Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Without any warning the transmission started slipping out of forward gear while at a traffic light after releasing the brakes and gently pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle didnt move. Manually shifting into 1st gear was the car able to move but causing a very harsh lurching forward causing a loud "clunking" noise. I was able to limp the car 3 miles to my home. I was involved in a rear end accident at the next traffic light. While the vehicle was in 1st gear and having the brakes applied the transmission caught in gear and lunged forward causing me to contact the car in front of me. Both myself and the occupant of the vehicle I hit sustained minor injuries and well as property damage to the front of my vehicle and the back of theirs.
My car was driving fine and then one day as I was leaving work my car started acting as though it wanted to shut off. I made it all the way home and was going to go to the store and my car would not shift into gear I tried to add transmission fluids but it sounds not move.
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. …
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
Od off light on our 2000 Mazda 626 lx started flashing. Took the car to a local dealer (berge Mazda in mesa az) and they diagnosed a code p1718- transmission overheating. They recommend to install a transmission cooler kit and perform a transmission service to correct the problem(estimate given -$1014.00-way too expensive!!!). Went to another dealership (earnhardt's Ford/Mazda in chandler az) to get a second opinion and they made the same recommendations. Both dealers stated that Mazda issued a technical service bulletin about this problem (cd4e transmission) and addressed this issue with a transmission cooling kit install. We decided to have the work done at earnhardt's (total cost $344.00-more reasonable estimate). We purchased this vehicle at hertz car sales in nov 2001 with about 30,000 miles on it. …
The transmission in my 1999 Mazda 626 burned up at 51, 590 miles. Two delaer mechanics said the failure was due to driving at speeds over 70mph for an extended period of time. One of them said he has seen a lot of this in the 626s for a few years . Of course, Mazda no longer makes the 626. I was driving between 75 and 80mph for approximately 2.5 hours. It turns out Mazda did not install transmission coolers on the 626 for several years. The cooler, according to Mazda, is an after factory part. Unfortunately, the consumer is not told that their car does not have this and that if they drive at highway speeds for an extended period of time they May face thousands of dollars in repairs. The cooler, which Mazda does not make, costs around $100.00 depending on labor, etc. …
At present I own a 1999 Mazda 626es and am extremely dissatisfied with Mazda, Ford, and this vehicle overall. The 626 has caused me a lot of headaches and money. Every time I turn around there s something wrong with this vehicle. I recognize that all cars must be maintained according to the dealer suggested maintenance schedules to get the full life out of the vehicle (which I do), but this is absolutely preposterous! The priciest expense was the transmission that I replaced December 2002. With a price tag of $2900.00 for a rebuilt transmission, you would think it would be rebuilt to last longer than 1 year. Yep, here it is January 2004 and the Ford transmission that was placed in my car is slipping! And of course, the 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty the Mazda dealership offers has now expired. I just felt a need to express my sincere disappointment in the Mazda brand. …
NHTSA investigations
Speedometer inoperative
See resume for details.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda 626 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (337), 1998 (313), 1996 (239), 1997 (233) and 1999 (233) model years. Transmission complaints make up 69% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mazda 626 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 11% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1,564 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (47).
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.