15th Oct 2009, 15:36

I've got a 95 Mazda 626 with 184,000 miles on it. I have had to replace the transmission. My mechanic says the transmissions on these cars are poorly designed and the transmission fluid gets overheated and dirty. He said to fully flush (not just drain) the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

I've also got the engine warning light that comes on periodically. My mechanic looked the car over and couldn't find anything wrong. Haven't figured that one out yet.

3rd Nov 2009, 13:00

I have been battling issues with my 2002 Mazda 626 for the last 4 out of the 5 years that I have had it.

My transmission has been replaced a minimum of 4 times, and all within the time span of a few months. After realizing that no transmission specialist or mechanic would be able to help my issue, we have done our best trying to keep up with over-regular fluid changes. I am 2 months from paying the car off and it's died once again. Every story sounds like mine. I also called the Michigan lawyer and got a very frosty response that yes, while at one point they were considering the case, they have decided it would be better tried 'in another state'.

Well, I am here to say, I have spent more money on this used car than I have on anything in my life. It's safe to say that this car has cost me a total of $40k, and still racking up. A class action lawsuit is needed. Anyone ready? If I have the supporters, (which it seems I should), let's get our names and numbers together and take it to a lawyer, in California.

E-mail- elitedigitalbath@hotmail.com.

17th Nov 2009, 21:01

I just bought my 16 yr old son a 95 626 LX for 1500. Beautiful car in and out. All the bells and whistles, sunroof everything works, bought it today. 6 hours later he can't get it in gear. Holy shot! Now I find this website. I will never buy another used car without typing it in to the old computer. Wish me luck yall.

8th Jul 2010, 21:46

I own a 95 Mazda 626 with the manual transmission, and I don't have half the problems you people have with the automatic transmission models. To this day, I have spent $600 on new half axles, struts, and another $900 to put 17" rims and rubber on my car and have it aligned.

As of now, the car has 214,000 miles on it, and the only major problem I have is the ticking noise from the lifters. I found the remedy to fix it, but have not yet bought the new oil pump plunger. Apparently the original oil pump plunger allows air to flow to the hydraulic lifters, and that's what causes the ticking noise, because the lifters don't get enough pressure. If you let this go long enough, you will also find the valve seals will go bad too. My car burns oil on startup, because oil leaks past the worn valve seals and into the cylinder. The oil in the cylinder burns off in a few minutes, but never the less, I am still burning a small amount of oil as I drive it. About $200 will fix the valve seals, and another $100 should fix the oil pump plunger.

Good luck!

6th May 2011, 08:46

Hi everyone, I have had a 1995 Mazda 626 LX for a few years, and now I'm having a problem with the (O/D) light flashing. Sometimes when I hit a bump in the road, it stops flashing for a few weeks or a month or so, and then I hit another bump, and it starts flashing again. Take it to a shop; they tell me the trans. is going bad, need to change it ($2750.00), a second opinion ($2000.00).

Any suggestions please? I like the car, everything works on it.

6th May 2011, 10:18

I don't have specific experience with this model. However, if hitting a bump causes a light to go on or off, I would suspect an electrical issue. Check the wheel speed sensors, including wiring and wheel bearings, as loose bearings could cause a wheel speed sensor malfunction. Check transmission speed sensor and wiring. Also try replacing fluid and filter, and adding Lucas Oil Transmission Fix. Of course these things could end up as being wasted efforts. I think the potential rewards outweigh that risk.

Good luck.

8th May 2011, 15:25

Thanks! That was my thinking but the transmission place tell me the solenoids need to be replaced, that will be the cheapest way ($750.00). But it's not a guarantee the problem will be fixed and I refuse to spend that much... Thanks very much.

9th May 2011, 09:59

Hi, thank you for responding... now they tell me the solenoids might be bad. This is the cheapest way to go before putting in a new transmission. The price is 750.00 to change the solenoids and 2000.00 for a rebuilt transmission. My question is, is it worth it to spend that much? And the solenoids, where are they located? Thank you, your suggestions will be very much appreciated.

31st Jul 2011, 23:13

Wow... thanks for let us know about your Mazda troubles. It will be good for people that is thinking to buy one of those cars. Including me! I was watching some options to buy a Mazda, but nuh... I have changed my mind...!!! I will look at another options. Thanks again!

Mr. Onofre.

13th Feb 2012, 21:04

I have a 95 626 LX with 280xxx miles on it. It runs like a champ. Original trans in it, although I need to get it replaced. The forks on it are getting sloppy and 5th gear is all but shot.

I paid $1,000 for it 4 years ago, and it's been going strong ever since.

1st Mar 2012, 10:11

Hi. I'm having somewhat that same problem. The only thing is if the lights don't come on, on the dashboard, letting you know what gear you're in, the car won't switch gears. But when they do, it's fine. Do you think it's a tranny problem?

4th Sep 2014, 18:26

I have a Mazda 626 1995, and it has an oil leak and also shakes very rapidly, even with the air off. I have been told about the transmission being poorly made, and O/D light has flashed a few times as well. I can't afford a $2,000 replacement. I might as well buy a used car.