The contact owns a 1999 Mazda 626. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. A local mechanic stated that the external spring in the timing belt tensioner failed and damaged the engine. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V134000 (engine and engine cooling:engine); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for the repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

: the contact stated when the manufacturer was called, knowledge of recall # 00V134000 for the timing belt tensioner spring was denied, then, the contact was informed the VIN was not included in any recall. The vehicle had stalled while driving 15 mph. The vehicle was towed to an independent service mechanic who determined that there was damage to the timing belt and a bolt that had been sheared off. The summary of the recall was similar to the stalling of the vehicle.

- Arlington, VA, USA

The consumer stated while accelerating the transmission slipped. There was a slight chattering noise. Once the vehicle was in gear it worked correctly. A local mechanic changed the spark plugs and the wires. Also, checked the cv joints and they were fine. The mechanic had not looked at the transmission. He eliminated all of the other things first. This has been happening for about three or four months. (11/17/05) the mechanic suggested that the automatic transmission was the problem.

- Ashtabula, OH, USA

The contact complained about vehicle problems on February 27, 2001, when driving at 60 mph the vehicle shook. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact stated transmission needed to be replaced and the dealer replaced it. The contact stated on March 15, 2005 the engine had to be replaced because it was running hot, the engine was replaced by a local mechanic. There was no warning and no noise. The head gasket and alternator failed. Updated 11/16/05.

- Alpine, AL, USA

The car stalled while driving at 70 mph on the interstate on August 7, 2005. No warning indicator lights appeared, and no noises were heard. Owner felt the engine died and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The car had no electrical power. The owner tried to restart vehicle twice, but it did not restart. Then he called the insurance company, who, in turn, called a tow truck. The car was towed to a repair shop. The mechanic said the engine was burned and a new engine would cost $3000-$4000. But owner will talk with Mazda before paying for repairs.

- Ponchatoula, LA, USA

I bought a 1999 Mazda 626 LX in November of 1998. VIN [xxx] the time the warranty ran out I had taken my car into an oil change franchise. They suggested that I flush and renew the transmission fluid. So I did. That's when all the problems began. I then drove the car from NJ to fl where I lived. It started burning up a lot of oil so I took it into to Mazda. They said that it was well known that my make and model car runs hot. They said they could not see anything wrong with what the oil change franchise did. They recommended that I put a radiator on the transmission to keep it from boiling...which is what it was doing. I believe it is the boiling transmission which has cause my engine to heat up so much that the oil has gunked my engine. Anyway, I took the car to a mechanic and they put in a radiator which seems to help some but now I'm continually having problems with the oil burning up without there being any leaks. I have continually had problems with the vehicle every since. In and out of the shops. No one seems to be able to get the car right. I have seen numerous reports of other Mazda owners having problems of this similar nature on the net. Mazda should take care of these problems and admit publicly that they've got problems with their vehicles and they should make it right. Updated 07/19/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Sunrise, FL, USA

Engine and transmission both faulty. Engine did not reverse, soon after engine exploded.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Consumer stated air conditioner failed to work, and coolantwas leaking from the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

August 26, 2003 the Mazda was in an auto accident. Approximately 2 weeks before the accident the Mazda started stuttering. We had the Mazda put on computer and was told it needed new sensor. The check engine light continue to go on and off. Immediately before the accident the Mazda started stuttering and lost speed and that led to not being able to keep speed up and when we entered the traffice light it turned yellow then while we were under it it turned red and we were hit on the passenger side. Sept 26, 2003 I am approximately 115 miles from home the over drive light starts flashing and I lose speed again the engine is smoking. The car is towed back to charleston, SC where I live. I had to spend 3hrs at a rest area all alone with my 15 yr old daughter. This is the exact rest area were a woman was murdered 2 years ago. We were scared to death. The check engine light is back on. I am on my way to the Mazda dealership today for estimate. I think Mazda has a major problem in putting out lemons not cars. I want and will join class act lawsuit.

- Charleston, SC, USA

While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer was notified.

- Panama City, FL, USA

The timing belt tensioner spring broke. The dealer stated there was a recall issued for this problem, however the vehicle identification number was not included.

- Jackson, TN, USA