2001 Mazda 626: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 188 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (70% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2015
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2012
“I bought this car used a year ago this month when my daughters car engine locked up. She was out of state so it was a hurry up thing over the phone. She didn't realize the transmission was slipping in first gear, thought it was cv joint. Shop diagnosed the transmission. This really makes me sooo mad as this is a nice car. I think ford should pay to replace all the transmissions in these cars. Now I have to either dump it at a loss or pay out alot to get transmission repaired . *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda 626lx. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the transmission began to slip with severe hesitation. The vehicle was diagnosed by two different independent mechanics who advised the contact that the transmission was defective and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2010
“2001 mazda 626. Transmission shifting cable falls off shift lever on transmission. Once occurs, can not shift out of whatever position you are in at the time of the failure. Mazda sells a new cable kit with new/adequate cable to transmission connection device ($180). You can not just buy the connector. Mazda parts person said, "we sell a lot of these" indicating numerous failures for same cause. Being a mechanical engineer, I resolved the issue with a axle nut as used to hold wheels on a child's wagon, etc. *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
Remedy: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 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 2001 Mazda 626 reliable?
NHTSA has 188 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Mazda 626. The most complained-about area is power train (70% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Mazda 626 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,726 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Mazda 626 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.