FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2001 Mazda 626
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 188 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Mazda 626, most frequently naming the transmission, engine and airbags categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 97 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2004 | 4 | 62 |
| Jan 2005 | 2 | 64 |
| Feb 2005 | 6 | 70 |
| Mar 2005 | 2 | 72 |
| Apr 2005 | 3 | 75 |
| May 2005 | 3 | 78 |
| Jun 2005 | 2 | 80 |
| Jul 2005 | 3 | 83 |
| Aug 2005 | 5 | 88 |
| Oct 2005 | 2 | 90 |
| Nov 2005 | 5 | 95 |
| Dec 2005 | 4 | 99 |
| Jan 2006 | 1 | 100 |
| Feb 2006 | 2 | 102 |
| Mar 2006 | 2 | 104 |
| Apr 2006 | 3 | 107 |
| May 2006 | 3 | 110 |
| Jun 2006 | 1 | 111 |
| Jul 2006 | 4 | 115 |
| Aug 2006 | 4 | 119 |
| Sep 2006 | 1 | 120 |
| Oct 2006 | 1 | 121 |
| Dec 2006 | 2 | 123 |
| May 2007 | 2 | 125 |
| Jun 2007 | 4 | 129 |
| Jul 2007 | 5 | 134 |
| Aug 2007 | 1 | 135 |
| Sep 2007 | 4 | 139 |
| Oct 2007 | 1 | 140 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 141 |
| Dec 2007 | 3 | 144 |
| Jan 2008 | 2 | 146 |
| Feb 2008 | 1 | 147 |
| Mar 2008 | 5 | 152 |
| Apr 2008 | 1 | 153 |
| May 2008 | 3 | 156 |
| Jul 2008 | 1 | 157 |
| Sep 2008 | 3 | 160 |
| Nov 2008 | 1 | 161 |
| Dec 2008 | 1 | 162 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 163 |
| Apr 2009 | 3 | 166 |
| May 2009 | 1 | 167 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 168 |
| Aug 2009 | 3 | 171 |
| Feb 2010 | 2 | 173 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 174 |
| Aug 2010 | 1 | 175 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 176 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 177 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 178 |
| Feb 2012 | 1 | 179 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 180 |
| Sep 2012 | 2 | 182 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 183 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 184 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 185 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 186 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 187 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 188 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Transmission12958.6%
- Engine219.5%
- Airbags115.0%
- Powertrain (other)104.5%
- Electrical94.1%
- Brakes73.2%
- Visibility52.3%
- Seat belts52.3%
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
1 campaign cover this model year
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.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW MAZDA OF GREENSBORO (1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, 336-299-1500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
- NHTSA ID
- 11230445
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2018
MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN HER CAR WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIPER SWITCH AREA AND BLINKER AREA. THE SMOKE SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD, CAUSING THE STARTER TO STAY ENGAGED. THE BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART AS WELL AS THE RECEIPT FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART.
- NHTSA ID
- 10876059
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2016
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
- NHTSA ID
- 10860056
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2016
OUR MAZDA 2001 TRIBUTE HAS BEEN LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND MECHANIC SAID IT MAY BE SOMETHING WITH MASTER CYLINDER. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND MAZDA HAD A RECALL (#6712A) THAT COVERED 2001-2002 MODEL YEAR TRIBUTE SUVS FOR A FAULTY BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP. WE CALLED MAZDA AND SPOKE TO A REP. KATRINA SAID "YOUR CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES". WHETHER WE HAVE ABS BRAKES OR NOT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE OUR CAR CHECKED IN THIS RECALL FOR OUR SAFETY. WE SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10683599
- Incident
- Feb 16, 2015
- Mileage
- 150,000 mi
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10670033
- Incident
- Oct 31, 2014
TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHTS FLASHING AND DOES NOT MOVE IN THE FIRST GEAR OR SHIFT TO SECOND EITHER HAS HAPPENED ON FREE WAY ALSO WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY WIFE DRIVES WITH KIDS. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10662651
- Incident
- Dec 7, 2014
- Mileage
- 83,201 mi
THIS CAR STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH GOING INTO REVERSE. FORWARD IS BECOMING DIFFICULT ALSO. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INDICATE THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY NOTE THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY GIVE TEMPORARY RELIEF BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I LIVE AND WORK OVERSEAS ON A US ARMY MILITARY BASE SO TO EVEN CONSIDER BRINGING AN SPEC REBUILT TRANSMISSION OVER IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT WITH A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ALL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE COVER OVER THE YEARS AND TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT 88,000 MILES IS A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10476746
- Incident
- Sep 12, 2012
- Mileage
- 88,000 mi
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10474281
- Incident
- Jun 19, 2012
- Mileage
- 125,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; STEERING; TIRES; WHEELS
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Speedometer replacement procedure
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 87 | 0 | 0 | 37.2 |
| 2001Viewing | 188 | 1 | 0 | 44.0 |
| 2000 | 217 | 2 | 0 | 46.6 |
| 1999 | 318 | 4 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 1998 | 434 | 6 | 1 | 56.8 |
| 1997 | 358 | 4 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 1996 | 359 | 3 | 4 | 64.6 |
| 1995 | 488 | 4 | 4 | 65.9 |
| 1994 | 282 | 4 | 2 | 60.1 |
| 1993 | 122 | 2 | 1 | 56.5 |
| 1992 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 43.6 |
| 1991 | 62 | 2 | 2 | 58.2 |
| 1990 | 44 | 2 | 2 | 54.8 |
| 1989 | 42 | 2 | 2 | 57.9 |
| 1988 | 45 | 6 | 3 | 61.1 |
| 1987 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 52.6 |
| 1986 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 1985 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.