The contact owns a 1998 Mazda 626lx. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and at times would stall. Approximately one year ago, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the timing belt. The problem continued. The current mileage was approximately 198,000 and the failure mileage was 187,000. The vehicle was at the dealer awaiting repairs.

- Chicago, IL, USA

1998 Mazda 626, while driving the highway going 60 mph the engine stalled and we coasted to the break down lane of the highway. Car would not start back up. Had it tow. Car diagnostics pending.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

Overflow tank for radiator has cracked and lost all water to my car at least 5 times since 2004, I have gone to alhambra Mazda for help also to Mazda corporate headquarters in irvine, all refuse to acknowledge the problem. I was towed over 800 miles this summer due to breakage, the seam around dto tank cracks and leaks, causing heating problems, they stated that it was a unknown problem and that it was the way I drive, this is not possible, the part is defective, it will crack at any time or place, they keep trying to do pressure test and make me replace sensors, there is no problem with sensors. Please help me, I am seventy and cannot afford a new car. I am a good driver and keep my car serviced.

- Monrovia, CA, USA

Transmission failure/engine failure.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

I have spent over $2000 trying to get my engine light to turn off. Nothing works. Now I am being fined for not passing inspection. What is going on? I have been having this problem for 2 years. After various repairs the light would finally go off. Now it will not and has been on for over 6 months. I have had O2 sensor and cat sensor replaced, since that is supposedly what the code was. Still nothing and noone seems to care.

- Wendell, NC, USA

While consumer was driving odometer flashed and jumped. Vehicle had to be parked. Engine was sluggish and stalled. Consumer obtained a rental.

- Weslaco, TX, USA

Since I purchased my car used from corporate motors in sacramento, calif. I always thought the transmission was slipping at 18K, this was my first one so I just figured that's how automatics drove, wrong? air conditioning went out around 30K. I've spent well over $2500 repairing the vehicle transmission wise, and now the pump is going out. I have been told the pump just can't be replaced, I will have to get another transmission, either rebuilt or a new one. I am letting it get to the point that it will drive in a dealership and never come home with me again.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Since approximately June, 2002, the immobilizer has been turning off the engine immediately after I start the car, even though the alarm is deactivated. I usually have to wait 24 hours or so for the alarm to reset itself. This occurs every 2 months or so, but when it happens, it continues to occur for several days. It has happened even when the car wasn't locked. June, 2002, replaced battery; Dec. 2002, installed new fuel pump; Jan. 2003, installed fuel pump again; April, 2003, bought new key and clicker; Sept. 2003, dealer wants to replace immobilizer @ nearly $800. All of these repairs are at dealer's request, and are interspersed with many tows and alarm resets.

- Hilliard, OH, USA

External spring in the timing belt tensioner broke and caused the timing belt to break. 1998 Mazda 626 cars were recalled for this problem, but only the cars manufactured from Aug 1997 to August 1998. This did not cover my car. The recall should be extended past August 1998.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

While driving 20 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, an dhad vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

Transmission locked up while driving at 45 mph, vehicle came to a dead stop with engine running. Front wheels locked up, and would not move due to torque converter failure. Engine would stall during right turns, dealer reset computer, then engine light illuminated, dealer stated the torque converter clutch was slipping, transmission locked up on the way to a dealership for replacement of torque converter clutch, a new transmission was installed and 20 miles later the od off light illuminated, vehicle started smoking and losing power, this time dealer stated the cooling system in the radiator was not large enough to cool the transmission, an external cooling system was installed, now transmission needs replaced again, consumer requests that vehicle be replaced or repurchased by the dealer.

- Whitney, TX, USA