- The problem
- Resin molded front handles fail at the door latch actuating rod attachment, freeing the rod to fall inside the door frame. Subsequent lowering of the associated window may force the actuating rod downward and release the door latch.
- The risk
- Inadvertent actuation of the door latch causes the doorto open unexpectedly which could result in an occupant falling out of thevehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the door handle/latch assembly.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Mazda 626 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 42 complaints about the 1989 Mazda 626 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (12) and the transmission & drivetrain (10). Those complaints describe 4 crashes. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 1993 for the door. For comparison, the 1988 has 46 and the 1990 has 45.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 626 year, for its age
#29 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Mazda 626 problems
Share of all 42 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Mazda 626 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The groove for the rear wheel bearing retainer ring was incorrectly machined.
- The risk
- If the retaining ring does not sit correctly in thegroove, the axle lug nuts will break, causing the brake drum, wheel, and tireassembly to separate from the vehicle.
- The fix
- Midas shops will replace the brake drums with other brake drums from another supplier.
What owners say
Be the first 626 owner to share.
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42 complaints about the 1989 Mazda 626
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Mazda 626 transmission failure, two transmissions put into a car with less than 150,000 miles. Now dead but money owed on car. How can you keep getting these complaints and not do anything about it? *Jb
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
The firestone firehawk ss10 p195/60r15 tires on the vehicle experienced bulges under the tread which caused vibration while driving, originally reported (odi# 732737). *Mjs
The tire has not completely failed. It has a longitudinal bulge on the tread that goes about a quarter of the way around the tire. *Ak (tiresize: p195/60r15)( dot number: tire size: p195/60r15 )
Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall number 93v174000/ door outside handle. Dealer corrected the recall. Consumer currently is having problems with the recall repairs. When lowering the window, door unexpectedly opens. Please provide any further details.*Ak
Traveling s. On i93 with cruise control engaged at speed limit. Exit at #42 & tapped brake to disengage speed control. No response! Car continued up ramp towards 5 pm traffic. Brakes did not affect speed as controll still engaged. Turned off ignition just before entering rt 302 intersection, attempting to avoid hitting other vehicles. Struck mediun sideways, car also hit i93 sign. Stopped at end of median. *Ak
Gas pedal got stuck, causing the vehicle to suddenly and quickly surge and lunge. Consumer applied brakes, but vehicle did not stop, resulting in vehicle running through the garage. *Ak
Front driver door handle broke after recall repair.(Recall# 53404)
Plastic ear tabs on switch failed due to age or heat related degradation, leaving metal switch contact and lamp bulb spring loose inside switch. Similar problem ready to occur with a/t switch.
When shifting from park to drive, the transmission often does not select first gear. Defaults to what feels more like 3rd gear. Suspect electrical position switch problem. Could cause accident if pulling out into traffic since car accelerates very slowly from standstill in 3rd gear.
DRIVERS MOTORBELT FAILED.
LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
THE LATCH ASSEMBLY IN DRIVERS DOOR FAILED.
FRONT/REAR TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Recall related 93v174000, in for repairs, driver's door handle will open from the outside, the rod continues to fall inside the panel door, and if the window is down the door will pop open. *Ak
MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESS FAILURES.
When to put lever into reverse wouldn't move into drive or reverse, took to mechanic said transmission needs rebuilding. *Ak
Engine mounts failed, causing vehicle to grind and would not shift gears properly. *Ak
LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM REPLACED. (1ST VEHICLE ON 511310)
POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED.
MUFFLER REPLACED 2 TIMES.
Passenager automatic shoulder belt get stuck in all types of position, resulting in failure. *Ak
Front driver and passenger seat belts will not retract. *Ak
While shifting the transmission jumps.Please describe. Tt
Mazda 626: every year compared
All 626 years1989 Mazda 626 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Mazda 626 | 42 | 2 | C | |
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 38 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda 929 | 37 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda RX7 | 31 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda MX6 | 28 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda MPV | 23 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda B2200 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Protege | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Mazda | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Mazda 626
Does the 1989 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 Mazda 626: door (October 1993); drum (October 1993). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mazda 626?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (12), transmission & drivetrain (10), body, doors & structure (5).
How many complaints has the 1989 Mazda 626 had?
42 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 15, 1995 and the latest on January 8, 2006. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Mazda 626 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 53 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Mazda 626 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda 626 years have the most complaints?
1995 (493), 1998 (434), 1996 (362). See every Mazda 626 year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Mazda 626 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data