1985 Mazda 626 problems

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The Mazda Capella, also known as the 626 in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 until 2002. Sold in the Japanese domestic market under the Capella name, the vehicle was also commonly known in other major markets as the Mazda 626. Ford, Mazda's partner at the time, also used the Capella platform to create the Ford Telstar and Ford Probe. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Telstar models were sold worldwide.

Designed to compete against Japanese mid-size stalwarts such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Corona, and Nissan Bluebird, the Capella was succeeded by the Mazda6 (Atenza) in 2002.

The car was named after Capella, the brightest star in the constellation Auriga, the sixth-brightest in the night sky and the third-brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere, after Arcturus and Vega.

1985 Mazda 626

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Common 1985 Mazda 626 problems

The Mazda 626, produced in 1985, has been reported to have several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. One of the most frequently reported issues is transmission failure, which affects both automatic and manual transmissions. This problem is prevalent in model years ranging from 1995 to 2002, with over 150 owners reporting it. Symptoms of transmission failure include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and leaking transmission fluid. If left unaddressed, a failing transmission can cause significant damage to other components in the vehicle, resulting in costly repairs.

Another common problem reported by Mazda 626 owners is a crank but no start issue. This occurs when the engine cranks but fails to start and run independently. This issue can be caused by various factors, including a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, failed ignition coil, or a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. Additionally, issues with the timing belt or camshaft position sensor can also cause this problem. Model years from 1993 to 2002 suffer from this issue, with repairs costing up to $1000. Therefore, it's essential to have a qualified mechanic perform a diagnostic assessment of the vehicle to identify and resolve the root cause of the problem.

The intake manifold gasket is another component that fails frequently in the Mazda 626, resulting in a vacuum leak and rough idle. If the gasket fails, air can leak into the system, causing rough idle and other issues, such as reduced power or acceleration. The cost to repair these issues ranges from $502-575. Some common causes of intake manifold gasket failure include age, heat, and pressure. Suppose you suspect a vacuum leak or notice a rough idle in your Mazda 626. In that case, it's important to have the intake manifold gasket inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the problem before it causes further damage to the engine.

In summary, the Mazda 626, produced in 1985, has several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues include transmission failure, crank but no start problems, and intake manifold gasket failure. Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to significant damage to other components in the vehicle and costly repairs. Therefore, it's essential to have any used Mazda 626 you're considering inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address these issues before making a purchase.

1985 Mazda 626 engine

How much horsepower does a 1985 Mazda 626 have?

1985 Mazda 626 is 4 doors Sedan available in 3 variants MSRP ranges from $8730 to $10830. Mazda 626 offers 84 horsepower with the 5-Speed Manual transmission.

What years to avoid Mazda 626?

We advise keeping clear of the 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016 models. Most issues with this vehicle come from troubles like engine failure, transmission troubles, and interior accessory troubles. These can be costly and take a large chunk of your savings instantly.

What causes a Mazda 626 to not start?

The most common reasons a Mazda 626 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How many miles can a Mazda 626 last?

217,000mi

The estimated lifespan of a Mazda 626 is 217,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.

1985 Mazda 626 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda 626 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Mazda 626 complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Mazda 626.

2001-04-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
  • VIN: 1YVGF22C6W5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION LOCKED WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH POSSIBLY DUE TO FAULTY COMPUTER WHICH COULD THROW VEHICLE INTO 2 GEARS AT ONECE. *AK THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE PLANETARY HEAD INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE AND LOCKING OF TRANSMISSION. *YH
2001-04-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH MADE A SUDDEN STOP BECAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME IN FRONT , HIT VEHICLE HEAD-ON, AND DUAL AIR BAGS DIDNT DEPLOY. MOTOR WAS PUSHED INTO DASHBOARD, CAUSING BRUISES AND CUT IN LIPS AND IN JAW AREA. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
1997-03-18

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-08-03
  • Number Of Injuries: 4
  • VIN: JM1GC3118F1
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIGHT SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE INTO 2 PIECES AND CAUSED ACCIDENT. (INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOR CLIENT)
1996-12-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-12
  • VIN: JM1DC2414F1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE CARBURETOR. *SLC
1995-07-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO IDENTIFYING CAUSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-07-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-20
  • VIN: JM1GC3110F1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT COME LOOSE . TT
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Mazda 626 problems:

Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 Mazda 626, Radiator, Water Pump
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 Mazda 626, Radiator, Water Pump
https://www.justanswer.com/car/3btyi-1997-mazda-626-new-radiator-water-pump.html

Apr 1, 2010 ... What causes radiator fans to not come on in Mazda 626? - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic.

SOLVED: Idle Problems/ Car shakes - 1998-2002 Mazda 626 - iFixit
SOLVED: Idle Problems/ Car shakes - 1998-2002 Mazda 626 - iFixit
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/67674/Idle+Problems-+Car+shakes

Oct 22, 2011 ... Take it in to an Auto Zone and get a free computer diagnostic, then fix what it tells you is wrong.

Mazda 626 1.8 (2000) OBC2 P1250 Engine Problem - Q&A on
Mazda 626 1.8 (2000) OBC2 P1250 Engine Problem - Q&A on
https://www.justanswer.com/mazda/6n5bc-mazda-626-1-8-2000-obc2-p1250-engine-problem.html

May 8, 2012 ... It was a local Mazda mechanic that gave us the tip, he said that the problem with water in the gas tank was well known for Mazda year 2000 to ...

3 Common Mazda 626 Problems Reported by Real Owners
3 Common Mazda 626 Problems Reported by Real Owners
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/3-mazda-626-problems-reported-by-owners/

Mar 19, 2023 ... How long do Mazda transmissions last? ... One of the most common problems reported by Mazda 626 owners is transmission failure. According to ...

Tuning a 1985 mazda 323 (Malaysia) - Mazda Forum - Mazda ...
Tuning a 1985 mazda 323 (Malaysia) - Mazda Forum - Mazda ...
https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mazda-323-mazda-626-mazda-929-24/tuning-1985-mazda-323-malaysia-10658/

Sep 27, 2007 ... One common problem i have seen on those is the spray pump bore wears out. This requires replacement of the carb basicly. You probably have fuel ...

Other years of Mazda 626

mazda 626 1986 photo
626 1986
Mazda

18

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1987 photo
626 1987
Mazda

40

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1988 photo
626 1988
Mazda

52

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1989 photo
626 1989
Mazda

48

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1990 photo
626 1990
Mazda

55

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1991 photo
626 1991
Mazda

95

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1985 Mazda 626 photo