1997 Mazda 626 from North America - Comments

There are so many things that have gone wrong. First problem was jerking between 45 and 55 mph. Took the car in to be serviced the dealer stated no problems. The car air bag light constanly flashed. Took the car in to the dealer about five times they stated that they can't pick up the problem because the light wouldn't stay on. But after the vehicle warranty was gone they found the problem. The dealer did something to cut it off. The over/drive light would flash constanly, this problen took place two times had that serviced. Spent about two thousand on transmission. The tension spring by the timming belt has many times for no reason. They will break at anytime so all 626 owners with a 2.0 engine will experience this. After the car get over 100,000 it will vibrate while in drive. Mazda 626 owners be aware.

The point I am trying to make is why Mazda won't take responsibility of their product and issue a recall because everyone is having the same problems with the 4cyl 626. The car is a nightmare just when you think you're doing good a problem arise. If you want to have money stay away from mazda products.

I encourage all people who are having/have had transmission problems to file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration visit the following site to file a complaint http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ or call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236.

I agree with the above, if you got a mid-90's 626 with an automatic, expect transmission problems. It's much better with a 5-speed. But the tranny failure is of catastrophic proportions, sometimes replacing several trannies by the time it gets to 100K miles.

Mine failed at 108,000 miles and no, V6 models are not less likely to develop that problem. It wouldn't shift into 2 gear. Due to poor design, it overheats. I installed Hayden 404 transmission cooler and my new (er) tranny works really well, but I don't trust it anyway long term. The design is inherently flawed. I hear these are Ford transmissions.

Whether my next car is going to be a Mazda or not, it will be a 5-speed for reliability.

I gotta agree since I own my 1996 Mazda 626 LX. It's my worst experience with this vehicle. My previous was '93 Subaru Impreza was running very well and very reliable until 215,000 miles (it was totaled in accident, not my fault).

I love Subaru, but I could not find good deal on Subaru, so I bought this vehicle from a dealer 5 years ago. My car has been having so many problems since I bought it. It only has 150,000 miles on it right now. I feel like I put cast after cast after cast after cast on it.

Now th engine light is on and the O/D is blinking. I had it tested at 2 different shops and same result. They says LOTS of problems in the transmission and valve body. Oh gosh! It's the worst car I ever had. I'm selling it to a junkyard because I would not sell a lemon car.

Next car is definitely NOT Mazda. I am going to buy Subaru next time. This vehicle has nice looks and space, but a bad transmission and repairs cost too much. I can't afford this anymore. It would not be good for people who can't afford repairs or more burden on their shoulders.