1990 Mazda 626 problems
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.
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Common 1990 Mazda 626 problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the Mazda 626 1990 based on complaints from owners:
- Engine Won't Restart:
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- Problem: The engine stops while driving and then fails to restart.
- Solution: Early models of the Mazda 626 had weak inner parts in the spill valve of the fuel injection pump, causing a drop in injection pressure. Replacing the spill valve can resolve this issue without needing to replace the entire fuel pump.
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- Engine Cranks But Not Starting:
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- Problem: The engine cranks but does not start.
- Solution: This could be due to a faulty distributor or a tripped inertia switch. Checking the distributor and resetting the inertia switch can often resolve this problem.
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- Knocking From Front or Rear:
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- Problem: A knocking sound from the front or rear of the car, especially on rough roads.
- Solution: This issue is often caused by broken or loose sway bar linkages. Tightening them or replacing with redesigned linkages can fix the problem.
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- Engine Surge:
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- Problem: Sudden surging of the engine in forward gears.
- Solution: Check the intake tube for splits between the mass airflow sensor and throttle bottle. Replacing damaged intake ducting can address this issue.
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- Rough Idling:
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- Problem: Rough idling, potential misfires, and overheating.
- Solution: Worn-out intake manifold gaskets are a common culprit. Replacing the gasket can resolve rough idling and misfire issues.
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- Engine Stall When Stopping:
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- Problem: Engine stalls when applying the brake to stop.
- Solution: Low ATF levels can cause torque converter lock-up and stalling. Topping up the ATF can prevent this issue.
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- Heater Problems:
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- Problem: Heater only works on one setting due to issues with the blower motor.
- Solution: Replacing the heater blower motor is necessary to fix this problem.
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- Engine Misfiring:
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- Problem: Engine misfiring, fluctuating revs, and poor acceleration.
- Solution: The MAF sensor is prone to failure, causing misfiring and poor engine idling. Replacing the MAF sensor can improve engine performance and idling.
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These common problems reported by Mazda 626 1990 owners encompass various issues related to windows, engine performance, suspension, and heating systems.
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?
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.
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.
1990 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Visibility problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 55 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Mazda 626 vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGD22B6L5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-30
- VIN: JM1GD2229L1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-26
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8L5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-26
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8L5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-11
- VIN: 1YVGD22B5L5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-20
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8L5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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).
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1GD2421L1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILS TO MOVE TO PROPER POSITION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- VIN: JM1GD2443L1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: JMIGO2223L1
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS. DRIVER COULD FALL OUT OF CAR.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4L5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPER BLADE FAILED. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPER BLADE FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PISTONS AND OIL SEALS FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PISTONS AND OIL SEALS FAILED. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPER BLADE FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PISTONS AND OIL SEALS FAILED. YH
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE DOOR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER RECALL. HANDLE BROKE AGAIN. ALSO, WHILE ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN, THE DOOR OPENED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4L5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INCLINE OR MOUNTAIN BRAKES ARE TOO WEAK TO STOP VEHICLE. ALSO, IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE THE CONSUMER MOST RIDE ON THE BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKE DRUMS AND OTHER ADDITIONAL PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1GD242L18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT, CAUSING SEAT BELTS/RADIO/ POWER DOOR LOCKS/HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-17
- VIN: 1YVGD22B2L6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#93V174000). TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. REPAIRS WERE DONE. NOW CANNOT GET INTO VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN, DOOR WOULD OPEN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-10
- VIN: 1YVGD22BOL5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1YVGD22B3L5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN VEHICLE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. EXACT CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-27
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4L5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINEHEAD GASKET FAILED TWICE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4L5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
1990 Mazda 626 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda 626.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 1990 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 1990 Mazda 626 car reviews
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I recently picked up this car a month ago. The turbo was what attracted me the most. The sunroof works great, the interior is clean, and the alloy rims are showing minor rust. Unfortunately, the clutch already went, but it lasted 14 years, which is impressive. It still performs great, as I've beaten many Acura's and even a 5.0 Mustang. I do have a cold air intake, and am working on a blow off valve. There is no rust on the body. The cooling system is beginning to leak, and the timing belt is beginning to whine. There's also a tap in the cylinder, which isn't good. Overall, this is a great car to have fun with.
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13 and a half years and 178550 miles--this car still starts every time. It's amazing how reliable this Mazda is; no matter how bad it looks, it always starts. Can you believe it gets 32 miles to the gallon in suburban commuting (manual transmission)? This vehicle still has its original engine, transmission, clutch, and exhaust. At $12000 purchase price new, it works out to less than $1000 per year!
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Good fun car. Handles well, gets good gas mileage, and is extremely durable.
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I'm so sorry to hear about your car! It sounds like it was a great vehicle for you, and it's understandable that you'll miss it. It's impressive that you were able to keep it running so well for so long, even with some necessary repairs. I hope you're able to find a suitable replacement soon!
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This car is amazing! It has proven to be incredibly reliable, with only minor issues that I was able to fix myself. Even when I push it to its limits, it still runs smoothly and quietly. Plus, it's great on gas and has excellent acceleration. I'm so impressed with this car and I'm confident it will continue to run well for a long time!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Mazda 626 problems:
Mazda 626 Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Mazda 626 Problems · Transmission Failure Common · Crank but No Start Condition · Crank but No Start Condition and No Spark · Check Engine Light Due to ...
Mazda 626 Starting Issues — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Dec 29, 2006 ... 1990 mazda 626 2liter 4cylender 180000 miles automatic trany. car will not starte has spark and fuel fuel injecter positive and negative are ...
Mazda 626, Reliable? [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum
and are there any common problems with them? ... My 1990 was the best car I ever owned. ... The 4 cylinder 626 have the FS series Mazda engine:
Mazda 626: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Mazda 626 Common Problems and Solutions · Slow Window Rising · Engine Won't Restart · Engine Cranks But Not Starting · Knocking From Front or Rear · Engine Surge ...
Mazda 626 Transmission Questions — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Nov 21, 2006 ... What they put in the 626 was a poorly designed radiator, which in turn did a really bad job keeping the Tranny Fluid, which runs through the ...
Other years of Mazda 626
Are you having problems with your 1990 Mazda 626?
Freddie Kulas 2024-09-02
Hey there! I've been driving my 1990 Mazda 626 for the past 11 years and it's been a great ride. I've only had to do regular maintenance like changing belts, oil changes, and tuneups. Recently, I changed the radiator which is pretty impressive for a 14 year old car. The transmission is still running smoothly. The only thing I wish is that the exterior held up better.
Jermain Borer 2024-04-23
Hello! I just replaced my loyal Mazda 626 that I bought in 1998 and had for 178,000 miles. I really loved it, but unfortunately, it had no heat and I tried everything to fix it. I did encounter two major problems with it though. Firstly, every Mazda I have had leaks oil from the rear main seal, and even though I had it replaced, it only lasted about two years before it started leaking again. Secondly, the radiator had a tendency to develop leaks at the top where the I.D. imprint is, and even though I went through two radiators, I eventually gave up. Despite these issues, I still think it was a great car with excellent driving, handling, and reliability.