1990 Mazda 626: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 44 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (30% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving around a 25 mph corner when my back end started sliding,I tried to correct it by turning steering wheel to the oppisite direction,but it just kept sliding and I ended up crashing into an embankment.about a year later my husband was rounding same corner and the same thing happened to him.we both were doing the speed limit at the time of both accidents.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2004
“I bought a 1990 mazda 626 about a year ago. It has an atx. Recently the car would only drive in one gear. I took it to a buddy of mine that owns a transmission shop. He ran a diagnostic and said the car needed a new vehicle speed sensor and probably a new transmission. I purchased a new speed sensor that goes behind the speedometer, and now the "hold" button flashes. According to some research I've done this means that I need a new tranny. I can't get the car into reverse or into neutral. And the car will only go in third gear. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2004
“The front passenger door handle/lock was defective. This caused the door to open (even if lock) when the passenger rolled the window down. This problem was repaired once under recall (93v-174000). Mazda stated that since they repaired it once they are not legally obligated to repair it again. *ts *nlm”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Passenger's side door will not open at all. There is a defect inside of door. Also, will not open with or without keys . Dealership is aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2001
“I recently had a failure/leak with my radiator. I have never had an accident with my vehicle. Yet, this is the second mechanic to tell me my car was in some kind of an accident. My mazda was sold to me as brand new by the dealership. How and where do I search to determine if my vehicle had in fact been previously owned and in an accident? If records of such have been destroyed is there another way to go about finding out information on what I believe to be a willful misrepresentation? Thank you, [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2000
“Power door locks no longer function from the main drivers door lock, tape deck died with at tape inside, rear drivers side passenger door latch cannot be opened from the outside using the handle-must be opened from the inside, backup light/license plate lights will not work regardless of bulbs..wiring is dead, transmission slipped from drive several times while driving on highway into neutral, just died entirely after being parked. Transmission will no longer engage..not a fluid issue. Also have had multiple thermostat failures in the winter resulting in no heat. Replace this about every 2 years on average.”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 1999
“Fuel pump has been replaced on this vehicle (3) times in the past (3) months. The 4th replacement is on order. A service bulletin has been issued on this vehicle, stating that the rod in the fuel pump is too small for its opening. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 1997
“While driving vehicle lost power, pulled the vehicle over and fumes were coming from the engine which caused the engine to catch on fire. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1996
“Was driving car and the fuse box under the dashboard started to get hot took vehicle to dealer and replaced the central processing unit and the fuse box . *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 1996
“Front passenger's automatic shoulder belt releases on its own; goes backwards/forwards with occupant still restrained. Tt”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
RESIN MOLDED FRONT HANDLES FAIL AT THE DOOR LATCH ACTUATING ROD ATTACHMENT, FREEING THE ROD TO FALL INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME. SUBSEQUENT LOWERING OF THE ASSOCIATED WINDOW MAY FORCE THE ACTUATING ROD DOWNWARD AND RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 626 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Mazda 626 reliable?
NHTSA has 44 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mazda 626. The most complained-about area is seat belts (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Mazda 626 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 121,416 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Mazda 626 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum:drum. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.