1996 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 1996 Mazda 626 problems
The 1996 Mazda 626 has been reported to have several common problems, with the transmission being a significant issue. Many owners have reported that the transmission overheats, causing the car to change gears roughly and blinking the Overdrive light. This problem is costly to repair, as Mazda suggests buying a new transmission for $2,700, just for the parts, and this issue is not considered a defect.
Another common problem with the 1996 Mazda 626 is the engine. The car has one NHTSA complaint for the engine at an average mileage of 165,000 miles. The NHTSA complaint data, however, does not provide specific information about the engine problems, and the only way to find out the details is to read through the comments below.
The 1996 Mazda 626 also has issues with the electrical system. One owner reported that within six months of purchasing the car, they had to replace the battery twice, distributor and wires, alternator, and headlight relay switch, spending over $3,500 plus the price of the vehicle to get the car to run well.
The car's interior has also been reported to have problems. One owner reported that the car's interior is roomy, but the seats are uncomfortable for long drives, causing back pain.
Finally, the 1996 Mazda 626 has issues with the brakes. The car has an anti-lock brake system (ABS) light, which means that there's an issue with the ABS. The light could come on for a variety of reasons, from a faulty speed sensor to low brake fluid to total brake failure, and it's essential to get it checked out.
In summary, the 1996 Mazda 626 has several common problems, including transmission issues, engine problems, electrical system problems, uncomfortable interior, and brake issues. These problems can be costly to repair, and it's essential to consider them before purchasing this car.
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 engine is in a Mazda 626 1996?
Used 1996 Mazda 626 - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 2.0 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 114 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
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.
1996 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 375 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Mazda 626 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-01
- VIN: 1YVGE22C8V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRE HARNESS WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22CXT5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO WORK FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOUR DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO RECEIVE THE PARTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FOR MONTHS AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-25
- VIN: 1YVGE22C6T5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. AFTER PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A WHILE AND PROCEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON WITH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN. THE CONTACT COULD NO LONGER SMELL THE FUEL ODOR AND A WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-09
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0T5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK EXHIBITED A THREE INCH CRACK. THE MECHANIC WOULD NEED TO FIND A NEW FUEL TANK FOR THE REPLACEMENT. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE VALVE AND RADIATOR WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0T5
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THREE INCH CRACK IN TOP OF RULE TANK ,SEAT BELTS BROKE AND SLOW TO ROLE BACK UP AND PLASTIC PARTS USED IN DOOR OPENING MECHANISM BROKE. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-08
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0T5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I SMELLED GAS WHENEVER I WOULD GET GAS FOR THE CAR OR SPEED UP THE CAR. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS SOME SORT OF A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS TANK. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IT IS. *TR
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGE22DXT5
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND POWERED ON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK PILLAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURED BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,365.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-15
- VIN: 1YVGE22C8T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-15
- VIN: 1YVGE22C4T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1996 MAZDA 626 O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1YVGE22C4T5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN MY 1996 MAZDA 626. WITHOUT ANY REASON, WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING SCRAPES AND BRUISING, AND THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-07
- VIN: 1YVGE22C6T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HI I HAVE A 1996 MAZDA 626 LX AND THE O/D LIGHT JUST WENT OFF AT 176,000 MILES. I READ SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE AND THEY ALL SAID ITS MOST LIKELY A AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAN B VERY DANGEROUS TO US DRIVERS AS WELL AS DRIVERS NEXT TO US ON THE ROAD. I ADVICE TO PLEASE HAVE MAZDA RECALL ALL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND REIMBURSE US OR FIX OUR TRANSMISSIONS AT NO COST. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING MY POST. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-07
- VIN: 1YVGE22C6T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HI I HAVE A 1996 MAZDA 626 LX AND THE O/D LIGHT JUST WENT OFF AT 167,000 MILES. I READ SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE AND THEY ALL SAID ITS MOST LIKELY A AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO US DRIVERS AS WELL AS DRIVERS NEXT TO US ON THE ROAD. I ADVICE TO PLEASE HAVE MAZDA RECALL ALL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND REIMBURSE US OR FIX OUR TRANSMISSIONS AT NO COST. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING MY POST. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-15
- VIN: 1YVGE22C1T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 1996 MAZDA 626 FAILED. AS I DID RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED ONCE BEFORE WITH A PREVIOUS OWNER. FURTHER RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ME THAT THE "CD4E" TRANSMISSION IN MY CAR IS A "KNOWN" DEFECTIVE PART AMONG OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR CAR. I ONLY HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE IT REPLACED WITH A USED TRANSMISSION THAT WAS THE SAME "CD4E" AND CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THIS ONE WILL HOLD UP FOR AWHILE. THE TOTAL COST WAS ABOUT $1200 AND I STILL HAVE THE OLD TRANSMISSION JUST IN CASE I NEED TO HAVE IT REBUILT. THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IS VERY HARD TO FIND DUE TO ITS UNRELIABILITY, MEANING THEY ARE IN GREAT DEMAND BECAUSE THEY FAIL FREQUENTLY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-28
- VIN: 1YVGE22C2T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SECOND TIME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED!!! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-21
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE O/D OFF LIGHT ON VEHICLE FLASHES. I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS KNOWN TO MAZDA. MAZDA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THE TRANSMISSION IN THESE VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE IS USED BY MY KIDS FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL. THEY ARE AT RISK. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-14
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MAZDA 626 1996, OD-OFF BLINKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-24
- VIN: 1YVGE22D0T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SEAL LEAKING. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-16
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED ON 1996 MAZDA 626. REPLACED WITH USED TRANSMISSION THAT ALSO FAILED WITHIN 3 MONTHS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-29
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY 626 IN 2003. I WISH I WOULD HAVE DONE RESEARCH BEFOREHAND. I INSTALLED A TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER THE SAME WEEK. I'M ALSO RELIGIOUS ABOUT CHANGING THE FLUID. I ONLY DRIVE IN TOWN, LESS THAN 10 MILES PER DAY. MY O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AS I WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH. I STOPPED AT A LIGHT TO MAKE A TURN AND MY CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD. I SHUT THE CAR OFF HOPING THAT WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN THAT IT WOULD GO. THANKFULLY IT WENT THIS TIME AND I MADE IT HOME. THE LIGHT HAS BLINKED BEFORE BUT ALWAYS TURNED OFF, NOW ITS ON STEADILY. I HAVE BEEN FEELING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING VERY FREQUENTLY OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS, WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL? *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22C4T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 96 MAZDA 626 JUST STARTED ACTING UP ONE DAY IT WILL WORK FINE UNTIL IT WARMS UP THEN IT STARTS SLIPPING BADLY EVENTUALLY ACTING LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL. I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING BUT CHANGED THE FLUID YET BUT IM SURE ILL HAVE TO. THE PERSON I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE HAD IT REBUILT NOW ITS DOING IT AGAIN. I GOOGLED MY PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS LIKE ITS VERY COMMON. THANK YOU WILLIAM EHORN. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN 1996 MAZDA 626 . *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-16
- VIN: 1YVGE22C9T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 96 MAZDA 626 THAT IS HAVING CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND AM BEING TOLD THAT IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WOULD COST WELL OVER $400 BECAUSE I NEEDED THE MAZDA BRANDED ONE FROM A DEALERSHIP. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SWITCH IS FAULTY. WHICH THE GUY I HAD LOOKING AT THE CAR, HAD NO IDEA WHAT THAT WAS AND HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. WHEN YOU START DRIVING IT'S FINE THEN ABOUT 15 MINUTES IN TO IT STARTS JUMPING LIKE AS IF I AM PRESSING ON THE GAS TO GO 50 FROM 15. IT HAS DONE THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND EVERY TIME I TRY TO FIX IT SOMETHING ELSE COMES UP. I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER PERSON THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AND THAT MAZDA 626'S HAVE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION FROM YEARS 95-00. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-08
- VIN: 1YVGE22C7T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: OVER DRIVE LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING, REPLACED TRANSMISSION TWO TIME AND CAR O/D LIGHT STILL BLINKS, TRANSMISSION ABOUT TO GO OUT AGAIN!!!! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-04
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0T5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON MY 1996 MY MAZDA 626 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND THERE WAS THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT I THINK IS WAS A OVER DRIVE SOLENOID OR A SENSOR THAT CONTROL GEAR SHIFTING. APPARENTLY THIS HAPPENS TO ALOT OF MAZDA 626'S AND I THINK MAZDA NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT A 1996 MAZDA 626 LX AT APPROXIMATELY 82,000 MILES THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. I HAD REBUILT AND NOW IT IS FAILING AGAIN. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THIS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM TO START WITH. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING. I UNDERSTAND THINGS WILL WEAR OUT BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER CAR. I LOOK ON THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS AND FIND THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. MAZDA NEEDS TO OFFER SOME RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS. PEOPLE WORK HARD FOR THEIR MONEY. NO ONE CAN AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THIS PROBLEM. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE NEVER PUT A FORD TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR THAT COULDN'T LAST. *TR
1996 Mazda 626 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1996 Mazda 626.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Manufacturer: SPX FILTRAN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SAS UNIT TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF UNNECESSARY DEPLOYMENTS IN LOW SPEED UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
Negative 1996 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 1996 Mazda 626 car reviews
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This is my second 626, and I absolutely love it! I have had a few issues in the past, but they were all my own fault.
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This car is amazing! I've only had to take it in for regular maintenance and to replace a P/S pump. Plus, the manual transmission makes it so much more fun to drive (let's be honest, the auto transmission in these cars is pretty poor). I've even gotten as high as 37 mpg! Overall, it's a simple, nice, and well-built car.
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It sounds like you've had a great car for the past 4 years! Just make sure to use 93 premium gas and you'll be good to go.
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Mazda 626 LX, 4 cyl, 5 speed, which I bought brand new in 1996. I'm happy to report that it's still running extremely well with 122,500 miles on it! I consistently get between 30-36 miles, which is amazing. I've only had to replace the CV boots and drive axles, but other than that, no major problems. I do my own tune ups and keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles. It's hard to believe that it's 7 years old because the paint still looks great. Even though it's now a second car, it still looks and performs like the family car it once was. I'm so glad I made this purchase and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable car!
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If you have the opportunity to buy a Mazda 626, go for it! I've had mine for a while and I absolutely adore it. It's comfortable, stylish, and mechanically sound. I promise you won't regret this purchase!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 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 ...
What is the problem if my 1996 Mazda 626 6-cyl has lost most of its ...
May 28, 2009 ... Also, you could have a bad mass air flow sensor. Or the snorkel from the mass air flow sensor to the throttle body could be ripped. Both are ...
Mazda 626 Troubles — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Mar 25, 2000 ... ... problem is pretty common for 93 to 94 Mazda 626. ... Mazda is helping with the cost of auto transmission problems. ... I have 1996 Mazda 626 LX with ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 Mazda 626, Radiator, Water Pump
Apr 1, 2010 ... What causes radiator fans to not come on in Mazda 626? - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic.
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 1996 Mazda 626?
Nelson Runolfsdottir 2025-01-04
I purchased the car a year ago with 86k miles on it. The previous owner had rebuilt the transmission at that time. I have driven it out of state a few times since then. Unfortunately, the transmission failed at 108k miles. After doing some research online and speaking with other owners and mechanics, I discovered that it was a FORD transmission with design flaws that cause trouble or failure periodically. This is a well-known issue among Mazda dealers, mechanics, and most Mazda 626 owners. They even refer to it as a 'junk transmission'. However, I was able to get it fixed permanently at AAMCO (a well-known national transmission repair chain www.aamco.com) for $1750. The engine power is now slow, but the issue has been resolved.
Oswald Weissnat 2024-11-20
The car looks great inside and out, but unfortunately, I've had some issues with it. Last year, I had to replace the transmission, but it still makes the same ticking noise that it did before it went out. Now, I'm worried it might be going out again. On top of that, the rearview mirror fell off, the brake pad needs replacing, and the control panel vibrates. Despite these issues, I'm hopeful that I can get them resolved soon.
Douglas Ratke 2024-10-13
A manual transmission may be a better option for my 1996 626 LX automatic fwd with 93k miles, as I am looking for a more reliable option. Despite the car running great and acting like a sports car, the cost of replacing the transmission at $2500-$3000, on top of the previous cost of replacing the catalytic converter for $600, shows that Ford (who manufactures the transmission) and Mazda may not be the most dependable companies for a family or fun vehicle. In my opinion, it may be best to avoid purchasing this car altogether.
Reggie Lynch 2024-10-08
I've been driving this Mazda from Wichita, KS to Kansas City, KS almost every weekend for a year now. Although it has a few electrical problems, the car handles very well. Occasionally, the overdrive light blinks off and on, and the engine light is always on. The transmission can be slow at times, and I had to replace the coil. Despite these issues, I really enjoy the way it handles and would love to restore it.
Darryl Kshlerin 2024-09-17
Although we owned our 626 for three years, we had a difficult time with it. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission gave us a lot of trouble and the car was frequently in and out of the shop. We were disappointed that it couldn't be fixed. Additionally, we noticed that the driver's seat would fold back completely when pressure was applied at a certain point, which could be dangerous in an accident. We did some research and found that many others have had similar issues with this car, particularly with the automatic transmission. We recommend doing some research before purchasing this car. (Note: the manual transmission seems to be fine).