2003 Mazda 626 Problems & Complaints

Better than average97% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 626 at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2003 Mazda 626 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 97% fewer than a typical 626 model year at the same age, making the 2003 one of the better 626 years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints).

9complaints
0recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Mazda 626 problems

  • Air bags
    222%
  • Engine & cooling
    111%
  • Suspension
    111%
  • Electrical system~18,000 miles
    111%
  • Brakes~9,000 miles
    111%
  • Speed control & acceleration~32,000 miles
    111%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~16,000 miles
    111%
  • Other / not specified~50,000 miles
    111%

Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mazda 626 complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120022003488359358434318217188879
Owner complaints per model year, Mazda 626. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 626 years: 2003, 2002, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Mazda 626 a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 626 rates better than average: 97% 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 2003 Mazda 626?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda 626 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Mazda 626 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 80% 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.