1989 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.

1989 Mazda 626

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Common 1989 Mazda 626 problems

The Mazda 626 from 1989 has been known to have several common problems, based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues and their details:

  • Slow Window Rising: One or more door windows may take a long time to rise after being pressed down. This issue is often caused by a failing window motor or regulator. The solution is to replace the faulty part once the interior door panels have been removed.
  • Engine Won't Restart: The engine may stop while driving and refuse to restart. This problem is typically due to weak inner parts of the spill valve on the fuel injection pump, which can lead to a drop in injection pressure. Replacing the spill valve with a new one should resolve the issue.
  • Engine Cranks But Not Starting: If the engine is cranking but not starting, the distributor may need to be replaced. If the issue persists after checking the distributor, it could be a tripped inertia switch, which can be reset by waiting for a clicking sound when restarting the car.
  • Knocking From Front or Rear: A knocking sound coming from the front or rear of the car, especially on rough roads, may indicate broken or loose sway bar linkages. Checking and tightening these linkages should resolve the issue. Mazda has also released redesigned linkages to prevent the problem from recurring.
  • Engine Surge: The engine may experience sudden surges when in forward gears. This issue can be caused by a split intake tube between the mass airflow sensor and the throttle bottle. Replacing the damaged intake ducting should solve the problem.
  • Rough Idling: The engine may run rough when idling, potentially causing overheating. This problem is often due to a worn-out intake manifold gasket, which can be replaced with a new one for quick delivery.
  • Engine Stall When Stopping: Low ATF levels can cause the torque convertor to lock up, leading to stalling when applying the brake to come to a stop. Topping up the ATF should resolve this issue.
  • Heater Problems: If the heater only works on one setting, it is likely due to a problem with the heater blower motor. Replacing the heater blower motor should fix the problem.
  • Engine Misfiring: The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor is prone to failure on the Mazda 626, causing misfiring and poor engine idling. This issue can also lead to poor performance and lack of acceleration.

It is important to note that these issues are based on owner complaints and may not affect all 1989 Mazda 626 models. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent or mitigate these problems.

1989 Mazda 626 engine

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.

How many miles can a Mazda 626 last?

Mazda vehicles are known to last at least 200,000 miles if properly maintained.

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.

What was the Mazda 626 called in Japan?

Capella

Sold in the Japanese domestic market under the Capella name, the vehicle was also commonly known in other major markets as the Mazda 626.

1989 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:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1989 Mazda 626

The NHTSA has received 48 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Mazda 626 vehicles.

2006-01-08

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-01-03
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TWO TRANSMISSIONS PUT INTO A CAR WITH LESS THAN 150,000 MILES. NOW DEAD BUT MONEY OWED ON CAR. HOW CAN YOU KEEP GETTING THESE COMPLAINTS AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? *JB
2002-09-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1GD2227K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2002-09-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-09-11
  • VIN: JM1GD2227K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2000-10-12

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE FIRESTONE FIREHAWK SS10 P195/60R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BULGES UNDER THE TREAD WHICH CAUSED VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING, ORIGINALLY REPORTED (ODI# 732737). *MJS
2000-09-28

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-28
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE TIRE HAS NOT COMPLETELY FAILED. IT HAS A LONGITUDINAL BULGE ON THE TREAD THAT GOES ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P195/60R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/60R15 )
2000-07-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1GD2225K1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 93V174000/ DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE. DEALER CORRECTED THE RECALL. CONSUMER CURRENTLY IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL REPAIRS. WHEN LOWERING THE WINDOW, DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
1999-07-07

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-02
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JM1GD2223K1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TRAVELING S. ON I93 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT SPEED LIMIT. EXIT AT #42 & TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE SPEED CONTROL. NO RESPONSE! CAR CONTINUED UP RAMP TOWARDS 5 PM TRAFFIC. BRAKES DID NOT AFFECT SPEED AS CONTROLL STILL ENGAGED. TURNED OFF IGNITION JUST BEFORE ENTERING RT 302 INTERSECTION, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES. STRUCK MEDIUN SIDEWAYS, CAR ALSO HIT I93 SIGN. STOPPED AT END OF MEDIAN. *AK
1999-04-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FTNX20SXXE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY SURGE AND LUNGE. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, RESULTING IN VEHICLE RUNNING THROUGH THE GARAGE. *AK
1999-03-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-03
  • VIN: JM1GD2226K1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FRONT DRIVER DOOR HANDLE BROKE AFTER RECALL REPAIR.(RECALL# 53404)
1999-02-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
  • VIN: JM1GD2443K1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION OFTEN DOES NOT SELECT FIRST GEAR. DEFAULTS TO WHAT FEELS MORE LIKE 3RD GEAR. SUSPECT ELECTRICAL POSITION SWITCH PROBLEM. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT IF PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC SINCE CAR ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY FROM STANDSTILL IN 3RD GEAR.
1999-02-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
  • VIN: JM1GD2443K1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: PLASTIC EAR TABS ON SWITCH FAILED DUE TO AGE OR HEAT RELATED DEGRADATION, LEAVING METAL SWITCH CONTACT AND LAMP BULB SPRING LOOSE INSIDE SWITCH. SIMILAR PROBLEM READY TO OCCUR WITH A/T SWITCH.
1998-10-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1GD2446K1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS MOTORBELT FAILED.
1998-09-06

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-05
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
1998-04-15

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-15
  • VIN: JM1GD2221K1
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE LATCH ASSEMBLY IN DRIVERS DOOR FAILED.
1998-04-06

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-06
  • VIN: JM1GD2223K1
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: FRONT/REAR TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
1997-04-14

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-21
  • VIN: JN1GD2225K1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: RECALL RELATED 93V174000, IN FOR REPAIRS, DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE WILL OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE ROD CONTINUES TO FALL INSIDE THE PANEL DOOR, AND IF THE WINDOW IS DOWN THE DOOR WILL POP OPEN. *AK
1997-02-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1GD2423K1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESS FAILURES.
1997-01-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JM1GD2224K1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN TO PUT LEVER INTO REVERSE WOULDN'T MOVE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, TOOK TO MECHANIC SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDS REBUILDING. *AK
1996-11-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
  • VIN: JM1GD2449K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GRIND AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. *AK
1996-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JM1GD2444K1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GASOLINE LEAK IN RUBBER FUEL LINE HOSE, CAUSING FIRE.
1996-11-01

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-25
  • VIN: GYJM1GD222K
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED.
1996-10-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-01
  • VIN: JM16D2229K1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: RECALL REPAIR ON DOOR.
1996-10-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-09-01
  • VIN: JM16D2229K1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: PULSE GENERATOR INSTALLED.
1996-10-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
  • VIN: JM16D2229K1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STARTER REPLACED.
1996-10-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-23
  • VIN: JM16D2229K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MUFFLER REPLACED 2 TIMES.

1989 Mazda 626 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Mazda 626.

1993-10-29
  • Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: INADVERTENT ACTUATION OF THE DOOR LATCH CAUSES THE DOORTO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THEVEHICLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.
1993-10-13
  • Manufacturer: MIDAS INTERNATIONAL CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
  • Summary: THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
  • Consequence: IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
  • Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
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Other years of Mazda 626

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
mazda 626 1992 photo
626 1992
Mazda

22

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1993 photo
626 1993
Mazda

180

2

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1994 photo
626 1994
Mazda

301

4

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda 626 1995 photo
626 1995
Mazda

518

4

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1989 Mazda 626 photo