RoadVitals

1997 Mazda 626

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
358
Latest Dec 8, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 19, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
22
27 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 358 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Mazda 626, most frequently naming the transmission, engine and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 82 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
15V674000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Oct 19, 2015
1,368,500 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 8715JView on NHTSA.gov
05E065000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Oct 5, 2005
42,962 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
SPX FILTRANView on NHTSA.gov
98V249000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Oct 8, 1998
213,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
The risk: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SAS UNIT TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF UNNECESSARY DEPLOYMENTS IN LOW SPEED UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ02004ClosedRecall Query

OVERSENSITIVE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Feb 8, 2002
Closed Aug 19, 2002

There is no summary currently available

AIR BAGSLed to recall 98V249000
SQ98024ClosedInvestigation

SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE

Opened Oct 29, 1998
Closed Sep 10, 1999

SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.

POWER TRAINLed to recall 99I005000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 358
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 8, 2018

THE VEHICLE IS STALLING DURING ACCELERATION AND AFTER. SOMETIMES IT'S STOPS AND CLEAR ITSELF UP AND THEN THROWS ITSELF INTO OVERDRIVE (O/D OFF LIGHTS STARTS FLASHING) ALL WHILE DRIVING IT IN THE STREET(CITY AND INTERSTATE). WHEN YOU LET THE CAR SIT AND NOT RUN IT WILL NOT FLASH BUT AFTER DRIVING AMD NOT GETTING ANY SPEED IT DOES IT AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
11157034
Incident
Dec 1, 2018
Mileage
147,400 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 5, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 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 CALLED FIVE STAR MAZDA AT (478) 841-9275 (LOCATED AT 3068 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE DEALER DID NOT CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11021570
Incident
Oct 19, 2015
Electrical
Filed Jan 30, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL RESOLUTION REGARDING REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,105.

NHTSA ID
10948408
Incident
Dec 1, 2016
Mileage
120,105 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 18, 2016

SEE UPLOADED PDF DOCUMENT.

NHTSA ID
10917211
Incident
Mar 15, 2016
Electrical
Filed May 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10863025
Incident
Apr 11, 2016
Electrical
Filed Apr 12, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10855029
Incident
Oct 22, 2015
Airbags
Filed Apr 7, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MAZDA 626. WHILE AT A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID
10854162
Incident
Aug 22, 2011
Mileage
80,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 4, 2015

LEFT HOME TO GO TO WORK MADE IT ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOME AND MY TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A HWY. I WAS TURNING ONTO FROM A SIDE STREET. I WAS ABOUT HIT AS MY MAZDA WOULD NOT GO AND QUIT WORKING ON A BLIND CORNER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10714440
Incident
Nov 14, 2014
Mileage
131,212 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01-006-21-3779a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.

09-025-21-3824

EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver’s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.

01-006-21-3779

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.

01-005-21-3778

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.

09-002-21-3770

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer

09-003-20-3671

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement.  Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.  When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.  This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.  Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the “Speedometer Replacement Label”. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore.  In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda’s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO’s services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda 626 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003900—
2002870037.2
20011881044.0
20002172046.6
19993184050.3
19984346156.8
1997Viewing3584260.8
19963593464.6
19954884465.9
19942824260.1
19931222156.5
1992191043.6
1991622258.2
1990442254.8
1989422257.9
1988456361.1
1987291152.6
1986162151.1
1985600—
1984300—
1983200—
1982020—
1981020—
1980020—
1979020—
1978000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.