Mazda 626 / 1998
1998 Mazda 626 problems
Owners have filed 499 complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 64.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 18%.
Complaints499
Crashes15
Fires6
Injuries18
Deaths10
What owners report breaking
Power train 64.1% · 320
Engine and engine cooling 18.0% · 90
Electrical system 2.8% · 14
Air bags 2.2% · 11
Vehicle speed control 2.0% · 10
Unknown or other 1.8% · 9
Tires 1.6% · 8
Equipment 1.2% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 18 report an injury and 10 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Mazda 626 in this data, 1998 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 88,368 miles.
In owners' own words
Dt: the caller said the transmission needed to be replaced. While driving the engine revved without warning. The caller said it would happen mostly in stop and go traffic. She had the vehicle towed to a mechanic shop. Dealer said she needed to get a different year transmission, and she will have to update the computer. Manufacturer said there was no recall on her vehicle and offered no help for free. Power train · reported at 78,000 miles
The transmission on this vehicle just quit. It has always had problems from day one. The dealers would say it was normal for it to clank, shift erratically, and sometimes engine revved between shifts. Now it has quit working completely. How long will it take for the people at nhtsa to start saving people. After all it is your moto. Mazda/ford should be forced to reimburse the $2000 repair costs each time. Power train · reported at 110,000 miles
Transmission went out after owning vehicle for only 1 yr. After contacting a mechanic, I was told that transmission needed three new updated parts or transmission would continue to go out even if I purchased a new one. Why is there not a recall on this vehicle? I looked at the consumer complaints on your site. I see I'm not the only one with the same problem. What has to happen before a recall is done? Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…