Most common 2001 Mazda 626 problems
Share of the 188 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 →
What 2001 Mazda 626 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 139 →
I purchased a 2001 Mazda 626 in July of 2002 and have had extensive problems with the tires on the car. I've had to change usually two tires at a time every six months. As of today along with problems with the tires my transmission blew out and I'm being quoted $3,300 to replace it. This shouldn't be happening on any car that is only four years old. It has 72,000 miles on it. I've researched this problem and have come across 200 other individuals that have had this same problem with the transmission. Some of them with brand new Mazda's and some of them with the same car that is older than mine. It's amazing to me that Mazda can get away with selling this car for so long with this same problem. I have three children that are in the car with me daily and I almost had an accident when the car died on me in the middle of a busy road. …
I have a 2001 Mazda 626 that had a transmission failure at less than 60K miles. My problems began when I started noticing a jerking motion when I accelerated out of a full stop. Then, the transmission would sometimes delay engaging in reverse or drive. I had multiple mechanics look at the car, all of whom recommended a replacement transmission. I spoke with even more mechanics about the situation, including three at Mazda dealerships, and all fully and openly acknowledged widespread problems with Mazda transmissions. One service manager at a Mazda dealership recommended I get rid of the car altogether. Another independent mechanic, a transmission specialist, refused to work on mazdas at all. To add insult to injury, Mazda is also charging exorbitant prices for replacement transmissions (perhaps because they're in such demand?): just under $3000 for the part itself, not to mention labor. …
Engine & cooling all 21 →
The engine is misfiring causing the check engine light to come on. The first two times I took the car in for this problem they replaced spark plugs and told me I was putting "bad gas" in the car; the third time they replaced a distributor cap, the fourth the ignition wires, the fifth the computer in the car, and now for the sixth attempt they are replacing valve one in the engine. The dealer has had my car for 31 days (21 business days) and as of yesterday, even after replacing the valve in the engine, the problem has still not been corrected. I've had a rental car for the 31 days they've had my car. I purchased the optional insurance because my insurance agent advised me to do so (what the rental company expects in the event of an accident is much higher than what an insurance company would pay...therefore I would be responsible for the difference). …
I've had numerous problems with this car since 03/2001. I purchased it new from marlin Mazda. This car has stalled several times while driving. The sunroof and corner roof between the front windshield and driver door leaked water when it would rain. January 2003 my car ran hot, the air conditioning was not blowing.they said they replaced the head on my engine and that some hose was not connected, this is why my air wasn't blowing? My car stalled on me 08/27/03. No warning lights came on. The car wasn't even hot. Towed to marlin Mazda.I paid for new battery. I asked them to chaeck under hood to be sure no other problems, they told me at least $500 to check engine thoroughly? Week later stall again. This time towed to ocean Mazda,knocking noise under hood, they said it is the engine and oil pump. …
Air bags
My husband was driving our 2001 madza 626 with about 59000 miles (can't be accurate because it is still in the shop). He hit a pick-up truck from behind while going approximally 40 miles per hour. A car in front of the truck stopped quickly when the light changed. When the truck stopped, he was not able to stop. The truck had a large iron round bumper guard. My husband head hit the steering wheel along with his body being throw forward. The airbags did not deploy. Because of his head injury and back pain he had to be transported to hospital. He is still having headaches. Because we only have the minum full coverage all of his hospital bills and cost of the transport is on us. We have not received all of the hospital bills, but the transport itself is over $900. He also was not able to go to work for three days. …
Vehicle was hit a 30 MPH in the front center of the vehicle but the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. The drivers seat belt did not hold and as a result the driver head went through he windshield. The dealer was notified. Ts
2001 Mazda 626 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 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 2001 Mazda 626 a good car?
Based on 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 626 rates average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 626 at the same age. It is one of the best 626 years by this measure. 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 2001 Mazda 626?
The transmission & drivetrain — 139 complaints, 74% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (21) and air bags (11).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda 626 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mazda 626. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2001 Mazda 626 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 25% 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.