Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Transmission overheated on the freeway, blew out temperature gauge and no longer shifted after that. Speed sensor stopped working. Had to get rebuilt transmission and transmission cooler and several other parts replaced. The repair only lasted 6 months before the transmission went out again. It just slipped gears and stopped shifting in the middle of the road.
Driving in the highway but abruptly it slowed down and can't speed up while I was in the traffic, it was almost bumped to stop, terrifying trucks were chasing behind me. This is a transmission failure. Terrible, and a big safety issue too.
Was about 2 miles from home, accelerating from a turn. Transmission went "clunk" then noticible hesitation when applying gas. When car was parked, smoke coming from underneath the hood. Checked and noticed "burned" trannie fluid covering components. Had car towed to japanese auto. Repair service. Told needed new trannie. Had towed to Mazda dealership. Dealership provided new trannie, radiator and coolant switch b/c common knowledge that radiator was not sufficient to help cool trannie. Mazda covered parts, but in order for them to do that I need to pay labor and get timing belt, gaskets and seals changed. Overall I am pleased with Mazda's action, but I think it should be known that there are problems with this transmission/radiator combo. Fyi. Tom naso's staff was extremely courteous and helpful. I appreciated all their work.
Noise from engine, whining noise, RPM dial jumps up when accelerator push but no power. Car jerks upon coming to a full stop. RPM dial goes up and down to the point that engine will cut off. No dash board light ever came on to give warning. On 8-01-01, had car towed to montgomery madza in charlotte, nc (vacationing) dealer calls on Monday to state transmission had failed and to replace would cost $2700.00. Dealer called back with a new quote of $1700.00. Stated that territory rep, tom watkins was the only one that could authorize a different but because I was over 80,000 miles, he was sticking to his decision. I asked to speak with mr. Watkin and was told he was unavailable and was given my phone number but he never returned the call. …
Vehicle is very sluggish when accelerating, e.g. From a full stop to 40 MPH, ESP. In 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. Occasionally, the car will "buck" or sputter, then spontaneously catch and accelerate rapidly. On two occasions, I have narrowly avoided collisions as a result of this defect. The problem occurs at least 20 times per day during my 35-mile commute to and from work, yet, when I brought the car to the dealer they reported that they could not replicate the failure. There is occasionally an audible popping sound eminating from the engine compartment on the driver's side just beyond the firewall when the problem occurs. I am afraid that sooner or later my luck will run out. I am aware of a recall covering the PCM unit on the 98 626, but was told by Mazda USA that my vehicle was not covered by this recall. Please advise.
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.
We recently bought or Mazda 626 from a dealer we were told that we were getting a quality car. We were fooled. With in the first week we had to buy part after part.change the trans fluid, change the distributor , spark plug wires, spark plugs, router motor, ignition coil, clean fuel injectors , replace fuel filter, still need to get a trans cooler as soon as I can. It took us a few years to save for a car. We trusted a dealer and got screwed! We have no money left and a car we can only use on a limited basis. We thought after loosing our income then our former car to repossession with only $50.00 left on it, then our home gets foreclosed on, and the loss of a father, and sister in a two year time frame was enough. Nope we buy a car with so many defects it crazy, I can believe these cars a even aloud to be sold to anyone. …
Tl contact owns a 1996 Mazda 626. The contact stated that while the shifter was in the park position and powered on, the vehicle suddenly experienced an unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick pillar. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injured back that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 213,365.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda 626 years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (14), 1998 (10), 1996 (9) and 1997 (9) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mazda 626 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Mazda 626 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda 626 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (6 mentions), followed by the cruise control (5).
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.