2002 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 2002 Mazda 626 problems
The Mazda 626 from the 2002 model year is known for a few common problems based on the complaints of its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the engine, specifically a lack of power and sluggishness, particularly in four-cylinder models
. This can make it difficult to accelerate on the highway, and some owners have reported that they would prefer more horsepower.
Another common issue with the Mazda 626 is related to the transmission. Some owners have reported problems with overheating, which led Mazda to include a transmission cooler in the 2002 model year to address this issue. However, even with the cooler, some owners have still reported issues with the transmission, including sluggishness and difficulty shifting.
The front seats of the Mazda 626 have also been a source of complaints from some owners. Specifically, some have reported that the front seats are quite short, which can make them uncomfortable for taller drivers or passengers on longer trips
. Additionally, some owners have reported that the front seats lack sufficient legroom, which can also contribute to discomfort on longer trips.
Another issue that some owners have reported with the Mazda 626 is related to the suspension. Claims made by Warranty Direct customers suggest that the suspension, axles, brakes, and electrics are where potential trouble may lie. Therefore, it is important to inspect these components closely when considering a used Mazda 626.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the bodywork of the Mazda 626. Specifically, some have reported dents, signs of overspray, and bodged repairs, which can work out expensive to fix. Therefore, it is important to choose only the smartest, well-cared-for examples of the Mazda 626 to minimize the risk of these issues.
In summary, the Mazda 626 from the 2002 model year is known for a few common problems, including engine sluggishness, transmission issues, uncomfortable front seats, suspension and electrical problems, and bodywork issues. However, with careful inspection and maintenance, many owners have reported that the Mazda 626 is a reliable and comfortable car that can provide trouble-free motoring for many years.
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.
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 life expectancy of a Mazda 626 2002?
What is Mazda 626 lifespan? 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.
Is A Mazda 626 a reliable car?
There is nothing inherently wrong with a Mazda 626. It will do the job most owners expect of it and will be reliable and reasonably durable. But if you're looking for a medium-sized car to ignite the motoring passions, well, you would be better off looking elsewhere.
2002 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
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Mazda 626
The NHTSA has received 88 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mazda 626. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Mazda 626 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-13
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1YVGF22CX25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF FORWARD GEAR WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKES AND GENTLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE DIDNT MOVE. MANUALLY SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR WAS THE CAR ABLE TO MOVE BUT CAUSING A VERY HARSH LURCHING FORWARD CAUSING A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE CAR 3 MILES TO MY HOME. I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN 1ST GEAR AND HAVING THE BRAKES APPLIED THE TRANSMISSION CAUGHT IN GEAR AND LUNGED FORWARD CAUSING ME TO CONTACT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH MYSELF AND THE OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE I HIT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WELL AS PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND THE BACK OF THEIRS.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-06
- VIN: 1YVGF22C225
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW. EVEN AFTER WE GET IT FIXED IT STILLS JERKS AND SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO FALL OUT. IT HAS A TERRIBLE TIME SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE IT JUMPS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OUT. MY DAD IS 94 YEARS OLD AND NEEDS THIS CAR TO WORK. HE DOESN'T NEED TO GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER ONE OR SPEND ANOTHER $1800 OR SO TO GET THIS ONE FIXED. I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION AND I FEEL MAZDA NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-31
- VIN: 1YVGF22CX15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TAMARA RECALL
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-12
- Crash: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE AND THEN ONE DAY AS I WAS LEAVING WORK MY CAR STARTED ACTING AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO SHUT OFF. I MADE IT ALL THE WAY HOME AND WAS GOING TO GO TO THE STORE AND MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR I TRIED TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUIDS BUT IT SOUNDS NOT MOVE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-25
- VIN: 1YVGF22C125
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION JERKS-HARD KICKING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISION/DEFECTIVE TRANSMISION ON THIS MODEL NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.(FLUID FILTER SPEED SENSOR ETC)STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM...THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN ON ALL THE MAZDA VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-12
- VIN: 1YVGF22C725
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CAR STARTED TO NOT WANT TO CRANK IT WOULD CRANK SOMETIMES THEN ONE DAY WE WENT TO THE STORE THEN WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE THE STORE IT FINALLY JUST STOPPED TRYING TO CRANK ONLY MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND WHILE TRYING TO CRANK IT THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE I BELIEVE IT IS THE IGNITION SWITCH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-13
- VIN: 1YVGF22CX25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE ON HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. REPAIR ENDED UP COSTING APPROXIMATELY $3,000 FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AT TIME OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND HAD PUT LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT PERSONALLY. CAR WAS PURCHASED USED BUT IN GOOD CONDITION. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-15
- VIN: 1YVGF22C225
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR WILL MOVE FINE UNTIL IT WARMS UP BUT THEN SLIPS OUT OF ALL GEARS AND WONT MOVE UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-13
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MAKING POPPING NOISES AND LAGGING WHEN MAKING TURNS SOUNDS HORRIBLE TOOK TO A MECHANIC HE SAYS HE CAN FIX IT FOR 1700.00 THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD. AT A LITTLE OVER A 100 THOUSAND MILES IT SHOULDN'T NEED REPLACED. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-26
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON ACCELERATION FROM BEING STOPPED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD MAKE A SERIES OF POPPING SOUNDS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE A STRETCHED DRIVE CHAIN IN THE TRANSMISSION. INSTANCES OF HIGH TORQUE WOULD CAUSE THE CHAIN TO SKIP PAST TEETH, CAUSING THE POPPING NOISE. DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT IF PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUE THE CD4E TRANSMISSION THE ENTIRE UNIT WAS REPLACED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN 2010 AFTER HARD SHIFTING AND SKIPPING GEARS, SAME PROBLEM AGAIN STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. SHOULD NOT BE REPLACING A TRANSMISSION EVERY TWO YEARS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-08
- VIN: 1YVGF22C425
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SMOKE CAME FROM AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-09
- VIN: 1YVGF22C325
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN SPEED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE LOCAL GAS STATION PARKING SPOT, THE ENGINE DIED. THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO NEED A REBUILD. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-30
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION BROKE ON ME AT 107,000 ODO . *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-22
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTO TRANSMISSION HAS CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING AND SHIFTING. TONS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. WHY CANT SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS LIKE A RECALL? *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-12
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION, 2002 MAZDA 626, TWICE IN LAST 6 MONTHS. CAR LURCHES, STALLS, WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS, HAVE BEEN STUCK ON BUSY FREEWAY. ALSO FUEL PUMP JUST CUTS OFF AND CAR WILL NOT START. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-23
- VIN: 1YVGF22C025
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE, 2002 MAZDA 626 4CYL. TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AND SHIFTING HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. 97,000 MILES BUT HAD REGULAR "HARSH CONDITIONS" MAINTENANCE AS IT WAS BEING OPERATED IN THE AZ DESERT HEAT. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BUT NOW SHIFTS HARD 1ST TO 2ND IN ADDITION TO 2ND AND 3RD DESPITE BEING SENT BACK. THERE ARE WIDESPREAD FAILURES OF 626 TRANSMISSIONS BUT MAZDA WAS NEVER FORCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE TRANSMISSION IS TOO SMALL FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE PER SOME REPORTS. $2,500 FOR REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I'VE NEVER HAD A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GO OUT THIS SOON AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2002 MAZDA 626 ES, LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-10
- VIN: 1YVGF22C225
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION CHAIN FAILURE. CAR HAS ONLY 72K MILES ON IT, NEEDS ENTIRE RE-BUILT TRANSMISSION COSTING OVER $1900.00. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 75,000 MILES. *TR
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 94,000 MILES ON MY 2002 MAZDA 626 AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND STRUTS WERE WORTHLESS. WAS STRANDED ON THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR WOULD GO IN REVERSE BUT WAS DIFFICULT TO OPERATE IN DRIVE AND AT SLOWER SPEEDS AND STOP SIGNS/LIGHTS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE MAZDA 626 YEAR 2002. IT HAD AROUND 53,000 MILES ON IT. VERY LOW MILEAGE AND WELL MAINTAINED. ONE DAY, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS SUDDEN JERKING MOTION AND OD LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, AFTER WHICH THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND WAS MOVING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. (ON THE HIGHWAY). AS AND WHEN I STOPPED/SLOWED, THE CAR HAD DIFFICULTY TO GAIN SPEED. SOME HOW, I GOT IT HOME AFTER WHICH , IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. NEUTRAL AND REVERSE GEARS WORKED FINE. TOOK IT MAZDA DEALER IN TROY, AND THEY SAID A BAD TRANSMISSION. FIRST THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL GET A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THEY WERE CHARGING EXORBITANTLY. LATER THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD BE REBUILT FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY. I TOOK MY CART TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND GOT IT REPAIRED. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION WITH MAZDA 626. I CALLED UP MAZDA COMPANY AND COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. BUT MY WORDS FELL ON DEAF EARS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE, MAZDA KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION BURNOUT. PURCHASED USED MAZDA WITH 138000 MILES, PREVIOUS OWNER SAID HE'D REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ONCE BEFORE. AT AROUND 160 K MILES MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, I HAD A SHOP REPLACE WITH REBUILT TRANS, BUT MORE PROBLEMS RESULTED. 2000 DOLLARS LATER, PLUS RENTAL CAR FEES AND THE "NEW" TRANSMISSION IS ON THE BLINK STILL, HAS BEEN BACK IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES. SYMPTOMS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED IN THE INTERNET, BUCKING, NO POWER, HIGH RPM'S, FLASHING O/D LIGHT, SPEWING OIL. IF THIS CAR IS EVER DRIVABLE AGAIN I WILL SELL AND NEVER BUY MAZDA AGAIN. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-10
- VIN: 1YVGF22C425
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MAZDA 626 WAS BUILT WITH A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT HAS HAD PROBLEMS SINCE 50,000 MILES. THE CAR STARTED FORCEFULLY SHIFTING, AND NOW WILL HAVE PROBLEMS ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT SINCE 50000 MILES WITH CONDITIONS GETTING WORSE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM ACCEPT MY MECHANIC SAYS I NEED TO EITHER REBUILD THIS TRANSMISSION OR PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Negative 2002 Mazda 626 car reviews
Positive 2002 Mazda 626 car reviews
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The car is excellent, and I have only encountered a minor issue with the A/C compressor, which was promptly replaced due to a leaking seal. Additionally, the front bumper is misaligned, and I am confident that the dealership will resolve the issue soon.
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I looked at the Hondas and the Toyotas, but ultimately decided on the 626. It had a lower price, more room, and a better warranty. I'm only planning on keeping the car for a short two-year run, but overall, it's a winner.
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This car is fantastic! It's very pleasant to drive and maintain, and offers great performance at a good price. I have personally tested two Japanese versions of the 626 (made for other countries) with the GB2D 2.0 AT - GE10S1 transmission, one for 200,000 km and the other for 70,000 km, and I can confidently say that the transmission never caused a single problem. It's possible that the transmission issues are specific to the USA-made 626 models, and may be related to the Ford transmission.
-
Originally, I had a 4-cylinder and traded up to a 6-cylinder. It has lots of pep and I STILL get 26+ miles per gallon, even when driving at 80MPH! My wife and I have driven over 63,000 and 83,000 miles respectively on our same models with no problems whatsoever.
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Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I have to say, for a v4, it really packs a punch! The acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear is pretty impressive, although I did notice that 3rd gear feels a bit sluggish. Overall, I haven't had any major issues with this car, except for having to replace the motor mounts when I first bought it. The only thing that concerns me is the transmission, which can be a bit unreliable at times. Interestingly, the transmission is the only American-made part on this car, which says a lot about the quality of Japanese engineering. Thanks for listening!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mazda 626 problems:
2002 Mazda 626 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Mazda 626? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Mazda 626.
2002 Mazda 626 Q&A: Mileage, Review, Gas Mileage, Reliability ...
Nov 12, 2008 ... HelloCustomer if it is well maintained these vehicle can last quite a while. There are not a lot of common issues, just be wary of oil leaks and ...
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Mazda 626, Reliable? [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum
I'm looking at a 2002 626LX for my daughter. Has anyone owned one of these and are there any common problems with them?
Common Problems with 2002 Mazda 626: Overheating | JustAnswer
Feb 16, 2011 ... If the engine overheats this fast and the coolant is clean and full and there are no air pockets in the cooling system, then YES, I do think you ...
Mazda 626 Starting Issues — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Dec 29, 2006 ... hope someone can help me, i have a mazda 626 1992 model never had a prob with it, this morning i went to start it and nothing, ...
Other years of Mazda 626
Are you having problems with your 2002 Mazda 626?
Raphael Fahey 2025-01-05
I've had this car since it had 25K miles. Now, four years later and at 104K miles, it's still running great with hardly any problems. It's an extremely reliable car. As others have mentioned, new passengers always find the swinging air vent interesting.
Anibal Mayert 2024-11-01
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's great to hear that you purchased your first new car a year ago for $15,000 and have had no troubles with it. You mentioned that you looked at the Accord and Camry, but ultimately decided on this car due to its affordability. It's wonderful to hear that you took it on a 2500 mile road trip and had fun with it! The interior and exterior are both clean and simple, which is great. Thank you again for sharing your positive experience with us!
Wilburn Gibson 2024-09-24
Hey there! I've had this car for a week now and I wanted to share my experience with you. I've noticed that the ride on the highway can be a bit uncomfortable if you exceed 75 mph. The steering can also be a bit difficult at times. Personally, I don't find it to be the most comfortable ride. If you're looking for something a bit more comfortable, I would recommend spending a few more dollars and going for the Toyota Camry instead.
Brannon Dach 2024-08-09
Great choice for a second car!
Kelley Ernser 2024-07-24
The 626lx I have is so much fun! It's unique, which is why I decided to purchase it. When I was car shopping, my first options were either a Honda Accord or the 626. To me, the 626 was more attractive, even though Honda and Toyota get better publicity. I consider the 626 to be the best kept secret.