3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,559 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Mazda 626 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1998 Mazda 626 Owner Comments

problem #12

Jun 042008

626 4-cyl

  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving down the rode the transmission just began to lurch, shift in and out of gear, no warning at all, very dangerous. No transmission light or check engine light illuminated.

- Temple Terrace, FL, USA

problem #11

May 012006

626

  • miles
Mazda 626 4 cylinder, 4 door, automatic; 93K mi; transmission failed due to internal overheating (''O/D off'' light flashes). I never used this car to tow anything; driving pattern is very light. Approximately 40 miles daily to work on highway at 40-60 M/H speed (traffic). My research shows that Mazda was clearly aware of this problem - SB0500502/NHTSA 634465. Sb details a very simple and relatively inexpensive fix - external trans oil cooler. Dealer clearly states the car is not safe to drive. If it was not safe to drive my family uses this car routinely why would Mazda be so negligent and not advice owners of this potential risk and the alternative repairs, which would save thousands of dollars in property damage? it is now in the thousands to fix the car.

- Andover, MA, USA

problem #10

Jul 192002

626 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,081 miles
I am complaining about my 1998 Mazda 626. This car has been trouble ever since day one. I have had to replace the timing belt, the drive axles twice, and put in 4 transmissions. I have had the car since 2002 and had to replace the transmission every year. I could hardy make my car payments for having to spend extra money to repair my car.

- Hattiesburg, MN, USA

problem #9

Jan 062005

626 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased a 1998 Mazda 626 8/14/01 approximately 29700 miles. Began experiencing a problem with overdrive approximately 9 months thereafter. No problem found. Recently the transmisson has been slipping approximately 86000 miles. On 1/6/05 the vehicle will go into drive but will not accelerate at all. Researched this info on the web, it seems several consumers have had the same problem. Recall needed. (www.dustbury.com/626/trans.html) and (https://www-ODI.NHTSA.dot.gov/IVOQ/complaint.cfm?tostep=2&cfid=1219590&cftoken=65108811).

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #8

Mar 012002

626 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles
The transmission failed in 03/02, I got it replace for about $2000. In Nov of 02 it started slipping gears and performing badly after highway driving. I took it back to have it looked at and was told nothing was wrong. Then in 08/03, it failed completely again, my car will not move no matter in what gear. I took it in to find out the depth of the damage I was looking at and was told that my transmission is beyond being rebuilt and need to have it totally replace at a cost of $2500. This problem needs to be taken care of by Mazda and/or Ford. I can't believe they expect their customers to keep shelling out this type of money for the faulty product they are clearly aware of. This problem has put me in dangerous circumstances for it decided to quit in the middle of the highway during rush hour traffic, it was the grace of god that I made it home. It hasn't moved since.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #7

Jan 312003

(reported on)

626

  • miles
Fifth and third synchronizers wore out, causing gear selector to slip suddenly into neutral..

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #6

Dec 302002

626 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 27,024 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer stated that the third and fifth gear slipped back and lost control of vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts consumer felt this was not an isolated problem and is urging an investigation.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #5

Oct 082002

626

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving and no warning the transmission will slip gears then the engine light will come on and this is a distraction to the consumer.

- Smithfield, VA, USA

problem #4

Feb 092001

626

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Transmission failure.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #3

Jul 011998

626 4WD

  • miles
Transmission was replaced.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #2

Apr 221999

626

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer purchased vehicle two weeks ago, and noticed that when shifting from drive to reverse there was a loud thumping noise.

- Raynham, MA, USA

problem #1

Apr 061998

626

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
While driving the transmission went. The vehicle is at dealership for repair.

- Elmont, NY, USA

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