Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mazda 626 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I bought the car in 2007 and from the start there were problems. The over drive light pops on and off, keeps overheating even after had full fluid flush, replaced old battery with new one and car continues to shut off, takes 10 min to start. I got it fixed in March of 2008 for the problems stated above and again in sept 2008 for same problems but with a different company. They said its because 2 out of the 4 cylinders are really low. If that's the case why didn't the other company advise me of that same problem. Now the car won't start. I have talked with other people with the same car nd they are having the same problem. The last serious issue was the car shut off while I was driving on the interstate with my 4 year old and 1 year old. I was lucky enough that I was able to pull over to side of road and restart it and go home.
I bought a used Mazda 626 (1995) in December 2003 and it had about 85,000 miles when I purchased it. Within 6 months of purchasing the vehicle the transmission went bad (the gear teeth broke and the entire transmission had to be tossed). A new transmission was fitted in its place and this cost me about $2,500. A few weeks later I learnt that this was a problem found in many Mazda 626 models manufactured in 1995. I mainly use this vehicle to drive to school and do some grocery; hardly do I take it on the interstate or drive at high speeds. After about two years it is still giving me other problems - like engine wont crank and so on. I am disappointed buying this vehicle and will never ever buy a Mazda/Ford product.
1.horn button broke and popped off while driving. 2. Car will rev by itself between 1000-1500 RPM while coming to a stop. 3. Car sometimes has no base idol and will just turn off. 4. Check engine light came on, took car to machanic. Manifold intake gasket had to be replaced. Light has gone off but car still revs itself. Sometimes while idoling car will rev between 1500-2000 rpms. 5. Both rear struts have been replaced. 6. Coupler for rack and pinon had to be replaced.
Check engine light came on local mechanic suspected oxygen sensor not covered by warranty on emission control components. Local mechanic charge 800$ to change o2 sensor did not fix problem. Took to dealer and changed another component to fix it. Happened because of manufacturer defect since there was no wear and tear and no external damage to the components. But I still had to pay for the work over 1200$
Mazda corp. Denies knowledge of any problems with transmissions. Mazda dealership acknowledges 626's have transmission faults due to radiators being too small and causing transmission to overheat., but denies any responsibility. Advised external coolant should be attached after repair. Via this website, numerous complaints exist. Does Mazda not read this website? Customer very dissatisfied with Mazda . Went out on interstate. Independent mechanic also aware of 626's transmission's reputation. Mazda has been notified, but says nothing will be done to recall transmissions. To-date this is the 274th complaint filed on this website. When will action be taken; and not the consumer be taken!!!
Temperature was very hot on the car after driving approximately 1 mile. No fluid in radiator. Refilled only to realize a slow leak. Took it to dealer for repair. They couldn't find a leak but said it had to do with the temperature gauge, so it was replaced. 2 days after the repair, the same problem has arisen. Have contacted them again to determine what to do. Sometimes the car goes from normal reading to hot,and suddenly returns to normal. I have added approx. 1 gallon of fluid every 2 days for the past week. Worried about possible engine damage and stalling in traffic.
Transmission was making loud dropping sounds when engaging into reverse and drive, was told I need a new transmission. 2. Rear sway bar needs new fastening device. 3. Front engine exhaust pipe needs replacing. (replaced muffler and part of exhaust 7 mths. Prior.) 4. Fuel gauge inoperative as of purchase date, has been replaced twice along with fuel pump and sending unit. 5. Mass air flow sensor needs replacing. 6. Heat actuator needs replacing. 7. Distributor ignitor is faulty. 8. Have had gasket covers and lifters replaced.
The electronic light comes on and put it under the light at the Mazda dealer, it reads the air flow meter is bad. Know 4 other incidents of Mazda's owners who have reported airflow problems with their mazdas. It reduces speed of the car when traveling on the highway. Can cause accidents. It happens too frequently to too many people cars. It must be a defect in the part.
Transmission jumps out of gear and also hesitates when putting car in gear. The consumer had contacted the dealership and the manufacturer, and they told him there is nothing that they could do for him. Also, vehicle stopped on the interstate on 10-02-98. Car had to be towed into the dealership. The dealship said that car will be ready tomorrow.
95 Mazda 626 o/d light blinks off and on car overheats.first took my car there to have new sensor put in, it worked fine for a while. Now the problem has come back and they keep giving me the run around about whatis wrong.I have read reports that alot of people have been having the same problem with make and model. Please do something about this.
Engine complaints in other 626 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Mazda 626?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Mazda 626, 6% of the model year's 488 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mazda 626 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Mazda 626, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Mazda 626 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.