1997 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 1997 Mazda 626 problems
The Mazda 626, produced from 1997 to 2002, is known for its reliability and trouble-free operation
. However, there are several common issues that owners have reported.
- Transmission Failure: The most common issue reported by owners is transmission failure, with 153 people having reported this problem. This can occur in both manual and automatic transmissions, and can result in the car being unable to move or shift gears.
- Timing Belt Problems: The timing belt is a critical component of the engine, and if it fails, it can cause serious damage to the engine. Owners have reported problems with the timing belt, including failure and the need for replacement . It is recommended to replace the timing belt every 100,000 kilometers to prevent this issue.
- Lack of Space: The Mazda 626 has a reputation for having a lack of space, particularly in the rear seats. This can make it uncomfortable for passengers, particularly on longer trips .
- ABS System: Some owners have reported problems with the ABS system, including failure and the need for replacement. This can affect the car's ability to brake effectively, particularly in emergency situations .
- Tire Wear: Owners have reported issues with tire wear, particularly on older models. This can result in the need for frequent tire replacements, and can also affect the car's handling and fuel efficiency .
- Oil Leaks: Some owners have reported oil leaks, particularly in the engine and transmission. This can result in the need for frequent oil changes, and can also affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency .
- Automatic Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission, including failure and the need for replacement. This can result in the car being unable to move or shift gears, and can also affect the car's fuel efficiency .
- Lack of Standard Equipment: Some owners have reported that the Mazda 626 lacks standard equipment, particularly in older models. This can include features such as ABS, air conditioning, and central locking .
- Engine Performance: Some owners have reported that the engine is quite sluggish, particularly on longer trips or with a full boot. This can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency .
- Fuel System Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the fuel system, including failure and the need for replacement. This can result in the car being unable to start or run, and can also affect the car's fuel efficiency .
- Steering System Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the steering system, including failure and the need for replacement. This can affect the car's handling and safety, particularly in emergency situations .
- Suspension Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the suspension, including failure and the need for replacement. This can affect the car's handling and safety, particularly in emergency situations .
- Brake System Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the brake system, including failure and the need for replacement. This can affect the car's ability to brake effectively, particularly in emergency situations .
In conclusion, while the Mazda 626 is generally a reliable and trouble-free car, there are several common issues that owners have reported. These include transmission failure, timing belt problems, lack of space, ABS system failure, tire wear, oil leaks, automatic transmission problems, lack of standard equipment, engine performance issues, fuel system problems, steering system problems, suspension problems, and brake system problems. It is important to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and reliability of the 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.
What is the common problem with Mazda 626?
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor is prone to failure on this car, causing misfiring/poor engine idling. This issue can also lead to poor performance and lack of acceleration.
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.
1997 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 379 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Mazda 626 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- VIN: 1YVGE22C2V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS STALLING DURING ACCELERATION AND AFTER. SOMETIMES IT'S STOPS AND CLEAR ITSELF UP AND THEN THROWS ITSELF INTO OVERDRIVE (O/D OFF LIGHTS STARTS FLASHING) ALL WHILE DRIVING IT IN THE STREET(CITY AND INTERSTATE). WHEN YOU LET THE CAR SIT AND NOT RUN IT WILL NOT FLASH BUT AFTER DRIVING AMD NOT GETTING ANY SPEED IT DOES IT AGAIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-19
- VIN: 1YVGE22D4V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FIVE STAR MAZDA AT (478) 841-9275 (LOCATED AT 3068 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE DEALER DID NOT CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-01
- VIN: 1YVGE22CXV5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL RESOLUTION REGARDING REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,105.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-15
- VIN: 1YVGE22D9V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SEE UPLOADED PDF DOCUMENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-11
- VIN: 1YVGE22D7V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-22
- VIN: 1YVGE22C9V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGE22CXV5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MAZDA 626. WHILE AT A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-14
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LEFT HOME TO GO TO WORK MADE IT ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOME AND MY TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A HWY. I WAS TURNING ONTO FROM A SIDE STREET. I WAS ABOUT HIT AS MY MAZDA WOULD NOT GO AND QUIT WORKING ON A BLIND CORNER. *TR
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-10
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WE RECENTLY BOUGHT OR MAZDA 626 FROM A DEALER WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WERE GETTING A QUALITY CAR. WE WERE FOOLED. WITH IN THE FIRST WEEK WE HAD TO BUY PART AFTER PART.CHANGE THE TRANS FLUID, CHANGE THE DISTRIBUTOR , SPARK PLUG WIRES, SPARK PLUGS, ROUTER MOTOR, IGNITION COIL, CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS , REPLACE FUEL FILTER, STILL NEED TO GET A TRANS COOLER AS SOON AS I CAN. IT TOOK US A FEW YEARS TO SAVE FOR A CAR. WE TRUSTED A DEALER AND GOT SCREWED! WE HAVE NO MONEY LEFT AND A CAR WE CAN ONLY USE ON A LIMITED BASIS. WE THOUGHT AFTER LOOSING OUR INCOME THEN OUR FORMER CAR TO REPOSSESSION WITH ONLY $50.00 LEFT ON IT, THEN OUR HOME GETS FORECLOSED ON, AND THE LOSS OF A FATHER, AND SISTER IN A TWO YEAR TIME FRAME WAS ENOUGH. NOPE WE BUY A CAR WITH SO MANY DEFECTS IT CRAZY, I CAN BELIEVE THESE CARS A EVEN ALOUD TO BE SOLD TO ANYONE. FACE IT THEY ARE DEATH TRAPS AND ANYONE WHO OWNS ONE SHOULD GET THEM REPLACED AT MANUFACTURE COST. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-22
- VIN: 1YVGE22C5V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: CPSC#I1190531A. 1997 MAZDA 626. CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE BROUGHT THE CAR IT HAD SEVERE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, AND BEGAN SMOKING SEVERELY ONCE TAKEN THE SPEED LIMIT. SHE ALSO STATED IT RESULTED IN BEING TOWED ON THE 6TH DAY OF HAVING THE VEHICLE PURCHASED. *LN
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WE HAD JUST BOUGHT MY 1997 MAZDA 626 FROM A FAMILY MEMBER AND HAD ONLY HAD IT ABOUT 3 WEEKS. MY MOTHER IN LAW HAD USED MY CAR AND WAS COMING DOWN THE DRIVE AND HIT A POT HOLE WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HITTING HER IN THE FACE AND BUSTING THE WINDSHIELD. SHE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED DUE TO THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING. I THEN WENT ONLINE WHERE I SAW THAT MAZDA HAD A RECALL ON MY CAR MODEL. I CALLED MAZDA AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. DUE TO THIS BEING AN OLDER VEHICLE I HAVE ONLY LIABILTY INSURANCE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO SET IN THE SAME STATE AS THE DAY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1997 MAZDA 626 TRANNY WENT OUT AT 95K MILES IN 2005 AND AT 146795 MILES THE TRANNY HAS GONE OUT AGAIN. IT'S NOT WORTH FIXING AT THIS POINT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-10
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MAZDA 626 1997 4 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ONCE THE O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I SHIFT INTO REVERSE, SOMETIME IT DOES NOT MOVE. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES THE CAR JERKS AND STRUGGLES WITH ERRATIC SHIFTING OF GEARS. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPM AND NOISE. CAR STILL DRIVES BUT MAY NOT BE SAFE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWS FAULT WITH TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-04
- VIN: 1YVGE22C1V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING ONCE RPM REACHES OF 3. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BLACK ICE CAR EXITED THE ROAD, HIT A TREE, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1YVGE22C3V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1997 MAZDA 626 WITH A FORD CD4E TRANSMISSION. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS STORIES OF EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. I AM EXPERIENCING IT MYSELF. I HAVE FILED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IT PUT WEAR AND TEAR ON MY KEYBOARD. I ALSO HAVE A 1998 BUICK LESABRE WITH A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. IT HAS 124,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL. THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IN NUMEROUS CASES. WHAT IS GOING ON? I WOULD VOTE TO FIRE ALL THE FORD AND GENERAL MOTOR ENGINEERS. I AM A DISABLED MAN STUCK WITH TWO PIECES OF ENGINEERING STUPIDITY. ALL I CAN DO IS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IS TO BEAT ON THIS KEYBOARD AND FEEL LIKE THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS. IS THERE? THE INJURY IS TO MY TRUST AS WELL AS MY WALLET. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-02
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-02
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I DROVE MY 1997 MAZDA 626 FOR A DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT FROM A USED CAR SALESMAN AS IS. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND ON, THEN PARKED IT, AND JUST 20 MINS LATER I COULD NOT REVERSE IT. WHEN I SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL IT ACTS AS IF ITS IN DRIVE AND NEUTRAL IN REVERSE AND DRIVE IS DRIVE. I'VE READ ONLINE ABOUT PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AND WAS TOLD TO FILE A COMPLAINT HERE. PLEASE BRING MAZDA TO JUSTICE ON THEIR 626 TRANNYS!! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-27
- VIN: 1YVGE22C3V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE MAZDA I OWN IS A 1997 MAZDA 625 WITH A CD-4E FORD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. I HAVE READ WHERE NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THIS TRANSMISSION MULTIPLE TIMES ONLY TO HAVE IT FAIL AGAIN AND AGAIN. I HAVE FILED THIS COMPLAINT WITH SEVERAL AGENCIES AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN OFFERED A SOLUTION OR EVEN A RESPONSE. NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT AND DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR SOME RECOURSE. I REALLY WONDER IF ANYONE OUT THERE REALLY CARES THAT WE ARE BEING FORCED TO DEAL WITH A TOTALLY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. THIS IS TOTAL HIGHWAY ROBBERY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22C9V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1997 MAZDA 626, TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY MAZDA DUE TO EXTENDED WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES. VEHICLE NOW HAS 183,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR GARAGED FOR 2 YEARS AS THE COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN IS PROHIBITIVE. REPLACED TRANS FLUID WITH SYNTHETIC AND IT RUNS BETTER HOWEVER IF I HAD KNOW THEIR WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION FOR THIS CAR I WOULD HAVE SOLD IT A LONG TIME AGO AND WOULD HAVE INSTALLED A TRANSMISSION COOLER WHEN IT WAS REPLACED. THE STATE SHOULD ORDER A RECALL OR YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A GROUP OF ATTORNEY'S WHO WOULD LIKE TO FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST MAZDA!!! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-20
- VIN: 1YVGE22C0V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN A 1997 MAZDA 626 LX AND IT HAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I TAKE GREAT PRE-MAINTENANCE AND ONLY HAVE 69,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTED AND NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22C4V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. SOME EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: BLINKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT THEN STARTED TO CLICK (ALMOST AS IF IT WERE CV JOINTS) 2. TRANSMISSION, STARTED QUIETLY AND SELDOMLY, THEN TO A MORE FREQUENT AND LOUDER CLICKING, TO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY STOPPED WORKING IN ALL. 3.NONE YET HAPPENED TODAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: 1YVGE22C4V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. SOME EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: BLINKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT THEN STARTED TO CLICK (ALMOST AS IF IT WERE CV JOINTS) 2. TRANSMISSION, STARTED QUIETLY AND SELDOMLY, THEN TO A MORE FREQUENT AND LOUDER CLICKING, TO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY STOPPED WORKING IN ALL. 3.NONE YET HAPPENED TODAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-05
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary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
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-18
- VIN: 1YVGE22D5V5
- Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAD A COUPON FOR $14.99-OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION FROM FIRESTONE.COM. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE SHOP...DID NOT ROTATE TIRES AND SAID THEY HAD NO COUPON. I WAS CHARGED MORE THAN THE COUPON. I RELUCTANTLY PAID THE BILL. I THEN DROVE TO LAKEVILLE, MN...ON MY WAY TO VISIT FATHER IN BATESVILLE, AR. I NOTICED A STRANGE SMELL AND ALMOST THE SAME TIME MY CAR POPPED OUT OF GEAR. SO I PULLED OFF I-35 AND CHECKED THE OIL. THE CAP WAS NOT ON CORRECTLY, (1 1/2 TURNS THEN IT WAS TIGHTENED) I CALLED FIRESTONE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT THE CAP AND SMELL. MY DIPSTICK READ FULL...I WAS NOT ABLE TO CHECK THE TRANNY FLUID SINCE IT IS BELOW (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), BUT WAS ASSURED BY FIRESTONE THEY CHECK THE LEVEL WITH AN OIL CHANGE. LONG STORY SHORT...I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY OILPAN AND TRANSMISSION. NOW TODAY THERE IS NO FLUID IN MY RADIATOR...AND I HAVE DRAINED ALL OF MY RESOURCES AND HAVE BECOME DELINQUENT WILL MY REGULAR BUDGET. THERE WAS ONLY 1/2 QT OIL IN MY MOTOR AND 1/2 QT TRANNY FLUID IN MY TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ALL MY RECEIPTS FROM REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND HAVE SPOKEN TO MECHANICS. THEY HAVE REPEATED TO ME THAT I NEED TO FIND LEGAL COUNSEL OR GET HELP SINCE THE CAR WAS FINE BEFORE I WENT TO FIRESTONE. THEY HAVE IGNORED MY LAST 2 CALLS ( ON HOLD)THERE WAS ONLY 1/2 QT OIL IN MY MOTOR WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY FATHERS IN ARKANSAS. MY CAR HAS NEVER BURNED OIL OR THE LIKE. THERE WAS A HOLE IN MY OILPAN BETWEEN THE SIZE OF A GOLFBALL AND A TENNIS BALL...THE CAR DID NOT HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. AT THE SAME TIME MY OIL WAS DRAINED THE DIPSTICK CONTINUED TO READ FULL, THE MECHANIC WAS CONCERNED. I COULD NO LONGER USE 5TH GEAR AND 3RD GAVE OUT AS WELL. FIRESTONE ASSURED ME ALL FLUIDS WERE CHECKED...BUT THE MECHANIC WAS NOT CONVINCED. MY FATHERS NEW DRIVEWAY WAS STAINED FROM THE OIL. I CANNOT REMEMBER WHICH DAY I HAD MY OIL CHANGED, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY JULY 18TH OR 19TH. I NEED TO FIND THE RECEIPT. *TR
1997 Mazda 626 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1997 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TENSIONER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
Negative 1997 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 1997 Mazda 626 car reviews
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I completely agree that this car may be great for some and not so great for others. It's definitely comfortable and stylish, but it may be a bit too flat for some. For me, it was the best option for my budget at the time. My 1997 model has a manual transmission, which I prefer over the automatic transmission that my previous 1992 Protege had. Although I never had any issues with the transmission, I decided to switch to a manual. It can be a bit noisy, possibly due to the exhaust link, but it's not too bothersome. I do feel that either the body is too heavy or the engine is not powerful enough, or perhaps both. I love to drive fast, but I've had to adjust my driving habits with this car, which is actually a good thing! Overall, I absolutely love my car and I'll definitely continue to buy Mazdas, especially if they continue to make improvements.
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Had one of these as my first car and despite some initial issues, I grew to love it. The car had some power steering problems and the brakes went bad after only a month, but once those issues were fixed, it proved to be a very reliable car with a gutsy little engine and solid construction. Unfortunately, it was stolen from me only 6 months after I bought it, but I still have fond memories of my Mazda. Zoom, zoom!
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I absolutely adore my car! I purchased it back in the summer of 1997 and it has been a reliable companion ever since. With 154,000 miles on the clock, it still runs like a dream. The exterior design has held up remarkably well over the years and it always looks fantastic after a good wash. While it may not be the most powerful car out there, it more than makes up for it with its excellent gas mileage. I typically average between 33 to 35 mpg when I stick to the speed limit. The interior is spacious, high-quality, and incredibly comfortable. It's such a shame that more people don't appreciate the Mazda brand. I've owned two Proteges in the past and they were both fantastic cars. I'm convinced that this car will last forever and I plan on keeping it until it finally gives up the ghost!
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It seems like the issue is not with the car itself. According to the manual, it is recommended to turn off the Overdrive while driving in stop and go traffic, and only turn it on during long runs. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in damage to the transmission, which is true for any car. It's important to take care of our vehicles to ensure they last as long as possible!
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I got this car as my second one and I find it to be pretty nice. However, the engine could use more power, but I guess a 4 cyl. will prevent some of those speeding tickets. :)
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mazda 626 problems:
1997 Mazda 626 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 1997 Mazda 626 Problems · Transmission Failure Common · Crank but No Start Condition · Crank but No Start Condition and No Spark · Check Engine Light Due to ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 Mazda 626, Radiator, Water Pump
Apr 1, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
1999 Mazda 626 problems - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
Jun 27, 2019 ... Common problem on these older Mazda's are the cam & crank sensors ... 1997 Mazda 626 some engine problems and cooling problems · Mazda 323 ...
Common Problems with 2002 Mazda 626: Overheating | JustAnswer
Feb 16, 2011 ... You might have a bad thermostat causing your overheating problem. This is very common on this vehicle. I replace thermostat a lot for this type ...
SOLVED: Idle Problems/ Car shakes - 1998-2002 Mazda 626 - iFixit
Oct 22, 2011 ... Take it in to an Auto Zone and get a free computer diagnostic, then fix what it tells you is wrong.
Other years of Mazda 626
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mazda 626?
Edwardo Beier 2024-10-29
This car has had some issues, such as the check engine light coming on and running rough. However, the heater coil was fixed for a reasonable price and the A/C works wonderfully. The gas mileage is around 18 miles per gallon, but the paint job is not the best. While I would recommend this car as a first car for a college student, it may not be the best choice for a daily commuter. In that case, a Nissan or Honda would be a better option.
Reinhold Kulas 2024-09-27
Although I experienced a problem with the automatic transmission at around 50,000 miles, it was promptly replaced under warranty. Since then, I have driven an additional 125,000 miles and have been thoroughly satisfied with the car's performance. In fact, I have encountered fewer issues with my Mazda 626 than with the last two American cars I owned.
Gus Padberg 2024-09-22
The car transmission failed at 140,000 miles, but we were lucky. The Mazda 626 uses a Ford transmission, so it's important to be aware of this issue. We've also had an engine light that keeps coming on, despite several attempts to fix it. Other than these problems, I liked the car. However, we will be getting rid of it soon and looking for something more reliable.
Brooks Mertz 2024-09-19
My transmission went out at 38,000 miles, right after the warranty expired. After a bit of a battle with the dealer, Mazda agreed to pay for the parts which cost over $2,000, and I had to pay $900 for the labor. Now, at 45,000 miles, the engine light comes on periodically and I am starting to see oil-like stains on my garage floor. I am getting nervous because I only owe $800 on the vehicle and fear that more major repairs are looming. I used to buy American until I had bad experiences with Dodge and Ford fiascos. I wanted to give Mazda a try, but I will only buy Hondas and Toyotas from now on.
Jedediah Kshlerin 2024-08-12
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with your car. It's great to hear that you've had minimal issues with it, and that you enjoy the handling and ease of installing mods. It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into the car's performance and features. While it may not be the best fit for a family car, it's definitely a great value for the price. Thanks again for sharing!