Owners have filed 235 complaints
about the 2001 Mazda 626 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2019.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Mazda 626. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
12681.8%
Frontal
85.2%
Catalytic Convertor
53.2%
Rotor
42.6%
Cooling System
31.9%
Engine
31.9%
Radiator Assembly
31.9%
Electrical
21.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
42.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
95.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3721.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3621.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3721.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4124.1%
150,000+ miles
42.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2001 Mazda 626 DX 4-DR.
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—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2001peak 24Jul 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesHeyworth, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN HER CAR WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIPER SWITCH AREA AND BLINKER AREA. THE SMOKE SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD, CAUSING THE STARTER TO STAY ENGAGED. THE BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART AS WELL AS THE RECEIPT FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART.
NHTSA complaint #10876059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ponchatoula, LAFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10860056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWashington, DCFire
STEERING
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10474281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10474281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10205552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesPrinceton, MA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
DT: THE CONTACT'S CHILD WAS TRAPPED IN THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT. THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY UNLATCHED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. HOWEVER, THE STRAP TIGHTENED AROUND THE CHILD, LIMITING MOVEMENT AND RESULTING IN AN INJURY. IN AN EFFORT TO FREE THE CHILD THE STRAP WAS CUT BY THE CONTACT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROBLEM, BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK UPDATED 01/11/06.
NHTSA complaint #10145399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Greensboro, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW MAZDA OF GREENSBORO (1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, 336-299-1500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11230445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW MAZDA OF GREENSBORO (1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, 336-299-1500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11230445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHeyworth, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN HER CAR WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIPER SWITCH AREA AND BLINKER AREA. THE SMOKE SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD, CAUSING THE STARTER TO STAY ENGAGED. THE BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART AS WELL AS THE RECEIPT FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART.
NHTSA complaint #10876059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ponchatoula, LAFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10860056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGastonia, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10683599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
SUSPENSION
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
TIRES
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10670033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,201 milesShrewsbury, MA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHTS FLASHING AND DOES NOT MOVE IN THE FIRST GEAR OR SHIFT TO SECOND EITHER HAS HAPPENED ON FREE WAY ALSO WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY WIFE DRIVES WITH KIDS.
NHTSA complaint #10662651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesAPO, AE
POWER TRAIN
THIS CAR STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH GOING INTO REVERSE. FORWARD IS BECOMING DIFFICULT ALSO. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INDICATE THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY NOTE THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY GIVE TEMPORARY RELIEF BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I LIVE AND WORK OVERSEAS ON A US ARMY MILITARY BASE SO TO EVEN CONSIDER BRINGING AN SPEC REBUILT TRANSMISSION OVER IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT WITH A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ALL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE COVER OVER THE YEARS AND TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT 88,000 MILES IS A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10476746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWashington, DCFire
STEERING
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10474281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10474281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,996 milesRoseburg, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TRAVELING IN CAR ON INTERSTATE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE USING CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. WAS COMING UP ON A CAR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR DID NOT DISENGAGE. I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE AND IT WAS NOT WORKING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER. I QUICKLY SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I EASED UP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WE CAME TO A SAFE STOP. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR WE TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND TESTED THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS ON THE SHOULDER AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED NORMALLY. MY HUSBAND FEELS THE CRUISE CONTROL STUCK AND THAT IS WHY WE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS OR WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10467995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,996 milesRoseburg, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRAVELING IN CAR ON INTERSTATE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE USING CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. WAS COMING UP ON A CAR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR DID NOT DISENGAGE. I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE AND IT WAS NOT WORKING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER. I QUICKLY SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I EASED UP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WE CAME TO A SAFE STOP. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR WE TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND TESTED THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS ON THE SHOULDER AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED NORMALLY. MY HUSBAND FEELS THE CRUISE CONTROL STUCK AND THAT IS WHY WE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS OR WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10467995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesTaylor, AR
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH WHEN MY DAUGHTERS CAR ENGINE LOCKED UP. SHE WAS OUT OF STATE SO IT WAS A HURRY UP THING OVER THE PHONE. SHE DIDN'T REALIZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN FIRST GEAR, THOUGHT IT WAS CV JOINT. SHOP DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS REALLY MAKES ME SOOO MAD AS THIS IS A NICE CAR. I THINK FORD SHOULD PAY TO REPLACE ALL THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE CARS. NOW I HAVE TO EITHER DUMP IT AT A LOSS OR PAY OUT ALOT TO GET TRANSMISSION REPAIRED .
NHTSA complaint #10449529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSeattle, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 MAZDA 626 I4 HAS FAILED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED AT 118,000 MILES WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT A INTERSECTION ALMOST CAUSING AN SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH THE CARS BEHIND ME. AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR 2K THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN AT 120,000 MILES WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION ON A UPHILL SLANT AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH THE CARS BEHIND ME AS I BACKED THE CAR DOWN THE HILL TO THE CURBSIDE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE HORRIBLE CD4E TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AGAIN AND THE CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SHOP TELLS ME FORD HAS REDESIGNED THE DRUM FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS (THE PART THAT FAILED BOTH TIMES) AND THEY ONLY RELEASE THEM 1 AT A TIME FROM THE FORD FACTORY TO TRANSMISSION SHOPS TO AVOID A RECALL ON THE PREVIOUS DESIGN WHICH FAILED ALL OF THEIR CD4E TRANSMISSIONS PREMATURELY. THIS IS VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ON FORDS PART AND THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND NOT HIDE FROM THEIR FAILURES WHILE STICKING IT TO THEIR COSTUMERS. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10395684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesOlympia, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626LX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP WITH SEVERE HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #10376719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,539 milesThomasville, GA
POWER TRAIN
I OWN A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE THE CAR IS 9 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ONLY 72,000 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH IT IS THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE KEEPS FAILING ON IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL THING THAT KEEPS HAPPENING. IT HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 4 YEARS (2006-2010) AND SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING EVERY 20K-30K MILES. THE LAST TIME WAS LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND JUST OVER A YEAR SINCE THE LAST FAILURE. EACH TIME, THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED, SO I'M HAVING TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET TO GET THIS REPLACED. I'VE HAD IT DONE AT 3 DIFFERENT PLACES, INCLUDING A MAZDA DEALERSHIP. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE SHIFTER CABLE PARTS/DESIGN, BUT, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, MAZDA HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. I'VE CONTACTED THEM TO NO AVAIL. MOST PEOPLE, MYSELF INCLUDED, HAVE CARS FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND WITH A LOT MORE MILEAGE, AND THE SHIFTER CABLE NEVER GOES OUT. MAZDA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DISGRACE. WHAT CAN I DO TO SEE JUSTICE SERVED?
NHTSA complaint #10361514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesWilmington, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2001 MAZDA 626. TRANSMISSION SHIFTING CABLE FALLS OFF SHIFT LEVER ON TRANSMISSION. ONCE OCCURS, CAN NOT SHIFT OUT OF WHATEVER POSITION YOU ARE IN AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. MAZDA SELLS A NEW CABLE KIT WITH NEW/ADEQUATE CABLE TO TRANSMISSION CONNECTION DEVICE ($180). YOU CAN NOT JUST BUY THE CONNECTOR. MAZDA PARTS PERSON SAID, "WE SELL A LOT OF THESE" INDICATING NUMEROUS FAILURES FOR SAME CAUSE. BEING A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, I RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH A AXLE NUT AS USED TO HOLD WHEELS ON A CHILD'S WAGON, ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10351442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesWilmington, NC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2001 MAZDA 626. TRANSMISSION SHIFTING CABLE FALLS OFF SHIFT LEVER ON TRANSMISSION. ONCE OCCURS, CAN NOT SHIFT OUT OF WHATEVER POSITION YOU ARE IN AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. MAZDA SELLS A NEW CABLE KIT WITH NEW/ADEQUATE CABLE TO TRANSMISSION CONNECTION DEVICE ($180). YOU CAN NOT JUST BUY THE CONNECTOR. MAZDA PARTS PERSON SAID, "WE SELL A LOT OF THESE" INDICATING NUMEROUS FAILURES FOR SAME CAUSE. BEING A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, I RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH A AXLE NUT AS USED TO HOLD WHEELS ON A CHILD'S WAGON, ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10351442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
