MY LAWN. I HAD NOT DRIVEN IT IN A WRECKLESS MATTER WHATSOEVER. SINCE THERE WAS A WARRANTY ON THE REBUILD, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM WHERE I HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT OVER THE NEXT 4 MONTHS. DURING THESE EVENTS, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE TONS OF OTHER 626 OWNERS LIKE ME HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. 2.)IT'S INFLICTED MORE THAN USUAL STRAIN ON MY ENGINE, I'VE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR WEEKS AT A TIME, IT HAS COSTED ME LOTS OF MONEY. ON TOP OF THIS, MY NEW TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN. 3.)THE TRANSMISSION SHOP EVENTUALLY ENDED UP SWAPPING THE TRANSMISSION OUT TWICE AND REPLACED COUNTLESS PART. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 13, 2004CO

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO COAST DOWN TO 30 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. IT WAS LATER DISCOVERED THAT TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO BEYOND SECOND GEAR.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 25, 200484,000 milesNY

VEHICLE STOPPED ON A BRIDGE AT 45 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT PICK UP GEARS, NOR GO INTO REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 18, 2004120,000 miles

MY TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT AROUND 60K MILES. NOW ITS AT 120K MILES AND IT FAILED COMPLETELY.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 3, 200495,000 milesNJ

1994 MAZDA 626 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE.1 THE CAR WAS BOUGHT WITH A PULL WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR OTHER THEN THAT NO WARNING. ALL I WAS DOING WAS BACKING OUT MY DRIVEWAY. 2 THE TRANSMISSION SUFFERED CATOSTROPHIC FAILURE.*AK 3 THE CAR IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE JUNKED BEING THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION IS WORTH MORE THEN THE CAR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 27, 2004124,000 milesGA

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASHBOARD. TOO MANY COMPLAINTS NOT TO BE RECALLED OR FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 9, 2004138,000 milesTN

1994 MAZDA 626 HAS RECURRENT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HAD TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, THEN IT SHAKES AND VIBRATES HORRIBLY AND NOW HOLD LIGHT FLASHES AND IT WON'T GO INTO GEAR. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 7, 2004154,500 milesPA

INTERMITTANT SURGING FROM TRANSMISSION, FLASHING HOLD LIGHT. SOME TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, THEN TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 150K MLES. UNABLE TO MOVE AT ALL. THE TANSMISSION WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED WITH A USED ONE. YES THE OLD TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE..PLEASE COME AND TAKE IT AWAY!*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Aug 6, 2004MO

A CONSTANT FLASING OF THE O/D LIGHT AFTER LONG TRIPS.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 282, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20039010Routine
200287000Routine
2001188140Routine
2000217200Above average
1999318430Above average
1998434655Fatalities reported
1997358450Above average
1996359320Above average
1995488480Above average
1994 — this page282460Above average
1993122240Routine
199219100Routine
199162200Routine
199044220Routine

Compare every 626 year →

1994 Mazda 626: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 a good car?

It is not among the 626 years to avoid. Owners filed 282 complaints, against about 250 for a typical 626 year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (60%).

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Mazda 626?

The transmission: 169 of the 282 complaints (60%) are about it. Owners most often say it jerks, lurches or bucks (14%), shifts hard, late or not at all (9%) and slips or will not engage a gear (7%). The typical report comes at 116,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda 626 have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 19, 2015. The largest, 15V674000, covered 1,368,500 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1994 Mazda 626 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 114,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 116,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Mazda 626?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, RQ99022 ("HEADLIGHT FAILURE"), was opened Dec 20, 1999 and closed Aug 30, 2000.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Mazda 626?

The manufacturer filed 48 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (13), the electrical system (9) and the visibility (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.