1998 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 1998 Mazda 626 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mazda 626 1998, several common problems have been reported:
- Crank but No Start Issue:
- Owners have reported instances where the engine cranks but fails to start and run independently. This problem can be caused by issues such as a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, failed ignition coil, or a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. Repairs for this issue can cost up to $1000, and it's crucial to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and resolve the root cause of the problem.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
- Another common problem is the failure of the intake manifold gasket, leading to a vacuum leak and rough idle. When the gasket fails, air can leak into the system, causing rough idle, reduced power, or acceleration issues. Repair costs for this problem range from $502 to $575. Causes of gasket failure can include age, heat, and pressure, and it's essential to have a mechanic inspect and replace the gasket to prevent further engine damage.
These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Mazda 626 1998.
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.
Are 1998 Mazdas reliable?
Very reliable
There have been no major mechanical issues and it runs great every time. I average about 30 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the 2.0 5spd. It got me through this last year just fine, very reliable carm couldnt ask for better.
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.
1998 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
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 438 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Mazda 626 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- VIN: 1YVGF22C7W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SINCE OWNING THE MAZDA 626 I HAVE HAD A VERY BIG PROBLEM THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. IT WILL SLIP GOING INTO SECOND GEAR. IF ITS BELOW 60 DEGREES THE CAR WONT SHIFT INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE MOTOR GETS HOT ENOUGH. THE CAR IS LIKE THIS EVERY SINGLE DAY AND DOES IT EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK SOMTIMES ON AND OFF AND THE BACK WINDOWS WONT ROLL DOWN FROM THE DRIVER BUTTON
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-29
- VIN: IYVGF22C1W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. THE TRANSMISSION CD4E TRANNY DOESN'T HAVE SWITCH GEARS UNLESS YOU USE EXCESSIVE RPM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-13
- VIN: 1YVGF22C6W5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,735. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1YVGF22C9W5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 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 STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE A WARNING SOUND AND EMITTED A BURNING ODOR FROM THE FRONT END. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
STEERING,STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGF22D8W5
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING 60MPH SLOWING DOWN TO THE SPEED LIMIT WHICH WAS 55 ALL OF A SUDDEN SOMETHING POPPED THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED THE CAR WENT IN TO THE WALL AND FLIPPED OVER TWICE. EVERYTHING ON THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED INCLUDING THE WINDOWS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
- VIN: 1YVGF22C9W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS! RIGHT NOW THE CAR IS AT THE MECHANIC HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE DO SOMETHING. RIGHT NOW REPLACING IT FOR A REBUILT ONE IS $1,100, BUT BEING A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM, IT MAY NOT LAST ANOTHER YEAR. I AM THE 3RD OWNER, SO I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY MORE TIMES THIS TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED, BUT WHEN I BOUGHT IT WAS WORKING WELL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-05
- VIN: 1YVGF22C9W5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA 626LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND AT TIMES WOULD STALL. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TIMING BELT. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-29
- VIN: 1YVGF22C7W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 105,626 ORIGINAL MILEAGE. COMING FROM A LONG HIGHWAY DRIVE. CAR BEGAN TO REV REALLY HIGH. TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING. CRAWLED THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-04
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT A MAZDA 626 1998 AND IT HAD 116,000 MILES ON IT THE TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND THEN IT STARTED SHIFTING HARD THEN OIL STARTED TO BURN AND I HAD TO INSTALL A EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLER THIS ONLY LASTED FOR A WHILE AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD AND OIL WENT EVERYWHERE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-30
- VIN: 1YVGF22C1W5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXIT THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. PUSH TO THE SIDE AND COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR. AFTER TOLL BACK TO HOME, WE CAN START THE CAR NEXT DAY. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-22
- VIN: 1YVGF22C9W5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THERE WAS A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE'S RESPONSE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THAT THE AMOUNT OF FUEL FLOWING TO THE ENGINE WAS MINIMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V228000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL OR IF THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,035 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-03
- VIN: 1YVGF22C7W5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL- THE CONTACT HAS 1998 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL AND THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 00V134000 THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS NOT A PART OF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER STATED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIMING BELT TENSION SPRING BREAK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRVIE WAY AND TRAVELING 5MPH AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD 114000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND 11400 MILES CURRENTLY. UPDATED 06/25/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/27/10*J
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-21
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 98 MAZDA 626 WITH 149K MILES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-01
- VIN: 1YVGF22CXW5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1998 MAZDA 626, WHILE DRIVING THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED AND WE COASTED TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD NOT START BACK UP. HAD IT TOW. CAR DIAGNOSTICS PENDING. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-25
- VIN: 1YVGF22C9W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1998 MAZDA 626 LX 4 CYL CAR WAS FINE TOOK IT TO HAVE TRANSMISSION SERVICE NEXT DAY SLIPPING STARTING OUT IN 2ND GEAR SHIFTING HARD BEFORE SERVICE WAS DONE CAR DROVE LIKE A DREAM. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-17
- VIN: 1YVGF22C0W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. LONG HIGHWAY DRIVE (8-10H) DURING TEMP. STORMY CONDITIONS (1-2H) 2. TRANSMISSION DEFECT, 3800$ REPAIR BILL + ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR RENTALS/MOTELS 3. REPLACED TRANSMISSION. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-13
- VIN: 1YVGF22C0W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME(LOGAN) AFTER DRIVING FROM LOGAN,UT. TO LAYTON,UT. WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP, THE RPMS REDLINED AND THE CAR STALLED OUT. I PUSHED THE CAR (1998 MAZDA 626) TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I OPENED THE HOOD AND SMELLED TRANSMISSION FLUID, I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SEEN TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING ON THE ROAD. THIS CAR HAS HAD AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDED AND IT HAS STILL GONE OUT. I AM TRYING TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM FOR MYSELF AND HAVE NOT COME TO A CONCLUSION YET. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE SERVICE TO BE DON SO I WILL TRY TO CONTACT MAZDA OR FORD TO GET THE ISSUE CORRECTED, LUCKILY I WASN'T ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY OR THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE POSSIBLY RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE TO MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-26
- VIN: 1YVGF22D9W5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE EXTERNAL SPRING IN MY TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAS BROKEN, AND THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE ON THE MAZDA 626 2.0 LTR ENGINE (4 CYL). *TR
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1YVGF22C1W5
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER RADIO WAS INOPERATIVE ACCOMPANIED BY A HEATING SENSATION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V243000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.), IN WHICH A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-13
- VIN: 1YVGF22C0W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING AND THE OD LIGHT KEPT BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING DUE TO FAULTY PARTS, WITH ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS TRANSMISSION THEY SHOULD EITHER REPLACE THE PART(S) OR BUY THE VEHICLES BACK FROM THE CONSUMER! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-30
- VIN: 1YVGF22C8W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE 103,000 MILES. MY TRANSMISSION HASN'T FAILED YET, WHICH I NOW SEE I SHOULD FEEL LUCKY ABOUT. I HAVE HAD ALL THE OTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUES I NOW FIND ARE COMMON BECAUSE MAZDA PUT TOO SMALL AN ENGINE INTO THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD THE O/D LIGHT FLASH ON AND OFF, THE TRANSMISSION BE JERKY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. (THIS HAS GONE ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW) I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER I NEEDED A RANGE SENSOR AND AN AFTERMARKET TRANSMISSION COOLER. I THOUGHT I HAD A LEAK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID BUT IT'S JUST SPEWING UP FROM THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING. EVERY TIME THEY CHANGE THE FLUID IT GETS WORSE. NOW I CAN SEE FROM WHAT OTHERS SAY THAT MY TRANSMISSION WILL NO DOUBT FAIL SOON. I HAD TO FIND THIS OUT BY GOING ONLINE; NO MAZDA REPAIR SHOP EVER TOLD ME ANY OF THIS, UNTIL TODAY WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN "ISSUE" WITH THE 1998 TRANSMISSION. UNBELIEVABLE. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE TO DO SOMETHING SINCE IT'S THEIR DESIGN DEFECT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MAZDA!!!!!!! TOYOTA, HERE I COME. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEARS BEGAN SLIPPING AND THEN TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. *TR
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-03
- VIN: 1YVGF22C3W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I OWN TWO 1998 MAZDA 626S. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN THE FIRST ONE. I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLED IT. AT THE SAME TIME, I BOUGHT ANOTHER MAZDA 626 AND MY WIFE STARTED DRIVING IT. EACH TRANSMISSION HAD ABOUT 100, 000 MILES ON IT. WE ARE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ON A BUDGET WITH A BIG FAMILY AND VERY MINDFUL OF PREVENTABLE MAINTENANCE AND DRIVING WITH INTEGRITY. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I AM SITTING HERE THIS MORNING WITH THREE, YES THREE, USELESS TRANSMISSIONS AND SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WASTED THUS FAR. MAZDA NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM WITH YOUR HELP! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-21
- VIN: 1YVGF22C2W5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1998 MAZDA 626 4CYL. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, I HAVE HAD THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, ALONG WITH FLUID FLUSHES AND EVEN SOME ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS REPLACED AND NOW THE CAR SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH A PERFECT MOTOR AND WHEN ITS IN REVERSE IT IS IN DRIVE, THERE IS NO REVERSE ANYMORE. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED AND I AM ON A FIXED INCOME AND NEED HELP REPAIRING IT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE YEAR OF 98'S TRANSMISSIONS MADE BY FORD. TRANSMISSIONS HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES STARTING FROM SHIFTING ISSUES, TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATING REQUIRING MORE AND MORE MAZDA 626'S TO HAVE AFTERMARKET TRANSMISSION COOLERS INSTALLED, TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING. THIS YEAR THAT FORD MADE THIS TRANSMISSION HAS CAUSED MANY PEOPLE TO OFTEN REPLACE TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE. YOU WILL SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THEIR TRANSMISSIONS 2 OR 3 TIMES WITHIN PUTTING 150K ON THE VEHICLE. PLEASE LOOK INTO AS I HAVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION SLIP AND COMPLETELY NOT WORK, TO GETTING REBUILT AND NOW MY O/D IS NOW FLASHING, WHICH REQUIRES ME TO INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET OIL COOLER FOR MY TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH DOES NOT COME WITH THE VEHICLE ALREADY. TRANSMISSION REBUILD IS COSTING OVER 2,000 DOLLARS DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS FROM THE DEALER AND AFTERMARKET SUPPLIERS. PLEASE RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION!!!!!! A MAZDA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN EXISTS FOR SOME 1998-2001 MODELS. TSB 05-005/02 DEALS WITH ONE SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCE: "AFTER EXTENDED HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE O/D OFF LIGHT IS BLINKING AND CODE P1783 IS SET (EXCESSIVE ATF TEMPERATURE). OCCASIONALLY THERE WILL BE OVERFLOW THROUGH THE DIPSTICK TUBE AND HARSH SHIFTING. MAZDA'S RECOMMENDED FIX IS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND TO INSTALL AN AUXILIARY COOLER FOR THE TRANSMISSION." WHEN THE LIGHT GOES ON, IT ENTERS A FAIL-SAFE MODE? (THE EPC SOLENOID OPENS UP AND BRINGS LINE PRESSURE UP TO 'MAX') ... THE ONLY CATCH IS IT RAISES THE FLUID PRESSURE WELL BEYOND NORMAL SPECS (IT GOES FROM 100 TO 400 PSI). FORD CD4E TRANSMISSION HTTP://WWW.ANSWERBAG.COM/Q_VIEW/724066 - ISSUES ALSO WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR
1998 Mazda 626 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1998 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: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- 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 AMERICAN OPERATIONS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.
- Consequence: THE BROKEN SPRING MAY GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT, RESULTING POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TENSIONER INSTALLED AND REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED TENSIONER.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN A HOT, HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR CONDENSATION TO ENTER THE AUDIO UNIT AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: IF THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AT ONE SPECIFIC SET OF TERMINALS, THE SPEAKER CAN OVERHEAT AND IN SOME CASES, CATCH FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL AFFIX ALUMINUM TAPE OVER THE AUDIO UNIT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) INSTALLED CAN, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, TRIGGER A SHIFT IN AIR-FUEL RATIO TO AN OVERLEAN CONDITION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL, WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PCM WITH THE CORRECT ENGINE CONTROL LOGIC.
Negative 1998 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 1998 Mazda 626 car reviews
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You've had this car for four years and haven't had any problems? That's great to hear! It sounds like it drives really well in both mountainous areas and the desert. Plus, the exhaust has a nice sound and it handles really well for a sedan.
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I'm really pleased with my Mazda 626. I bought it 1.5 years ago and it's been incredibly reliable. I've put 22000 miles on it and haven't had any problems since I bought it. I think it's an exceptional value for a car that cost $21,000 when it was new. I'm a bit surprised that the trade-in value is only $4100, as I believe it's a quality car that can compete with higher-end models. When I read complaints from people who have had issues with their Mazda, I can't help but chuckle. They buy a used car without knowing who drove it before them, and then blame Mazda for any issues that arise. Who knows what kind of driver may have beaten the car for the first 50,000 miles? It's worth considering, don't you think?
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my 1998 ES-V6 5 speed manual car that I bought 6 months ago from a private seller. It had 60k miles on it and since then, I've put an additional 20,000 miles on it. I'm happy to say that I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever! It's quite fast and I estimate it takes about 7.5 seconds to reach 60mph. It runs right alongside preludes, eclipses, and other little 4 cylinders, making it great fun to drive. The only Ford parts I've noticed are the cruise control and some minor engine control systems, but it's not a big deal. I'm not sure about the manual tranny, but it works fine. The dealer told me that the engine/tranny combo is
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I can tell that you really love your car! It's amazing that it's still running so well after almost 10 years and over 110,000 miles. The leather interior and sun roof sound like great features that you've enjoyed. It's too bad that Mazda doesn't make this model anymore, otherwise you would definitely get another one. Overall, it sounds like you've had a great experience with this car!
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I really enjoy this car, but I am starting to worry about potential issues as I approach 55,000 miles. Unfortunately, the weather stripping on the doors has come off multiple times and won't stay glued. Additionally, the doors are not latching as easily as they used to, requiring me to slam them shut. Despite these minor issues, I have only needed to perform regular maintenance and have not had any significant repairs to date. While my family has outgrown this car, I would highly recommend it for a family of four or less!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Mazda 626 problems:
1998 Mazda 626 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Mazda 626? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Mazda 626.
1998 Mazda 626 DX: Common Problems & Troubleshooting ...
Apr 1, 2011 ... Just be sure all cable connections are clean and tight. Not only at the battery, but on the starter, engine and frame! Positive side as well as ...
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, Reliable? [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum](https://slotcar-today.com/assets/img/no-preview.png)
Mazda 626, Reliable? [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum
and are there any common problems with them? ... The 4 cylinder 626 have the FS series Mazda engine: ... In 1998 the engine underwent several ...
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 1998 Mazda 626?
Alphonso Renner 2024-11-29
Not a bad car for the price! If you're considering an automatic transmission model, I would recommend doing some research beforehand as they have a history of premature failure. However, our 5-speed model has been great! If you're not too worried about gas mileage, I would suggest looking for a V6. While the 125hp four cylinder engine can be underwhelming, the 626 really shines in its handling. I've been thoroughly impressed with the way it corners.
Kareem Shields 2024-11-22
I rated this car with leniency. I purchased it at 70,000 miles and unfortunately, the transmission failed at around 86,000 miles. I was surprised and disappointed to spend $2500 on repairs. Although Mazda is known for top-notch engineering, the mechanic informed me that the car had a Ford transmission that was out of stock due to high demand. I won't comment further on the Ford company and its transmission. Additionally, the car's design makes it difficult for shorter individuals to see behind them. Overall, I hope this review helps others make an informed decision.
Valentin Spinka 2024-11-22
This car has been a disappointment. The acceleration is slow and the transmission failed before reaching 100,000 miles. I regret not reading reviews before purchasing. I am considering trading it in for a Honda Accord, which I had previously owned and had a great experience with.
Ernesto Cremin 2024-10-24
Hey there! I bought a 1998 Mazda thinking it was a reliable Japanese car like Honda, Nissan, or Toyota. However, I later found out that they are mostly made by Ford. Unfortunately, the transmission just went out at 114,000 miles and I'm not sure how much the repairs will cost. Have you had any experience with this?
Orrin Pfeffer 2024-10-20
I purchased one of the first 1998 Mazda 626's in the area. Looking back, I wish I had checked Edmunds and explored other options. Unfortunately, my car has had some issues with the electrical system, which has resulted in 9 trips to the dealer. Thankfully, the issue was resolved when the dealer replaced the entire wiring harness. However, I faced another challenge when the transmission failed at 62,000 miles, costing me $3200 to replace. Due to the electrical problems, the transmission issue, and poor trade-in value, this car was a disappointment. The only silver lining was that I had purchased mechanical breakdown insurance from Geico, which helped to reduce the cost of replacing my transmission to $250.