1991 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 1991 Mazda 626 problems
The 1991 Mazda 626 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Engine Cranks But Not Starting: Another common problem with the 1991 Mazda 626 is that the engine cranks but doesn't start. This issue can be caused by a faulty distributor, which may need to be replaced. If the problem persists, it may be due to a tripped inertia switch, which can be reset by waiting for a clicking sound when restarting the car.
- Knocking Noise: Some owners have reported a knocking noise coming from the front or rear of the car, especially on rough roads. This problem is often caused by broken or loose sway bar linkages, which can be tightened or replaced.
- Engine Surge: The engine of the 1991 Mazda 626 is prone to sudden surging, especially when in forward gears. This issue can be caused by a split intake tube between the mass airflow sensor and the throttle bottle, which can be replaced with a new one.
- Rough Idling: The engine of the 1991 Mazda 626 may run rough when idling, which can lead to misfiring and overheating. This problem is often caused by a worn-out intake manifold gasket, which can be replaced with a new one.
- Engine Stall When Stopping: Some owners have reported that the engine stalls when they apply the brake to come to a stop. This issue is often caused by low ATF levels, which can be topped up to resolve the problem.
- Heater Problems: The heater of the 1991 Mazda 626 may only work on one setting, or not at all. This problem is often caused by a faulty heater blower motor, which can be replaced to resolve the issue.
- Engine Misfiring: The engine of the 1991 Mazda 626 may misfire, causing the revs to move up and down instead of remaining constant. This issue can be caused by a faulty MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor, which can be replaced to resolve the problem.
These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1991 Mazda 626. It is important to note that not all cars of this model will experience these issues, and that regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent many of these problems from occurring.
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.
How much is a 1993 Mazda 626 worth?
The value of a used 1993 Mazda 626 ranges from $1,053 to $6,406, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1991 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 95 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Mazda 626 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-03
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8M5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA 626. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRANSMISSION. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HE HAD IT REBUILT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 124,000.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-13
- VIN: 1YVGD22B3M5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: POWER ADJUSTED SEAT STUCK, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR CONSUMER TO ADJUST THE SEAT AS NEEDED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED,BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE IT SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A BUILDING HEAD ON. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-07
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4M5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-23
- VIN: 1YVGD22B4M5
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-15
- VIN: JM1GD222XM1
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THIS DEALERSHIP ON 1-9-03,SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT A COUPLE OF TIMES TO DATE. THIS CAR HAS MAJOR FRONT END PROBLEMS,THE AXEL IS BROKEN, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING,IT IS TERRIBLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT,THE CABLE SHIFTER IS OUT AND THE CAR STOPS ON ME WHILE IM DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE TRIED TO TELL THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HE TELLS ME IT'S JUST MY IMAGINATION....HE GOT ANGRY AFTER I CALLED HIM SO MUCH TWO WEEKS AGO THAT HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN SO HE CAN LOOK AT IT,I DID AND HE THEN SAID HE NEEDED TO SEND IT AWAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT BY OTHER MECHANICS.....HE KEPT MY CAR FOR 8 DAYS THAN BROUGHT IT BACK AND SAID NO ONE COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT AND THAT IT HAD BEEN PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE,I SAID FINE AND COULD I SEE THE PAPERWORK TO THAT EFFECT .....HE REFUSED AND SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE TO BECAUSE IT WAS HIS PAPERWORK,I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE TO ME IF IT HAD REALLY BEEN CHECKED WHY SHOULDN'T I BE ABLE TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THEY FOUND?. THIS DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THREE COMPLAINTS AGAINST IT IN THE PAST 36 MONTHS FROM THE BBB. YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HELP ME BUT PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PLACE.....THEY'RE SELLING CARS THAT ARE UNSAFE AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT,I HAVE CALLED THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND EXPLAINED MY POSITION TO THEM....SOME ONE HAS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BUSINESS LIKE THIS BEING IN EXISTENCE,AND SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO ANSWER IF DEATH OR INJURY OCCUR BECAUSE THIS MAN WAS ALLOWED TO SELL THESE UNSAFE CARS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-17
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8M5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LOST REVERSE. *LA
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-23
- VIN: 1YVGD22B2L5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THE CAR WAS GOING PRETTY SLOWLY. WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS MORE, IT DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP. IT SLOWED TO A CRAWL THEN STOPPED. THE TRANSMISSION JUST DECIDED TO STOP. THIS IS ON A MAZDA 626. THERE WERE NO OTHER INDICATIONS OF THE FAILURE AND NOW I HAVE TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION!*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-16
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON TE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING A FLASHING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON/OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-15
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT . DEALER NOTIFIED REPAIRED AND REPLACE AND 4 MONTHS LATER THEY BOTH BROKE AGAIN. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-03
- VIN: 1YVGD22B2M5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 112000 MILES. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-07
- VIN: 1YVGD22B7M5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. HAD TO ENTER VEHICLE THROUGH PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-04
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS GOING 70-75MPH IN 5TH GEAR AND SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR AND LOCKED UP. NO WARNING WAS INDICATED. SPEEDOMETER WASN'T WORKING AT THE TIME. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED DEALER. CONSUMER PLEASE ADD VIN# AND MILEAGE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD22B6M5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN MOTOR. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22R6M5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RIGHT SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION MOTOR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD22B1M5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A GRAUDAL STOP BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE SKIDDED ONE HUNDRED FEET, CAUSING A REAREND COLLISION. CONSUMER ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT MOTOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING SEAT BELTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD22B8M5
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVER'S REAR SIDE DOOR HAS JAMMED. OCCUPANTS HAVE TO EXIT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-13
- VIN: 1YVGD22B0M5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FRONT END STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE, THE STRUTS CRACKED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22B5M5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS DO NOT ENGAGE. *AK
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22B2M5
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND THERE IS SOME TYPE OF KNOCKING NOISE AND TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 1YVGD22B6M5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT IS AUTOMATIC, HOWEVER IT DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED UNLESS YOU RE-OPEN IT AND SLAM THE DOOR SHUT. SOMETIMES EVEN THAT DOES NOT WORK. HAS BECOME A BIT OF A HASSLE AS THIS OCCURS JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I USE THE VEHICLE, THIS BEING UP TO 3 HOURS A DAY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1YVGD22B9M5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER-SIDE MOTORIZED SEATBELT FAILS TO OPERATE CONSISTENTLY. ON OCCASION, THE SHOULDER BELT REMAINS IN THE REARWARD POSITION UNTIL THE DOOR IS CLOSED AND OPENED AGAIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
- VIN: 1YBGD22B6M5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE, AND HAVING TO PUT THE SEAT BELT AROUND DRIVER'S BODY. THE CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS. THEY COME ON AND OFF WHENEVER THEY WANT TO, AND THE CONSUMER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS ALSO CAUSED PROBLEMS. *AK *ML
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-08
- VIN: NOT AVALIBL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PASSENGER'S OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. ALSO, DRIVERS INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER PROBLEMS WITH GETTING IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1991 Mazda 626 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 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 1991 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 1991 Mazda 626 car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with this car. When I bought it, I was planning on using it for only a year, but when I left the country, my sister took it because it was a lot better than her Tempo. We've been using it for a while now and it's been great! We haven't had any problems with it that are out of the ordinary (i.e. brakes, shocks, tires.) At 211,000 miles, the engine was still running like a top and it didn't show signs of leaking oil. It even made another cross country trip! Unfortunately, the only thing that killed it was that my brother hit a deer. I know there are some low ratings for this car, but based on my experience and my mechanical ability, I would suggest driving it and seeing if it has been abused or sitting dormant too much. In my opinion, it's a great car!
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I purchased this car with 105K miles, intending to trade it in after 10K miles or so. However, it exceeded my expectations and kept running smoothly without any major issues. I only had to replace a radiator, change brake pads, and install one starting motor, which were all relatively easy repairs for someone with limited car repair experience. Despite not having an impressive mileage, the car always ensured a timely and comfortable journey. Unfortunately, the head gasket failed at 189K miles, and I have decided not to repair it. It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to this reliable vehicle.
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I purchased this car back in November with some reservations, but it turned out to be one of the best cars I have ever owned. Although I had to put in a little work, it was nothing major. The worst thing that happened was having to replace the head gasket because the previous owner neglected to put in a thermostat. However, I was able to replace them both for a pretty cheap price, of course, I did all the work myself. The only thing my car needs now is a clutch, but that's not too bad either. Overall, it's an excellent vehicle that's a lot of fun to drive and even more fun to trick out. I highly recommend it! Go Mazda!
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This car is really great! I know it's not a muscle car, but it can accelerate quite well. I've had this car for the last 12 years and at 227,000 miles, it's still going strong. The most money I've put into it was for a paint job, and that's it. I've never had to work on the engine except for plugs and belts. It's a fantastic car!
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I love this car! I bought it brand new in 1991 with only 10 miles on it, and it has been so reliable. Even after driving over 130,000 miles, it still looks and runs great. The only issue I've had is some paint oxidization, but that's to be expected since it's never had a garage to sleep in. It could also use a cup holder, but that's a minor detail. The interior is just as nice as the day I bought it, except for a small crack in the dash vinyl at the corner of the defroster. I've never had any major repairs, and I credit that to my fanaticism for keeping the oil clean, the plugs clean, and the tires properly inflated. Mazda really built a wonderful and dependable car, and I plan to drive it until the doors fall off! By the way, I also own an '87 Mazda B2200, and I love it just as much!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 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 ...
Common Problems with 1989 Mazda 626: Q&A on High RPMs in ...
Jan 18, 2010 ... I have a 89 Mazda 626 it has two problems: When start it when its cold idles at 1800 then lopes after a little while; the other auto ...
1991 Mazda 626 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1991 Mazda 626 Problems · Transmission Failure Common. 153 people have reported this · Misfires Under Load · Knocking from suspension on rough roads due to ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting a 1991 Mazda 626 that Won't Start | JustAnswer
Mar 12, 2007 ... Hello, This is a common problem, the distributor is defecitve. Check with a test ligh to the negative side of the coil while cranking and see if ...
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 ...
Other years of Mazda 626
Are you having problems with your 1991 Mazda 626?
Boyd Pfeffer 2024-09-02
I purchased this car back in 2001 from a lovely elderly couple who had only driven it for 20K miles. Unfortunately, after just two weeks, one of the cylinders stopped working properly and I had to frequently change spark plugs and add engine oil due to the idle cylinder burning a lot of oil. Despite taking it to mechanics several times and trying various solutions such as changing all 12 valves and using chemicals to clean the cylinder, the issue persisted. Eventually, I made the decision to sell the car to avoid further expenses. While this experience has made me hesitant to purchase used cars in the future, I am grateful for the time I had with this one.
Brendon Jacobi 2024-07-27
I've had this car for 4 years and I've had quite a few problems with it because I pushed it hard. I had to replace the timing belt, cv joint twice, brakes, and the stereo isn't great. Unfortunately, the transmission went out at 235k. I changed all 4 suspensions, but when you push a car hard, that's just what happens. I've driven across Canada 4 times without stopping and have done a lot of traveling in it.
Alan Mayert 2024-07-12
This car has had some issues with the brakes and engine, including a spark plug flying out while driving. However, I am confident in my decision to get rid of it and find a more reliable vehicle. Additionally, I have noticed that it lacks power on the freeway, which is not ideal given its other problems.