1998 Mazda 626 LX 2.0L 4cylinder engine. Returning back to the guest house after dropping a friend off at the airport that evening, after getting off the interstate, I heard a crack (followed by a grinding noise) from the passenger's side of the engine. Within moments as I slowed the car to a safe spot, I heard a whipping noise from the same region. That later happened to be the serpentine and alternator belts both broke just after exiting the interstate, the engine and battery lights came on at once.., and then, immediately after that, the engine stopped working. I called my insurance and had my car towed to the guest house. The car was looked at and the diagnoses were the gears in the water pump were broken which froze the alternator belt, the alternator belt-now stiffened- shredded and mangled the serpentine belt. Then the serpentine belt tore along the grooved lines. Plus, the engine is now leaking coolant. Repairs"??? I am waiting for the estimate to come in. I have been warned that it would not be cheap to fix. $500-$700 I asked" nope! he said, after letting out a chuckle..., much higher he replied. At least $1000 or more.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

Transmission was replaced at 37,000 or 38,000 miles. Was still under warranty. Replaced spark plugs twice before 50,000 miles.1st at dealership(80.00) 2nd by my husband 3,000 miles after the 1st time. 2 mths. Later same problem not plugs but replaced spark plug wires. Replaced front rotors(should not be replaced that early) before original brake pads were worn down completely. Put in shop Dec. 01-computer said bad O2 sensor replaced both sensors(90.00) still same problem. Called Mazda, filed a complaint with Mazda. They did nothing. They said not enough files had been issued to warrant a recall. I think that is a lie. All over the internet you find complaints of this particular car Mazda 626 transmission problems. These cars are notorious for that. It is a shame that Mazda makes a product as this and does not stand behind what it produces. They are just lazy and do not care to help the public. You would think they would care about their reputation. They have a very bad reputation with the Mazda 626 transmissions and they don't even seem to care. This vehicle needs to be recalled and everyone that still has paperwork needs to be reimbursed by Mazda for all the money people have paid to get their cars fixed. Thank goodness we got rid of ours a few months ago. I tell eveyone I know that is looking into buying a car not to get a Mazda.

- Clanton, AL, USA