- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1999 Mazda 626 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 320 complaints about the 1999 Mazda 626 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (234) and the engine & cooling (50). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 1998 has 434 and the 2000 has 217.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 626 year, for its age
#25 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 320
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Mazda 626 problems
Share of all 320 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Mazda 626 recalls 4
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
- 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: 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.
- The risk
- This condition could cause reduced brake efficiency, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary.
What owners say
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320 complaints about the 1999 Mazda 626
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 13.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
CAR TIRES SLIPPERY & ALWAYS ON FLAT. *TR
My gas pedal get stuck, car jerks when driven & make noisy, car sakes brakes problems & more. *Tr
Catastrophic jerking of the transmission while accelerating causing extremely slow acceleration and dangerous conditions in heavy traffic. *Tr
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....
Read the full complaint
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
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
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS *TT
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
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.
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
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
Rough shifting, slipping ,rough idle, overheating transmission. *Tr
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
Gear slipping & rpm "reving" transmission faliure, need to replace. *Tr
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
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
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.
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
This is the 3rd transmission failure of 1999 mazda 626. Car only has 136k miles. *Tr
Mazda 626: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9 | 0 | A |
| 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 |
1999 Mazda 626 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Mazda 626 | 320 | 4 | F | |
| 1999 Mazda Protege | 90 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Mazda B-Series | 80 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 74 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Mazda Millenia | 27 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1999 Mazda MPV | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1999 Mazda MX3 | 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 1999 Mazda 626
Does the 1999 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1999 Mazda 626: exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); engine (May 2000); master cylinder (March 2000). 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 1999 Mazda 626?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (234), engine & cooling (50), brakes (16).
How many complaints has the 1999 Mazda 626 had?
320 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 13, 1998 and the latest on September 22, 2017. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Mazda 626 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 6 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 1999 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