1998 MAZDA 626 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

499

Owner Complaints

15 Crashes 6 Fires 10 Deaths

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

16

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1998 MAZDA 626

The 1998 MAZDA 626 has received a total of 499 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (278 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingengine (42 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1998 MAZDA 626, potentially affecting up to 1,551,732 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 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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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 00V134000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 31,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.

Consequence: THE BROKEN SPRING MAY GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT, RESULTING POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TENSIONER INSTALLED AND REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED TENSIONER.

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Recall 98V243000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

| 73,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN A HOT, HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR CONDENSATION TO ENTER THE AUDIO UNIT AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: IF THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AT ONE SPECIFIC SET OF TERMINALS, THE SPEAKER CAN OVERHEAT AND IN SOME CASES, CATCH FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL AFFIX ALUMINUM TAPE OVER THE AUDIO UNIT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING.

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Recall 97V228000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

| 20,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) INSTALLED CAN, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, TRIGGER A SHIFT IN AIR-FUEL RATIO TO AN OVERLEAN CONDITION.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL, WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PCM WITH THE CORRECT ENGINE CONTROL LOGIC.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 MAZDA 626

499 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 MAZDA 626. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 278 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 42
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 14
Power Train
Complaints: 13
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 11
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 10
Electrical System
Complaints: 9 1 Fire 5 Deaths
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 9
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 8 5 Crashes 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8
Tires
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 4
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 4
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 5 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Engine
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineother Fuel Typesturbosupercharger
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionshift Pattern Indicator
Complaints: 1 5 Deaths
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury

Most Recent Complaints

#11061170 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
SINCE OWNING THE MAZDA 626 I HAVE HAD A VERY BIG PROBLEM THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. IT WILL SLIP GOING INTO SECOND GEAR. IF ITS BELOW 60 DEGREES THE CAR WONT SHIFT INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE MOTOR GETS HOT ENOUGH. THE CAR IS LIKE THIS EVERY SINGLE DAY AND DOES IT EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK SOMTIMES ON AND OFF AND THE BACK WINDOWS WONT ROLL DOWN FROM THE DRIVER BUTTON
#11061170 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
SINCE OWNING THE MAZDA 626 I HAVE HAD A VERY BIG PROBLEM THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. IT WILL SLIP GOING INTO SECOND GEAR. IF ITS BELOW 60 DEGREES THE CAR WONT SHIFT INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE MOTOR GETS HOT ENOUGH. THE CAR IS LIKE THIS EVERY SINGLE DAY AND DOES IT EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK SOMTIMES ON AND OFF AND THE BACK WINDOWS WONT ROLL DOWN FROM THE DRIVER BUTTON
#10992285 | ENGINE | | 150,000 miles
TAKATA RECALL. THE TRANSMISSION CD4E TRANNY DOESN'T HAVE SWITCH GEARS UNLESS YOU USE EXCESSIVE RPM.
#10992285 | POWER TRAIN | | 150,000 miles
TAKATA RECALL. THE TRANSMISSION CD4E TRANNY DOESN'T HAVE SWITCH GEARS UNLESS YOU USE EXCESSIVE RPM.
#10852555 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 173,735 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,735. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 MAZDA 626 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 MAZDA 626

Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 MAZDA 626. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0500502 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN OD OFF LIGHT FLASHING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1783 STORED IN MEMORY AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS. *SLC

01600 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING INSPECTION PROCEDURE - WATER PUMP LEAK. *TT

01500 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SOME 4-CYLINDER VEHICLES WITH VINS LOWER THAN 1YV GF22C4 15202676 MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE / HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON. *TT

00800 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE HORN(S) BEING INOPERATIVE OR STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. *TT

000401 — STEERING

INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING STEERING SQUEAK NOISE. *TT

00400 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A TAPPING NOISE WHICH CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES AFTER A COLD START. THIS CONCERN MAY BE CAUSED BY THE OPERATION OF THE CDCV (CANISTER DRAIN CUT VALVE) SOLENOID DURING THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION MONITOR. *TT

00199R — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF INOPERATIVE, NOISY OR BINDING SUNROOF. *TT

00199 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM

VEHICLES WITH VINS LOWER THAN 1YVGF22C*X5875297 MAY EXPERIENCE REAR BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE (DRUM BRAKES). *TT

C310 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS MICROFICHE CORRECTIONS ON SUNROOF COMPONENT PARTS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR ORDERING. *TT

01399R — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CONCERNS WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1132 AND / P1131. *TT

Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 MAZDA 626

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1998 MAZDA 626.

Investigation SQ98024 — POWER TRAIN Closed

Opened:

SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE

Other Model Years of the MAZDA 626

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Other MAZDA Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report