Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Our Mazda 2001 tribute has been leaking brake fluid and mechanic said it May be something with master cylinder. After searching the internet I found Mazda had a recall (#6712a) that covered 2001-2002 model year tribute suvs for a faulty brake master cylinder reservoir cap. We called Mazda and spoke to a rep. Katrina said "your car does not qualify because you do not have ABS brakes". Whether we have ABS brakes or not we should be able to have our car checked in this recall for our safety. We should not be excluded from this recall. Please let us know what needs to be done.
I own a 2001 Mazda 626 with 45,000 miles. High mileage do to 90%hiway driving in my work. At about 38000 miles noticed a violent vibration when braking at hi speed and a loud clunk when brakes applied. Dealer said no warranty normal wear and tear. Dealer advised me to get the rotors turned when the brake pads wear out at around 80000 to 90000 miles. They said the clunking sound is normal when the rotors are warped. Dealer said warrnty does not cover routine maintenance. Defective brake at 38000 highway miles is not routine in my opinion. Last time I will own a Mazda.
My 2000 Mazda 626 began having problems a week after purchasing April 10, 2008! The car started having electrical problems which resulted in 3 batteries, 2 alternators, no ac or defrost could be run. Then the brakes were replaced twice within a 2 month period! All these problems resulted in me almost being killed from an automobile accident! This happened June 8, 2009 which was a Monday approx. 4 pm. The airbags never deployed, and my head hit the steering wheel. Windshield shattered all over my hand resulting in severe lacerations! This car needs looked at asap!!!! Please help
I own a 2000 Mazda 626 with only 90,000 miles. I have been stranded several times in this car and spent over $3000 parts and labor. I had to replace the catalytic converter, several sensors, master break cylinder, cv boots, and rack and pinion. Now I am having trouble with the transmission and the ac. The mechanic says I need to rebuild the trans and replace the ac compressor. This is another $3000 or more. I am very disappointed in this situation. I plead with you to take action on this. I have checked several web forums and found similar problems. Please, please make Mazda accountable for building such bad cars. Fyi, I am very, very diligent in general maintenance. Thanks for your time. Chris.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Mazda 626. While driving 55 MPH downhill, the contact stated that she lost control of the steering when she depressed the brake pedal then crashed into a tree. As a result, the crash destroyed the vehicle. The road conditions were wet. The rear passenger sustained a broken left leg while seated in a child seat. There is a recall for service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder (NHTSA campaign id #00V074000) however, the manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included. As of January 2, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 145,000.
When driving 10 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, pedal became very hard and would not move, causing it to continue moving forward, resulting in an accident. Also, in a separate incident when backing into a parking space and when applying the brake pedal, pedal was very hard. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.
1997 Mazda 626 his car continues to have transmission problems. All of the problems are intermittent. Occasionally the car will not accelerate even when the RPM's climb. The automatic transmission shifts hard, it slams from gear to gear especially when shifting up a gear. Overdrive slips in and out, the overdrive light flashes when the overdrive slips. There is one isolated incident on a long highway trip where the car would not go above 45. It started to smoke and so I pulled over and shut off the car. I still have not figured out where the transmission fluid came from but when I looked under the hood there was fluid everywhere, as if about a quart of fluid had been sprayed or burst.
In addition to smelling gas - the radio and antenna doesn't work. Now the sunroof won't close all the way. The check engine light comes on more often than not since I had the car. The key sometimes won't fit into door lock and even though the car looks brand new and has been well taken care off - it just seems to fall apart. The glove compartment lock fell apart but the biggest thing is the sunroof won't close all the way. This is my 3rd Mazda and I will never buy another one.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain reservoir tank caps on the brake master cylinder were produced with a worn out die and lack ventilation holes. As a result, the pressure in the reservoir tank can drop gradually as the brake pad or shoe wears and ambient temperature drops.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda 626 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (16), 1997 (14), 2000 (14), 1995 (13) and 1996 (12) model years. Brake complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Mazda 626 brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-074 (master cylinder, Mar 7, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda 626 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components (18 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14).
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.