1999 Mazda 626

Above average

Owners filed 318 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
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

209 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Mazda 626 problems

228 of the 318 complaints (72%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission214
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine17
010
Power Train · transmission7
100
Electrical System6
010
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · brakes4
101
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys · engine4
000
Unknown or Other3
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes3
300

1999 Mazda 626 transmission problems

72% of all complaints

228 of the 318 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • overheats15% · 35
  • slips or will not engage a gear14% · 31
  • jerks, lurches or bucks11% · 24
  • shifts hard, late or not at all8% · 18
  • turns on the check engine light7% · 15
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 14

Share of the 228 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 172 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
48 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 1 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“76,000 miles on car. While doing highway driving, after about an hour, the overdrive light started to flash. Transmission fluid released into engine compartment. Took it to garage and they said error code indicated transmission overheating. The fluid was burnt and transmission may have been damaged. The fluid had been good a couple of weeks earlier. Actions taken include: flushed fluid. Added an aftermarket cooler.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 20, 2007 at 76,000 miles
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mazda 626. While driving 65 MPH the transmission overheated and failed. This was the third transmission failure for this vehicle. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause. The current and failure mileages were 136,000 miles.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 10, 2007 at 136,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'981999: 9 complaints, 3 about the transmission2000: 14 complaints, 2 about the transmission'002001: 12 complaints, 7 about the transmission2002: 24 complaints, 13 about the transmission'022003: 54 complaints, 36 about the transmission2004: 59 complaints, 48 about the transmission'042005: 45 complaints, 39 about the transmission2006: 40 complaints, 33 about the transmission'062007: 23 complaints, 22 about the transmission2008: 9 complaints, 7 about the transmission'082009: 8 complaints, 6 about the transmission2010: 5 complaints, 4 about the transmission'102011: 4 complaints, 4 about the transmission2012: 4 complaints, 3 about the transmission'122013: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'142015: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission2016: 3 complaints, 1 about the transmission'162017: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 00V074000 (brakes)Recall 00V134000 (engine)Recall 05E065000 (fuel system)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)

Complaints about the 1999 626 peaked in 2004, with 59 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 72% of the complaints. In 2017 owners filed 2 so far.

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.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

99 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 626. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 27electrical system 18engine 11suspension 7visibility 5transmission 4equipment adaptive/mobility 4body and frame 4
01-010-22Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 26, 2022transmission

Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. This is caused by a variable valve being stuck in the closed position. When returning from fast idle to normal, the stuck valve suddenly opens due to thermal change around it which causes …

05-002-21-3854Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 8, 2021transmission

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is …

06012004Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2004transmission

PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION. ( 2004 MAZDA B SERIES) *JB

0400502Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 25, 2002transmission

INADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 14, 201050,000 milesSC

ROUGH SHIFTING, SLIPPING ,ROUGH IDLE, OVERHEATING TRANSMISSION. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 13, 2010164,000 milesFL

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

Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2009100,000 milesFL

99 MAZDA 626ES HAS BEEN GIVING ME TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT SLIPS ON 1 AND 2 GEAR. I HAVE TO DRIVE 5-10 MPH UNTIL IT KICKS-IN BUT IF I REDUCE SPEED I HAVE TO GO TROUGH THE SAME PROCESS AGAIN. A MECHANIC CHANGED THE RANGE-SENSOR, I THINK IT'S CALL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND AFTER THE DIAGNOSE THE SAID YOU NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, FOR ABOUT 3,000 DOLLARS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 11, 2009MI

1999 MAZDA 626: THE DRIVE CHAIN INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR, AND TRIED TO GO, YOU COULD HERE IT JUMPING OVER THE TEETH ON THE SPROCKET. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 22, 200970,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V134000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 27, 200990,000 milesAZ

I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALER OF REPOSSESSED VEHICLES AND SHORTLY AFTER NOTICED THAT ALL 3 OF THE REAR SEATBELTS WOULD NOT BUCKLE. IF YOU SHAKE THE BUCKLE AROUND VIGOROUSLY ON ONE OF THEM, IT WILL BUCKLE, BUT NOT THE OTHER 2. I AM WORRIED FOR OTHERS SAFETY AND KNOW THAT SEATBELTS ARE IMPORTANT, SO I CHOOSE TO NOT CARRY MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER, AND THEY SIT IN FRONT. I AM PLANNING ON GETTING THEM REPLACED SOON, BUT FIGURED IT MUST BE A MANUFACTURING ISSUE, CONSIDERING IT AFFECTS ALL 3 REAR RESTRAINTS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 13, 2009136,000 milesMI

THIS IS THE 3RD TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF 1999 MAZDA 626. CAR ONLY HAS 136K MILES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 14, 2009125,000 milesFL

MY 1999 MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN ACTING UP A LOT. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND WITH RESEARCH MAZDA USED THE FORD PROBE TRANSMISSION IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE 626 UP UNTIL 2002. THE TRANSMISSION THAT COMES WITH THE CAR IS DESIGNED FOR A SMALLER, LIGHTER VEHICLE AND THUS IT IS DOOMED TO FAIL, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU REPLACE IT. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PUMP $2,000 INTO A CAR THAT IS GOING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM DOWN THE ROAD. PLUS EVEN IF I COULD AFFORD IT, I CAN'T FIND THE PART IN TAMPA, FL. MAZDA SHOULD BE FORCED TO UPGRADE ALL 626 2.0L I4 TRANSMISSIONS FOR FREE, AS THEY MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 10, 200980,000 milesVA

1999 MAZDA 626 - REPLACED TRANSMISSION 75-80 K MILES. NOW 110 K MILES AND BEGINNING TO OBSERVE SAME SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO LAST FAILURE. TRANSMISSION DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 27, 2009112,000 milesNC

I NOTICED PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM MY MOM. SHE RARELY DROVE IT, AND I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES A WEEK. FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T NOT GO INTO DRIVE, THEN IT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. A FRIEND OF MINE IS A MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT THE TRANS. CABLE HAD COME DETACHED. AFTER TIME CONSUMING REPAIR, THE CAR WAS FINE FOR A WEEK. NOW THE CAR ONLY GOES INTO DRIVE WHEN I FIRST PUT IT INTO SECOND. IT SLIPS IN AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION IS OBVIOUSLY FAULTY. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 31, 2008122,000 milesTX

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON A 1999 MAZDA 626 HAS FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME. CAR'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AROUND 60,000 MILES AND NOW NEEDS REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT 122,000 MILES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 21, 200886,000 milesFL

I HAVE A 1999 MAZDA 626. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 4 CYLINDER LX. THIS CAR HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING! I HAVE READ COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND MAZDA FORUMS. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION?!? IT IS TOO SMALL FOR THIS CAR AND MORE THAN HALF OF 626 OWNERS HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR TRANSMISSIONS, ONLY TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE IT AS IT WILL ALWAYS GO OUT AGAIN! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 17, 2008111,000 milesMN

1999 MAZDA 626 , 2.0 L AT STOPPED ON HIGHWAY. GOT IT TOWED WITH THE HELP OF AUTO CLUB.DIAGNOSIS SAYS THE CAR NEED TRANSMISSION WORK. NOW NEED TO SPEND NEARLY $3500.00 TO GET THE CAR RUNNING. THIS IS MORE THAN THE CAR'S VALUE. I COULD FIND FROM THE NET THAT THIS MODEL HAS EXTENSIVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. STILL THERE IS NO ACTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S SIDE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 24, 2008133,000 milesLA

1999 MAZDA 626 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL CAR. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 15, 2008114,200 milesSC

TRANSMISSION ON 1999 MAZDA 626 2.0 AUTOMATIC FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE RE-BUILT. THE ODOMETER READING WAS 114,200 MILES. RE-BUILD OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER 2007. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2008102,000 milesKY

1. & 2.TIMING BELT TENSION SPRING BROKE, MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE & DAMAGING TIMING BELT. 3. WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF SPRING AND BELT AS WELL AS RELATED LABOR. OLD PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. NOTE: MAZDA ISSUED A RECALL IN 2000 FOR THIS PART ON SOME VEHICLES (CAMPAIGN 00V134000) , ONE GROUP OF VIN # WERE PROVIDED NHTSB AND THEN A CORRECTION WAS PROVIDED, BUT IT STOPPED SHORT OF THE # ON MY VEHICLE. SINCE THE VERY PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE, I BELIEVE MAZDA UNDERSTATED ITS RECALL. *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2008125,000 milesAZ

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MY 1999 MAZDA 626 4 CYL. VEHICLE WAS HEADING SOUTH ON I10 IN PHOENIX WHEN SUDDENLY MY SPEEDOMETER WENT TO 0 AND SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT FROM UNDER MY HOOD. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AAMCO REPAIR SHOP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO EITHER BE REBUILT OR I NEEDED TO BUY A BRAND NEW ONE... THIS COST ME 4000 DOLLARS TO FIX. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 29, 200899,000 milesFL

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1999 MAZDA 626 HAD FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME NOW. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPETITIVE AND REQUIRES CONTINUOUS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS SPECIFIC CAR IS COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH VERY HIGH FAILURE RATES. I WANT THE MANUFACTURES TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSIONS OF PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR MY PAST REPAIR BILLS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master CylinderCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 2, 2008145,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH DOWNHILL, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL THEN CRASHED INTO A TREE. AS A RESULT, THE CRASH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN LEFT LEG WHILE SEATED IN A CHILD SEAT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: MASTER CYLINDER (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #00V074000) HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AS OF JANUARY 2, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 11, 2007MN

MY MAZDA TRANSMISSION KEEPS ON HAVING PROBLEMS. I AVOID DRIVING ON FREE WAYS AS I NEVER FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR WHOSE TRANSMISSION MAY FAIL ANY TIME. I FIXED IT 1.5 YRS BEFORE. COST ALMOST HALF OF THE CAR'S WORTH. IT FAILED AGAIN NOW. THE ESTIMATE IS AGAIN HUGE TO FIX IT. IT IS FAILING EVEN AFTER REBUILDING NEW TRANSMISSION AND CHANGING THE FAULTY PARTS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME THING WRONG IN DESIGN ITSELF AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT FIXING IT WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE OR MAKE IT SAFE FOR DRIVING. I AM AVOIDING DRIVING IT FOR SAFETY REASONS. I CONTACTED MAZDA EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM. THEY ADVISED THAT "RECALLS ARE MANDATED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NOT BY INDIVIDUAL CAR MANUFACTURERS". I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN A HOPE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE PROBED AND MY VEHICLE BE RECALLED. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 17, 200793,819 milesOK

IN LATE JANUARY OF 2007 I PURCHASED A 1999 MAZDA 626 FOR MY DAUGHTER FOR HER TO USE IN THE YEARS SHE WOULD BE IN COLLEGE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MILES ON IT. SHE HAS DRIVEN THE CAR TO COLLEGE AND BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. ON NOVEMBER 12, 2007 SHE WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER OR GO IN REVERSE. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY OUR MECHANIC. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP COMPLETELY OVERHAULED THE TRANSMISSION REPLACING FACTORY PARTS THAT THE OWNER SAID WERE DEFICIENT WITH BETTER PARTS. THE PARTS THAT THE SHOP USED WERE AN: OVERHAUL KIT VALVE BODY REPAIR KIT SOLENOID PACK TORQUE CONVERTER REVERSE DRUM FORWARD PISTON I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE FAILURE OF THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE SINCE THE FAILURE OF THIS TRANSMISSION THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY A PROBLEM ON THE MAZDA 626 MODEL. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 2, 200714,500 milesKY

1999 MAZDA 626 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS HAS BEEN REBUILT TWO TIMES IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. NOW IT IS OUT AGAIN I HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY IN IT,TOO QUIT NOW. SOME ONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 1, 2007160,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING HOME, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO 2ND OR 4TH. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT APPROX. 98,000 MILES. AT A COST OF $2,800.00. CAR NOW HAS APPROX. 160,000 MILES AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS REBUILT AGAIN. HAVE HEARD ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CAR IS OTHERWISE IN GREAT SHAPE, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR SO I GUESS I'M STUCK AGAIN PAYING TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REPAIRED THAT MAZDA KNOWS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. CAN WE ALL GET A LITTLE HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM?? *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 20, 200776,000 milesCO

76,000 MILES ON CAR. WHILE DOING HIGHWAY DRIVING, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. TRANSMISSION FLUID RELEASED INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TOOK IT TO GARAGE AND THEY SAID ERROR CODE INDICATED TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING. THE FLUID WAS BURNT AND TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THE FLUID HAD BEEN GOOD A COUPLE OF WEEKS EARLIER. ACTIONS TAKEN INCLUDE: FLUSHED FLUID. ADDED AN AFTERMARKET COOLER. WAIT AND SEE IF THE TRANSMISSION PERFORMS CORRECTLY AND IF THE FLASHING LIGHT RETURNS. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 17, 200769,000 milesCA

AFTER THERE WERE REPEATED TIMES OF BAD GEAR SHIFTING, DELAYED, NOT AT ALL, ETC. MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FAILED. WILL TURN OVER BUT, NOT SHIFT INTO TO GEAR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 14, 200772,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE INTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V134000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE), HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 21, 200776,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE TWICE. SHE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS WHEN THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THE CONTACT FELT AS IF THE GEARS WERE JUMPING WHEN DRIVING. SHE RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. SHE DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE SHOULD GO THROUGH TWO TRANSMISSIONS WITHIN TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN HER DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 16, 200772,162 milesCA

OUR MAZDA 626 1999 WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AT 72,134 MILES I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. I DROVE HOME FOR 5 MILES AND IN THE EVENING ON THE FREEWAY. THE MAZDA NOW FELT A BIT JERKY AT 55-60 MPH. (I NEVER NOTICED THAT BEFORE.) AFTER 23 MILES THE MAZDA SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND STOPPED. I WAS LUCKY TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT ACCIDENT. I WAS STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY IN DARKNESS AND HEAVY TRAFFIC FOR 1 1/2 HOURS. SCARY!!!! THERE WAS A LONG TRAIL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID BEHIND THE CAR, A PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR, ALSO UNDER THE HOOD AND ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS. THE TOWING SERVICE NOTICED A DISCONNECTED TRANSMISSION HOSE UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TOWED HOME AND THE NEXT MORNING TO THE MAZDA DEALER. THEY SAY I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3225. THE DEALER SAYS THE 30A EGI INJ FUSE IS BURNT. FLUID LEVEL OF TRANS WAS AT LEAST 3 QTS OVER FULL, WAS DARK BROWN AND HAD SEVERE BURNT SMELL. FLUID APPEARS TO HAVE LEAKED OUT OF COOLER LINE AND VALVE BODY PAN DUE TO HIGH PRESSURE. (I NEVER SAW A LEAK ON OUR GARAGE FLOOR.) TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN REVERSE. (I DON'T KNOW HOW IT GOT INTO REVERSE FROM MY DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY???) THIS IS COSTING US BIG BUCKS AND AGGRAVATION: NEW TRANSMISSION, THREE TIMES TOWING CHARGES, DIAGNOSTIC BY DEALER, TRANSMISSION FLUSH, RENTAL CAR, LOSS OF WORK... AND NO GUARANTEE THAT THINGS WILL BE MADE GOOD! AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT BAD MAZDA TRANSMISSIONS, I AM NOT SURE WHETHER THE FAULT HERE LIES IN A BAD PRODUCT (TRANS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 10, 2007136,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND FAILED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000 MILES.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 1, 2007127,000 milesMO

MY TRANSMISSION FAILED ON JULY 22 DUE TO OVER HEATING ETC. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 1, 2007117,000 milesMD

1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE- NORMAL NON-DAILY USAGE. MAINTENANCE ON TRANSMISSION WITHIN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. DRIVING ON PA TURNPIKE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. 2)CONSEQUENCES- TOWED TO TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP 3) WHAT DONE TO CORRECT FAILURE- TOTAL REPAIR/REBUILD OF TRANSMISSION. COST OVER $2500.00. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 1, 200789,150 milesMA

'99 MAZDA 626-LX, 4-CYL. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: DAY 1, STUCK IN TRAFFIC, MOVING VERY SLOWLY FOR 30 MINUTES, 80 DEGREES OUTSIDE, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED FEELING "CLUNKY". DAY 2, DRIVING 72-78 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS, THE "O/D OFF" LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK. GOT HOME FINE. DAY 3: SIGNIFICANT TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 318, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20039010Routine
200287000Routine
2001188140Routine
2000217200Above average
1999 — this page318430Above average
1998434655Fatalities reported
1997358450Above average
1996359320Above average
1995488480Above average
1994282460Above average
1993122240Routine
199219100Routine
199162200Routine
199044220Routine

Compare every 626 year →

1999 Mazda 626: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Mazda 626 a good car?

It is not among the 626 years to avoid. Owners filed 318 complaints, against about 250 for a typical 626 year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (72%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mazda 626?

The transmission: 228 of the 318 complaints (72%) are about it. Owners most often say it overheats (15%), slips or will not engage a gear (14%) and jerks, lurches or bucks (11%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda 626 have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 00V074000, covered 71,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Mazda 626 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 80,000 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Mazda 626?

The manufacturer filed 99 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (18), the engine (11) and the suspension (7). 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: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.