Owners filed 318 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
08000080,000 milesMedian miles at failure
209 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
214
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
17
0
1
0
Power Train
7
1
0
0
Electrical System
6
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
5
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
4
1
0
1
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
4
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
4
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
3
1
0
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
3
3
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine00V134000
Filed May 9, 200031,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.
Risk. THE BROKEN SPRING MAY GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT, RESULTING POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TENSIONER INSTALLED AND REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED TENSIONER.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder00V074000
Filed Mar 7, 200071,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE PRESSURE COULD REACH A POINT THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER AND DRUM CYLINDER ARE PULLED BACK BY THE VACUUM IN THE RESERVOIR TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A LONG TIME.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFICIENCY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RESERVOIR CAP AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 22, 2017120,000 milesMO
IGNITION SWITCH IS DEFECTED. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONLY FOR A FEW MOMENTS, SMOKE BEGIN TO FLOW FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND I MUST IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION POSITION.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 2017100,000 milesMO
WHEN ENGAGING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, I MUST IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE CONTACT POSITION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS SECONDS AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ENGAGED.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 201612,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 2016120,000 milesMO
WHEN ENGAGING IGNITION SWITCH TO START VEHICLE, SMOKE COMES UP FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF SWITCH. THIS PROBLEM STARTED 2011. VEHICLE IS IN STORAGE AT THIS TIME.
Power TrainCrash
Filed Jan 30, 2016100,000 milesMI
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP WHICH IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE BY MAZDA THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. THIS BS WITH IT COST MY WIFE HER JOB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 25, 2015156,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WIRES TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FIRE INITIATED DUE TO A IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 5, 201510,000 milesMS
SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND DUE TO MY BREAK CAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP & THE TRANSMITTION WENT OUT ON THE CAR & I ALSO HAD OTHER PROBLEMS TO WITH THE CAR
Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 2012MS
MY GAS PEDAL GET STUCK, CAR JERKS WHEN DRIVEN & MAKE NOISY, CAR SAKES BRAKES PROBLEMS & MORE. *TR
Tires
Filed Oct 5, 2012MS
CAR TIRES SLIPPERY & ALWAYS ON FLAT. *TR
Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 201280,000 milesVA
CATASTROPHIC JERKING OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING EXTREMELY SLOW ACCELERATION AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
Power Train
Filed Feb 13, 2012150,000 milesSC
PURCHASED A 1999 MAZDA 626 IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 WITH 28,000 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN GREAT UNTIL RECENTLY IN 2009 THE TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED TO DEVELOP PROBLEMS. IT NOW SLIPS IN SECOND GEAR, I CANNOT DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR FEAR THAT THE INFAMOUS O/D OFF LIGHT WILL START TO FLASH AND LEAVE ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THIS OCCURS SOMETIMES AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF MAYBE 30 MINUTES OR MORE DRIVING 70 MPH, AND SOMETIMES AT 65MPH. WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN, THE CAR LOOSES POWER, AND BURNS UP THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. ALSO WHEN IT HAPPENS, YOU RISK THE CHANCE OF NEARLY BLOWING THE TRANSMISSION, BEING RUN OFF THE ROAD, BEING FORCED TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, AND BEING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, BECAUSE THE CAR ALL OF SUDDEN STOPS MOVING!THIS IS SO SAD THAT I CANNOT REALLY ENJOY MY VEHICLE, AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS HERE! MAZDA HAS NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED THE OTHER RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. MAZDA IS A POOR INVESTMENT, AND THEY NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS THAT THEY KNOW ARE A PIECE OF CRAP! I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER MAZDA AGAIN! *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 12, 2011105,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED HAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT FROM FOURTH TO SECOND GEAR. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE OVERDRIVE FAILURE RUINED THE MOTOR AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 105,000. UPDATED 10/28/11*LJ
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 22, 2011130,000 milesIL
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS *TT
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 28, 201165,000 milesTX
I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION IS VERY JERKY AND SHIFTS VERY HARD, AND I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF IT FAILED AGAIN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE. APPARENTLY, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THIS MODEL HAS A HIGH RATE OF FAILURE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS CAN BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR; MAZDA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 27, 2011113,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE GEARS BECAME STUCK, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE RPMS INCREASE GREATLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Aug 29, 2010NC
THIS IS MY CONCERN I WAS RIDING WITH SOMEONE AND WE HAD A CRASH GOING 80 MPH. THE CAR HYDRO PLAIN OFF THE HIGHWAY HITTING THE GUARD RAIL. I BELIEVE AT THAT SPEED THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE CAME OUT BUT THEY DID NOT, I MYSELF HAD MAJOR NECK AND BACK PAINS MY HEAD HITTING THE SIDE WINDOW. I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHY THIS AIRBAG DID NOT COME OUT AND IT'S BOTHERING ME BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR KILLED THANK GOD I WALK OUT. THE CAR WAS 99 MAZDA 626. THIS CAR IMPACT WITH THE GUARD RAIL 3 TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. I DON'T UNDERSTAND, CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS OR SHOULD I REPORT THIS TO CONSUMERS. THANKS... *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 28, 2010150,000 milesVI
THE MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN FOR ITS RELIABILITY. IT FACT, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH THE MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION. A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE IS THE FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN THIS FAILS, THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT TO FLASH. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE SLIPPING AND VIBRATION. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PRODUCT BEING THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS WHY IS MAZDA NOT LIABLE FOR THIS ISSUE....... *TR
I PURCHASED A 1999 MAZDA 626 AUTOMATIC 4 CYLINDER VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES THE VEHICLE STARTS TO JERK AND THE TACHOMETER GETS VERY ERRATIC AS IS THE SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE NOW USES EXCESSIVE GAS AND THE JERKING MOTION HAS CONTINUED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING (AFTER GOING ONLINE TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM) THAT MAZDA IS AWARE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION BUT WON'T ISSUE A RECALL OR PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 20, 2010170,000 milesIL
GEAR SLIPPING & RPM "REVING" TRANSMISSION FALIURE, NEED TO REPLACE. *TR
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: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.