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 2001 Mazda 626 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
In August 2001, I purchased a brand new Mazda 626. In May 2003, I started to experience major problems with the car. At 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. At 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. Now at 48,000 miles, I returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. After a couple of minutes, I noticed that the thermostat was really hot, then the engine light came on and immediately the car died and started smoking (left my husband and myself stranded on the 405 fwy at midnight). I was told I need a new engine (engine long block, all water hoses, radiator, knock sensor, gasket set and spark plugs). The cost: $8400. …
Coolant reservoir on Mazda 626 models has a design flaw. Our vehicle has required 4 of these since we've owned it. Each time, the part is no longer under warranty as it is over 12 months old. Failures occurred on 5/30/06 at 118K and again on 6/1/07 at 138K, and now on 7/11/08 at 162K. The problem is that they are manufactured with a seam on the bottom. The seam leaks and so coolant gradually leaks from the reservoir until you notice your vehicle slowly running hot. Since I watch May gauges closely, I always see when this is happening. Replacing coolant will prevent the engine from overheating but replacing the reservoir is always required. Locally this part costs $100. This does not include labor to remove/discard the old reservoir and to attach the new one. Our local Mazda dealership has 50 of these in stock at any given time. Seems like a large inventory for a part. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mazda 626. On approximately November 22, 2007, while driving 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. The manufacturer agreed to pay half of the replacement cost for the catalytic converter. On approximately October 15, 2006, (15,000 miles later) the engine shut down and the vehicle was towed. The catalytic converter was replaced again. The contact requested information as to whether the catalytic converter was flawed. The dealer stated that this type of failure was rare and the cause could not be explained. The failure mileage was 69,000 and current mileage was 84,000.
In August 2001, I purchased a Mazda 626. In May 2003, I started to experience major problems with the car. At 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. At 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket, and the throttle body gasket. My car is nearing the end of its 3 year/36,000 warranty and I am frightened about how much future repairs will cost, as well as the overall safety of the car.
Vehicle stalled several times while driving. Also, water leaked into sun roof. Last week the car stalled. Towed it to marlin Mazda. Consumer had to pay $65 for a new battery.consumer cancelled warranty, stating sludge in engine. That was a lie. Towed vehicle to ocean Mazda, they did not find sludge. They said they could not fix it because warranty wa scancelled by marlin Mazda (code w8). Ocean Mazda said this code did not exist. This car was purchased new 03/2001. My factory warranty was for 3 years or 50,000 miles. Consumer only had 38,000 miles and an extended warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda 626. The contact stated that after fuel was added to the vehicle, the engine seized and would not engage. The engine would operate when the accelerator pedal was tapped. Also, while driving, the vehicle sporadically stalled. The contact was unsure if any warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to flow Mazda of greensboro (1205 bridford pkwy, greensboro, nc 27407, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
1. Turned air conditioner on. No cold air coming out, then shortly noticed the car heat gauge was showing hot, and fumes coming from hood. 2. Pulled to the side of road. Turned off engine and waited about 20 minutes before checking the hood. The coolant reservoir had coolant. Opened the coolant tank, and there was no steam or hot fluids from the tank. 3. Tried restarting after cooling and the car would not restart. Had car towed to repair store. Had to get another engine since the engine was damaged.
I have been having so many problems with my Mazda 626 and it's a 2001. The times that I have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course I know my car better I do drive it more than they have too. What I discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not right), was dealing with my odometer reading. So if I can please allow me your help before my give out on me. Thank you mrs. Jackson
Engine complaints in other 626 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Mazda 626?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Mazda 626, 11% of the model year's 188 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mazda 626 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Mazda 626. 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 2001 Mazda 626 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 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.