1996 MAZDA 626 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

426

Owner Complaints

43 Crashes 3 Fires 99 Deaths

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1996 MAZDA 626

The 1996 MAZDA 626 has received a total of 426 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (222 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (33 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1996 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1996 MAZDA 626, potentially affecting up to 1,624,462 vehicles.

Recall 15V674000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 1,368,500 vehicles affected

Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

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Recall 05E065000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 42,962 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS....

Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.

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Recall 98V249000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 213,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SAS UNIT TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF UNNECESSARY DEPLOYMENTS IN LOW SPEED UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1996 MAZDA 626

426 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 MAZDA 626. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 222 5 Crashes 99 Injuries 99 Deaths
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 33 23 Crashes 24 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 14
Air Bags
Complaints: 11 3 Crashes 5 Injuries
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 5
Suspension
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 4
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 4
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 6 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Wheelsmulti Piece
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10875499 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 165,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRE HARNESS WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
#10875499 | ENGINE | | 165,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRE HARNESS WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
#10850053 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO WORK FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOUR DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO RECEIVE THE PARTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FOR MONTHS AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ
#10822014 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 80,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. AFTER PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A WHILE AND PROCEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON WITH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN. THE CONTACT COULD NO LONGER SMELL THE FUEL ODOR AND A WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
#10712043 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 132,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MAZDA 626. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK EXHIBITED A THREE INCH CRACK. THE MECHANIC WOULD NEED TO FIND A NEW FUEL TANK FOR THE REPLACEMENT. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE VALVE AND RADIATOR WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1996 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1996 MAZDA 626 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1996 MAZDA 626

Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1996 MAZDA 626. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

RF-18-03 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST PIPE GASKET OPEN END: There has been some concern with the open end of hoop design being considered a defect in the gasket for P/N AJ17-40-305. The end of this ?hoop? is intentionally modified to press fix the gasket on the exhaust pipe. NOTE: The ?hoop? might become larger...

0400502 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT

01598 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CONCERNS REGARDING INTERMITTENT 4-3 DOWNSHIFT OR SHIFTS IN AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE. *YC

01598 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A CONDITION WITH THE MIL ILLUMINATED WITH CODE P1407 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT

97102300797 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A OIL LEAK AT VALVE COVER. *YC

970716018/97 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

INFORMATION ON REPLACING CIGARETTE LIGHTERS. *YC

004/97S — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL OUT OF POSITION. *TW

002/97 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TROUBLE (DTC P0171 / 181). *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1996 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1996 MAZDA 626.

Investigation RQ99022 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Closed

Opened:

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Other Model Years of the MAZDA 626

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Other MAZDA Models

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