- 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
1990 Mazda 626 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 1990 Mazda 626 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (13) and the body, doors & structure (9). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 1993 for the door. For comparison, the 1989 has 42 and the 1991 has 64.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 626 year, for its age
#38 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Mazda 626 problems
Share of all 45 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 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
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45 complaints about the 1990 Mazda 626
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
I was driving around a 25 mph corner when my back end started sliding,i tried to correct it by turning steering wheel to the oppisite direction,but it just kept sliding and I ended up crashing into an embankment.About a year later my husband was rounding same corner and the same thing happened to him.We both were doing the speed limit at the time of both accidents.
I bought a 1990 mazda 626 about a year ago. It has an atx. Recently the car would only drive in one gear. I took it to a buddy of mine that owns a transmission shop. He ran a diagnostic and said the car needed a new vehicle speed sensor and probably a new transmission. I purchased a new speed sensor that goes behind the speedometer, and now the "hold" button flashes. According to some research I've done this means that I need a new tranny. I can't get the car into reverse or into neutral. And the car will only go in third gear. *Jb
The front passenger door handle/lock was defective. This caused the door to open (even if lock) when the passenger rolled the window down. This problem was repaired once under recall (93v-174000). Mazda stated that since they repaired it once they are not legally obligated to repair it again. *Ts *nlm
NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM
Passenger's side door will not open at all. There is a defect inside of door. Also, will not open with or without keys . Dealership is aware of problem.*Ak
I recently had a failure/leak with my radiator. I have never had an accident with my vehicle. Yet, this is the second mechanic to tell me my car was in some kind of an accident. My mazda was sold to me as brand new by the dealership. How and where do I search to determine if my vehicle had in fact been previously owned and in an accident? If records of such have been destroyed is there another way to go about finding out information on what I believe to be a willful misrepresentation? Thank you, [[redacted]]. *Ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Automatic shoulder belt fails to move to proper position. *Ak
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Door lock no longer works. Driver could fall out of car.
Power door locks no longer function from the main drivers door lock, tape deck died with at tape inside, rear drivers side passenger door latch cannot be opened from the outside using the handle-must be opened from the inside, backup light/license plate lights will not work regardless of bulbs..Wiring is dead, transmission slipped from drive several times while driving on highway into neutral, just died entirely after being parked. Transmission will no longer engage..Not a fluid issue. Also have had multiple thermostat failures in the winter resulting in no heat. Replace this about every 2 years on average.
WIPER BLADE FAILED. YH
The door latch has been replaced once under recall. Handle broke again. Also, while rolling the window down, the door opened. The dealer has been contacted. *Ak
While traveling on an incline or mountain brakes are too weak to stop vehicle. Also, in order to stop vehicle the consumer most ride on the brakes. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the brake drums and other additional parts. Please provide any further details. *Ak
Electrical system shorted out, causing seat belts/radio/ power door locks/headlights to fail. *Ak
Received recall notice (#93v174000). Took vehicle to dealer. Repairs were done. Now cannot get into vehicle's driver's side door. When window is rolled down, door would open. *Ak
Fuel pump has been replaced on this vehicle (3) times in the past (3) months. The 4th replacement is on order. A service bulletin has been issued on this vehicle, stating that the rod in the fuel pump is too small for its opening. *Ak
While parked an electrical short in vehicle caused the engine to catch on fire. Exact cause unknown. *Ak
Enginehead gasket failed twice, causing vehicle to overheat. *Ak
Was driving car and the fuse box under the dashboard started to get hot took vehicle to dealer and replaced the central processing unit and the fuse box . *Ak
FRONT BRAKES FAILED.
While driving vehicle lost power, pulled the vehicle over and fumes were coming from the engine which caused the engine to catch on fire. *Ak
OIL PUMP FAILED.
Engine air intake hose cracked, causing vehicle to stall/surge. *Dsh
RADIATOR SPLIT, CAUSING LEAK. *SD
Automatic transmission slips into neutral while driving. Tt
Mazda 626: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 287 | 4 | F |
| 1993 | 127 | 2 | F |
| 1992 | 19 | 1 | B |
| 1991 | 64 | 2 | D |
| 1990 | 45 | 2 | C |
| 1989 | 42 | 2 | C |
| 1988 | 46 | 6 | C |
| 1987 | 30 | 1 | C |
| 1986 | 16 | 2 | A |
1990 Mazda 626 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 45 | 2 | C | |
| 1990 Mazda MPV | 49 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda Protege | 38 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 28 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 19 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda B-Series Truck | 16 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-6 | 14 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 929 | 13 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda Miata | 3 | 2 | F | 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 1990 Mazda 626
Does the 1990 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 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 1990 Mazda 626?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (13), body, doors & structure (9), engine & cooling (7).
How many complaints has the 1990 Mazda 626 had?
45 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 1, 1994 and the latest on September 2, 2005. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Mazda 626 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 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 1990 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