Most common 1998 Mazda 626 problems
Share of the 434 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda 626 complaints by model year
Best 626 years: 2003, 2002, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998. Compare all years →
1998 Mazda 626 recalls (4)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break.
Remedy: Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
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.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the PCM with the correct engine control logic.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Mazda 626:
Speedometer inoperative
See resume for details.
What 1998 Mazda 626 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 313 →
Transmission slipping, od light blinking, transmission fluid boiling out of dip stick area, covering motor which then started burning with lots of smoke. Took it to transmission repair shop they changed the filter and fluid, now it doing the same thing. I'm scared to drive it!
While driving my 98 Mazda 626, I noticed slippage of gears (in the transmission). I would step on my accelerator, and nothing would happen. I spoke with Mazda, and was told that since my mileage is approximately 100,000, this is not under warranty. I replaced the transmission, at another ase-certified facility, for $3018.00. The mechanic advised me that this problem was "typical" with the 98 Mazda's. Apparently, Mazda had a joint-venture with Ford. The transmission used for the 98 Mazda 626 was the same transmission used on the Ford probe. (funny, you don't see any of those around now). I was given a 12-month, 12,000 mile warranty. It is one year later, and again the transmission is inoperable. Due to the numerous other complaints of Mazda transmissions, I asked the Mazda dealer if the transmission is under recall. The Mazda dealership stated that the transmission is not under recall. …
Engine & cooling all 83 →
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.
1998 Mazda 626 lx 2.0l 4cylinder engine. Returning back to the guest house after dropping a friend off at the airport that evening, after getting off the interstate, I heard a crack (followed by a grinding noise) from the passenger's side of the engine. Within moments as I slowed the car to a safe spot, I heard a whipping noise from the same region. That later happened to be the serpentine and alternator belts both broke just after exiting the interstate, the engine and battery lights came on at once.., and then, immediately after that, the engine stopped working. I called my insurance and had my car towed to the guest house. The car was looked at and the diagnoses were the gears in the water pump were broken which froze the alternator belt, the alternator belt-now stiffened- shredded and mangled the serpentine belt. Then the serpentine belt tore along the grooved lines. …
Electrical system
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.
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.
1998 Mazda 626 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mazda 626 a good car?
Based on 434 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 626 rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the 626 at the same age. It is one of the 626 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Mazda 626?
The transmission & drivetrain — 313 complaints, 72% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (83) and electrical system (12).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mazda 626 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1998 Mazda 626, the most recent from October 19, 2015 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda 626?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2002 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1998. See the full Mazda 626 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mazda 626 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 5% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.