- The problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Mazda 626 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 434 complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (313) and the engine & cooling (82). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries and 5 deaths. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1997 has 360 and the 1999 has 320.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 626 year, for its age
#16 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 434
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 15
- Deaths
- 5
Most common 1998 Mazda 626 problems
Share of all 434 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Mazda 626 recalls 6
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
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break.
- The risk
- The broken spring may get caught in the timing belt, resulting possible engine stalling.
- The fix
- Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: if the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation to enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit.
- The risk
- If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the speaker can overheat and in some cases, catch fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to a programming error, the powertrain control module (pcm) installed can, under certain driving conditions, trigger a shift in air-fuel ratio to an overlean condition.
- The risk
- This condition can result in an engine stall, which could lead to loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the pcm with the correct engine control logic.
What owners say
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434 complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 18.
Since owning the mazda 626 I have had a very big problem the transmission slipping. It will slip going into second gear. If its below 60 degrees the car wont shift into drive until the motor gets hot enough. The car is like this every single day and does it every time it is driven. Also the interior lights work somtimes on and off and the back windows wont roll down from the driver button
Takata recall. The transmission cd4e tranny doesn't have switch gears unless you use excessive rpm.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the ignition failed to release the key. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,735. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle also made a warning sound and emitted a burning odor from the front end. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
I was driving 60mph slowing down to the speed limit which was 55 all of a sudden something popped there was nothing on the road and my steering wheel locked the car went in to the wall and flipped over twice. Everything on the vehicle was damaged including the windows. *Tr
Transmission problems! Right now the car is at the mechanic having the transmission replaced. I know I am not the only one with this problem, please do something. Right now replacing it for a rebuilt one is $1,100, but being a manufacturer problem, it may not last another year. I am the 3rd owner, so I am not sure how many more times this transmission have been repaired or replaced, but when I bought it was working well. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626lx. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and at times would stall. Approximately one year ago, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the timing belt. The problem continued. The current mileage was approximately 198,000 and the failure mileage was 187,000. The vehicle was at the dealer awaiting repairs.
105,626 Original mileage. Coming from a long highway drive. Car began to rev really high. Transmission was slipping. O/d light began blinking. Crawled the vehicle to repair shop. Was told there was a complete failure of the transmission. Transmission was rebuilt. *Tr
I bought a mazda 626 1998 and it had 116,000 miles on it the transmission o/d light began to flash and then it started shifting hard then oil started to burn and I had to install a external transmission cooler this only lasted for a while and then the transmission shifted hard and oil went everywhere. *Tr
While driving exit the highway, the engine shut down. Push to the side and could not restart the car. After toll back to home, we can start the car next day. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 to 60 mph, the vehicle would vibrate. In addition, when depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a hesitation in the vehicle's response. The contact was concerned that there was a defect in the fuel system and that the amount of fuel flowing to the engine was minimal. The contact also stated that nhtsa campaign id number 97v228000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) was directly related to the failure. The...
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contact was unable to confirm if his vin was a part of the recall or if the recall repair had been performed by the previous owner. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 182,035 and the current mileage was 186,000.
Tl- the contact has 1998 mazda 626. The contact stated that there is a recall and the campaign number is 00v134000 that their vehicle is not a part of. The contact stated that the dealer stated there is a recall for this but the vehicle was not involved. The contact had the timing belt tension spring break causing the vehicle to stall. The contact was pulling out of a drvie way and traveling 5mph at the time. The vehicle had 114000 miles at the time of the failure and 11400 miles currently. Updated 06/25/10. *Lj updated 07/27/10*j
TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 98 MAZDA 626 WITH 149K MILES. *TR
1998 Mazda 626, while driving the highway going 60 mph the engine stalled and we coasted to the break down lane of the highway. Car would not start back up. Had it tow. Car diagnostics pending. *Tr
1998 Mazda 626 lx 4 cyl car was fine took it to have transmission service next day slipping starting out in 2nd gear shifting hard before service was done car drove like a dream. *Tr
1. Long highway drive (8-10h) during temp. Stormy conditions (1-2h) 2. Transmission defect, 3800$ repair bill + additional costs for rentals/motels 3. Replaced transmission. *Tr
I was driving home(logan) after driving from logan,ut. To layton,ut. When I heard a loud pop, the rpms redlined and the car stalled out. I pushed the car (1998 mazda 626) to the side of the road, the car was smoking so I opened the hood and smelled transmission fluid, I looked under the car and seen transmission fluid leaking on the road. This car has had an external transmission fluid added and it has still gone out. I am trying to investigate the problem for myself and have not come to a conclusion yet. I do not...
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have the money for the service to be don so I will try to contact mazda or ford to get the issue corrected, luckily I wasn't on a very busy highway or the problem could have possibly resulted in a serious accident or damage to myself or someone else. *Tr
The external spring in my timing belt tensioner has broken, and there is no recall on my specific vehicle. However, there is one on the mazda 626 2.0 Ltr engine (4 cyl). *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. The contact noticed that her radio was inoperative accompanied by a heating sensation. In addition, the vehicle would fail to start. She called the manufacturer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 98v243000 (equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.), In which a representative stated that they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. The contact was referred to a dealer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 46,000.
The tranny was slipping and the od light kept blinking on and off and the transmission stopped working due to faulty parts, with all the other complaints on this transmission they should either replace the part(s) or buy the vehicles back from the consumer! *Tr
I have 103,000 miles. My transmission hasn't failed yet, which I now see I should feel lucky about. I have had all the other transmission issues I now find are common because mazda put too small an engine into this car. I have had the o/d light flash on and off, the transmission be jerky, check engine light on. (This has gone on for several years now) I was told by a dealer I needed a range sensor and an aftermarket transmission cooler. I thought I had a leak of transmission fluid but it's just spewing up from the...
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transmission overheating. Every time they change the fluid it gets worse. Now I can see from what others say that my transmission will no doubt fail soon. I had to find this out by going online; no mazda repair shop ever told me any of this, until today when I was told that there was an "issue" with the 1998 transmission. Unbelievable. Mazda should have to do something since it's their design defect. I will never buy another mazda!!!!!!! Toyota, here I come. *Tr
Gears began slipping and then transmission completely failed. *Tr
I own two 1998 mazda 626s. The transmission went out in the first one. I bought a replacement and installed it. At the same time, I bought another mazda 626 and my wife started driving it. Each transmission had about 100, 000 miles on it. We are small business owners on a budget with a big family and very mindful of preventable maintenance and driving with integrity. To make a long story short, I am sitting here this morning with three, yes three, useless transmissions and several thousands of dollars wasted thus far. Mazda needs to own up to this problem with your help! *Tr
I have a 1998 mazda 626 4cyl. Automatic transmission. I have had numerous problems with this transmission, I have had the torque converter replaced, along with fluid flushes and even some electrical connections replaced and now the car sits in my driveway with a perfect motor and when its in reverse it is in drive, there is no reverse anymore. I have spent thousands of dollars trying to get this fixed and I am on a fixed income and need help repairing it. *Tr
Transmission problems with the year of 98's transmissions made by ford. Transmissions have had multiple issues starting from shifting issues, transmission fluid overheating requiring more and more mazda 626's to have aftermarket transmission coolers installed, transmission overheating. This year that ford made this transmission has caused many people to often replace transmissions for this vehicle. You will see many people have replaced their transmissions 2 or 3 times within putting 150k on the vehicle. Please...
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look into as I have had my transmission slip and completely not work, to getting rebuilt and now my o/d is now flashing, which requires me to install an aftermarket oil cooler for my transmissions, which does not come with the vehicle already. Transmission rebuild is costing over 2,000 dollars due to the unavailability of parts from the dealer and aftermarket suppliers. Please recall this transmission!!!!!! A mazda technical service bulletin exists for some 1998-2001 models. Tsb 05-005/02 deals with one specific circumstance: "after extended highway driving, the o/d off light is blinking and code p1783 is set (excessive atf temperature). Occasionally there will be overflow through the dipstick tube and harsh shifting. Mazda's recommended fix is to replace the radiator and to install an auxiliary cooler for the transmission." When the light goes on, it enters a fail-safe mode? (The epc solenoid opens up and brings line pressure up to 'max') ... The only catch is it raises the fluid pressure well beyond normal specs (it goes from 100 to 400 psi). Ford cd4e transmission http://www.Answerbag.Com/q_view/724066 - issues also with transmission. *Tr
Mazda 626: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 88 | 0 | D |
| 2001 | 189 | 1 | F |
| 2000 | 217 | 2 | F |
| 1999 | 320 | 4 | F |
| 1998 | 434 | 6 | F |
| 1997 | 360 | 4 | F |
| 1996 | 362 | 3 | F |
| 1995 | 493 | 4 | F |
| 1994 | 287 | 4 | F |
1998 Mazda 626 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Mazda 626 | 434 | 6 | F | |
| 1998 Mazda B-Series | 67 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Mazda Protege | 46 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Mazda Millenia | 29 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Mazda MPV | 19 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1 | 0 | A | 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 1998 Mazda 626
Does the 1998 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1998 Mazda 626: switch (October 2015); exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); engine (May 2000) and more. 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 1998 Mazda 626?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (313), engine & cooling (82), equipment & accessories (15).
How many complaints has the 1998 Mazda 626 had?
434 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 13, 1998 and the latest on January 8, 2018. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 15 injuries and 5 deaths.
Is the 1998 Mazda 626 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 3 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 1998 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