1999 Mazda 626 LX from North America - Comments

After two years, the automatic radio antenna started making a loud grinding noise while the antenna was retracting/raising, I disconnected it. The noise sounds like a plastic gear stripped out inside the motor housing.

After three years, the trunk started filling with water. It turned out to be a broken clip on the trunk pressure relief valve located in the wheel well. How this broke, I'll never know, but a little RTV sealant and it was good as new. Too bad I had to cut the carpeting out of the trunk to find the leak.

Also in the third year: The rear passenger side electric lock quit working and the door could not be opened because it was stuck in the locked position. I cut into the door panel to try and release it, but no luck. Six months after that, it started working again, but buzzed loudly. I took off the door panel and disconnected the solonoid. The door has to be manually locked and unlocked now.

Again in the third year: The plastic engine coolant reservoir developed several cracks and leaked. The engine almost overheated. Replacement cost $65.00.

In the fourth year: The plastic engine coolant reservoir developed several cracks and leaked AGAIN. Replacement cost $75.00.

In the fifth year: Yep you guessed it, the engine coolant reservoir AGAIN. Replacement cost - we demanded a new one free--and got it. Mazda is aware of this issue yet continues to sell these things.

Somewhere between the 2nd and third year, the dash lights quit working.

Just this year (#6), the engine developed a rough idle at about 55k miles.

I bought this car brand new for my wife. The engine is peppy, the four wheel disk brakes are awesome, and it corners quite well. I don't think it's very comfortable, but my wife does and that's fine since I don't have to drive it.

As far as reliability, it doesn't get high marks, but could have been a lot worse. This thing really has me worried and I hope to see it gone from the driveway very soon. After reading other reviews, I am really glad we bought the 5-speed and not the automatic.

I will *never* buy another Mazda again. Next stop Toyota, I wish I had never left.

I own a '99 Mazda 626 also and there are too many similarities with the last comment to not add my say.

I also disconnected my automatic radio antenna because of the loud grinding noise while the antenna was retracting/raising.

Also my rear passenger side electric lock quit working and the door could not be opened because it was stuck in the locked position. Have not figured out how to fix yet.

And I have already replaced the plastic engine coolant reservoir TWICE. I believe it is a defective Mazda part.

I am almost at 100000 miles though. And the car still runs great except for these issues above. I have loved my car and am happy with my purchase. I bought it when it only had 9 miles on it and it is a smooth ride and has been reliable.