2003 Mazda 626 problems

General information about Mazda-626
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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 2003 Mazda 626 problems

The Mazda 626, produced from 1997 to 2003, is known for its reliability and trouble-free operation

. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Timing Belt: Some owners have reported problems with the timing belt, especially if the car is not serviced regularly or if it is used for longer trips or with a full boot . It is recommended to check the timing belt before buying a used Mazda 626, as repairs can be expensive.
Engine Performance: Some owners have reported that the engine can be quite sluggish, especially on longer trips or with a full boot . This may be due to the engine's design or to issues with the fuel system or ignition.
Tire Wear: Some owners have reported issues with tire wear, which may be due to the car's suspension or to driving habits . It is recommended to check the tires regularly and to replace them if necessary.
Oil Leaks: Some owners have reported oil leaks, which may be due to worn or damaged seals or gaskets . It is recommended to check for oil leaks regularly and to address them promptly to avoid further damage to the engine.
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, including sluggish performance, difficulty shifting, and problems with the transmission cooler . It is recommended to check the transmission regularly and to address any issues promptly to avoid further damage.

Fuel System Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including problems with the fuel injectors and the throttle body . It is recommended to use high-quality fuel and to have the fuel system professionally cleaned if necessary.
Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported electrical issues, including problems with the battery and the starter . It is recommended to check the electrical system regularly and to address any issues promptly to avoid further damage.
Braking System Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the braking system, including problems with the calipers and the parking brake . It is recommended to check the braking system regularly and to address any issues promptly to ensure safe operation of the car.

In summary, while the Mazda 626 is known for its reliability and trouble-free operation, it is important to be aware of the common problems that owners have reported. Regular maintenance and checks can help to identify and address these issues promptly, ensuring safe and trouble-free operation 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.

Why is my Mazda 626 rough idle stalling?

The most common reasons a Mazda 626 has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil.

2003 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:

Air bags problems
Unknown or other problems
Power train problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Mazda 626 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Mazda 626 complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Mazda 626.

2015-12-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-07-20
VIN: 1YVFP80CX35
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *JS

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2015-10-16

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-13
VIN: 1YVHP80D245
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE 7914J, CAMPAIGN #15V-345 & 15V-382, IN AUGUST OF 2015. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, LESTER GLEN MAZDA IN TOMS RIVER, NJ ON 8/13/15. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART AND CALL WITHIN A WEEK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO INSTALL THE RECALL PART. I CALLED AGAIN ON 9/16/15 AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE STILL WAITING FOR THE PART FROM MAZDA, THAT THE PARTS HADN'T BEEN SHIPPED BECAUSE OF SOME ISSUE ON MAZDA'S END. IT IS NOW 10/16/15 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED.

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2008-09-26

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-06-10
VIN: 1YVFP80C335
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LINING BEGAN TO FALL FROM THE REAR CEILING OF THE VEHICLE. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE LINING IN PLACE BEGAN TO WEAR OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND HER WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED; THEREFORE, NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 50,000.

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2005-03-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
VIN: 1YVFP80D135
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: MAZDA 6 2003, AT 16,070 MILES CLUTCH WENT OUT. *BF THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. *JB

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2005-03-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-12-21
VIN: 1YVFP80D935
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER COULD APPLY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BEARLY MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK

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2004-10-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-09-21
VIN: 1YVFP80C235
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPED PREMATURELY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS THREE TIMES, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

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2004-03-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-02-21
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED INSIDE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. *AK

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2003-09-24

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE WOULD SWAY TO RIGHT. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN ALLEGED VEHICLE'S PROBLEM WOULD RETURN. *AK

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2003-03-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED.*JB

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Mazda 626 problems:

2002 Mazda 626 Q&A: Mileage, Review, Gas Mileage, Reliability ...

https://www.justanswer.com/car/1k8iv-2002-mazda-626-cyclinder-well-maintained-miles-100k-miles.html

Nov 12, 2008 ... What is your opinion on buying a used 2002 MAZDA 626 6 CYCLINDER THAT IS CLEAN WELL MAINTAINED OVER 100K MILES? - Answered by a verified ...

I might be getting a 2003 Mazda 626 as my first car, what are some ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda/comments/rv3hwz/i_might_be_getting_a_2003_mazda_626_as_my_first/

Jan 3, 2022 ... The automatic transmission on the 4 cylinder 626 was the one weak spot. The V6 automatic was better, and the manual transmissions are fine ...

Common Problems with 2002 Mazda 626: Overheating | JustAnswer

https://www.justanswer.com/mazda/4luo6-mazda-2002-mazda-626-overheating-problem.html

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 ...