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 1997 Mazda 626 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
December 2004-January 2005- 1. Car overheats constantly 2. The transmission overheated the car and caused complications with the water pump, computer 3. Replaced all items; transmission rebuilt cost to fix $3200.00 couldn't afford to just junk the car, as I had purchased it for $5200 the summer before. So I had to fix it. Within a week of getting the car back, it blew a radiator hose.
Consumers vehicle began shaking, making noises and the dash light came on. Consumer had tensioner kit, gasket converter failures. The vehicle experienced several engine related problems. The dealer had to replace the thermostat, water pump, catalytic converter and sensors. The A/C also failed.
Transmission failure had to be replaced, overdrive light constantly flashing, dealers stated was oxygen sensor replaced both sensors, problem not solved, replaced transmission replaced several days later with another, first replacement was defective.
Collision was cause by loss of control due to engine stalling. Consumer received a recall notice from the mfr. Concerning Mazda/timing belt # 98v-206.001. Consumer believed that was the cause of vehicle stalling and then being out of control.
Engine is stalling. It looks like the similar failure recall description of Mazda 97, http://www.automotive.com/1997/49/Mazda/626/recalls/12919.html) reported. And dealer(tele. No. [phone]) refused to fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Mazda 626. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased on April 16, 2007. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic ,who determined that the timing belt tensioner was causing excessive wear on the belt. The mechanic stated that there was recall # 98V206001 concerning engine and engine cooling on, and he should call the Mazda manufacturer. The contact called the manufacturer, and was informed that this vehiclewas included in the recall. The recall was not remedied previously. The contact arrived at a Mazda dealer for recall repairs, where he was informed that this vehiclerwas excluded from the recall due to the VIN. He showed the dealer a copy of the recall notice, and they stated that the vehicle was branded with no warranty. The dealer refused to perform recall repairs. The current mileage is 83,936, and the failure mileage was unknown.
When the gear shift is in drive, and the brake is pressed, the car shakes violently and so much that it actually creates a humming noise. The vibration is so intense that it cause ears to clog up. Took car to browns mazad dealership, because still under warranty. Was told it was the motor mounts. They had my car for a total of two weeks, waiting on a "part" which happend to be a bolt and when I pick up the car, it was in worse condition than when I brough it in. I was told that the some vibration is normal, but I am literally shaking when the car idles in the drive gear. Nasty attitude. I am still covered under warranty and I asked to have the mounts replaced, but was told it was within 'specs' therefore, live with it. This could become a potential safety hazard, because I have to put the car in neutral gear to stop the shaking.
Car RPM's are high on start, car idles rough, over drive light blinks, car is very dangerous and when od light blinks car cannot change gears correctly and makes it dangerous on turns. Had close calls almost being hit, as transmission and engine does not work properly. I have had to change all spark plugs and wires, had a rebuilt engine out in as old one was destroyed due to a spring in the timing belt breaking. New 02 sensors, and maf. Current issues are with the od light blinking and causing the car to hesitate and stall. Turning car off and on seems to fix it for a while, then problem happens again after a few hours. Seems to be a computer problem or something, also there is a whining noise when RPM's are over 4000. This car is a lemon and I have read how Mazda refuses to admit the transmission problems they have.
About a year ago my engine check light came on. I took it to the Mazda dealer and they said the catalytic converter was bad. It was replace because it was still under warranty. Two months ago my check engine light came on again. I was again told that my catalytic conver was bad and it was again replaced. Today I was driving on the highway at about 75 miles per hour when my o/d light began to flash on and off. Five minutes later my car started to lose power. After pulling over to the side of the road my car would not change gears. It would not go forward or in reverse. I had it towed to the Mazda dealer and I was told that the transmission was bad and that it would take $2500.00 to be replaced.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.
Engine complaints in other 626 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Mazda 626?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Mazda 626, 11% of the model year's 358 complaints. The component named most often is engine (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mazda 626 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V206001 (engine, Sep 8, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Mazda 626 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.