In August 2001, I purchased a brand new Mazda 626. In May 2003, I started to experience major problems with the car. At 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: Transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. At 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: Mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. Now at 48,000 miles, I returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. After a couple of minutes, I noticed that the thermostat was really hot, then the engine light came on and immediately the car died and started smoking (left my husband and myself stranded on the 405 fwy at midnight). I was told I need a new engine (engine long block, all water hoses, radiator, knock sensor, gasket set and spark plugs). The cost: $8400. They offered to reduce the cost to $5200, however I don't see how this is helpful for the car is probably worth less than that and even if they did replace the parts I have no doubt that they would just start falling apart again. I drive my car less than 10 miles a day, so I definitely do not think that all this damage is from normal wear and tear, rather I believe that Mazda is making inferior parts.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

I purchased a brand new Mazda 626 LX 2001 model on August 19, 2001 at magnussen's Ford/Nissan/Mazda dealership in newark ca. Little did I know, I bought a lemon!!!!! I returned the vehicle numerous times and telling the service dept people that the transmission was slipping and overrunning in gear. At one point, I had a friend of mine drive the vehicle to the dealership and meet with the service dept people. This was the week before christmas 2001. Rudy diephus could not believe that I was getting a song and dance from the magnussen service dept. Rudy built and drove race cars for over thirty years, and knew I had a transmission problem. The service manager bob (who is no longer there) said that the car had to be broken in, not enough miles on the car. Bob also said that all Mazda 626's drive like this (transmission slipping/overrunning in gear). In addition, I was told to keep a journal of every time this happened. That would be a problem, writing and driving at the same time. Again, returned the vehicle back to magnussen's and met with a different svc manager. Here it is April 2002, and I was told that the transmission tech was going to run a special test on the car (line pressure check at idle and stall speeds). Sure enough, I was right! the test indicated that there was a definite problem with the transmission. After driving the vehicle out of the dealerships lot, the car was (and is) running worse than ever. The second transmission is worse than the first. I return the car and the car stays there for another week. I picked up the car on April 26, 2002, (running worse) and drove to vacaville about 100 miles one way from where I was living. I felt something funny under the hood and drove into vacaville and found a Mazda dealership. I explained the problem of the transmission and engine. They stated that there was a problem with the mounts and the car needed new mounts.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

I've had numerous problems with this car since 03/2001. I purchased it new from marlin Mazda. This car has stalled several times while driving. The sunroof and corner roof between the front windshield and driver door leaked water when it would rain. January 2003 my car ran hot, the air conditioning was not blowing.they said they replaced the head on my engine and that some hose was not connected, this is why my air wasn't blowing" my car stalled on me 08/27/03. No warning lights came on. The car wasn't even hot. Towed to marlin Mazda.I paid for new battery. I asked them to chaeck under hood to be sure no other problems, they told me at least $500 to check engine thoroughly" week later stall again. This time towed to ocean Mazda, knocking noise under hood, they said it is the engine and oil pump. They tried to look up factory warranty, they're not repairing it because marlin Mazda voided my warranty(marlin said sludge in engine/ code W8.) that was a lie! I have been getting scheduled maintenance on my car. Ocean Mazda checked engine no sludge but they can't do repair work without warranty. They tried to call district manager because code W8 does not exist!!! also, I have an extended warranty which they seem to have no record of? I have spoken to Mazda american credit to get copies of loan papers that shows purchase of extended warranty. I guess the next step is a law suit. After all these headaches I don't even want this car anymore. I am already paying a high car note for extra coverage and they don't even have the descency to repair my car.

- Miami, FL, USA

I have been having so many problems with my Mazda 626 and it's a 2001. The times that I have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course I know my car better I do drive it more than they have too. What I discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not right), was dealing with my odometer reading. So if I can please allow me your help before my give out on me. Thank you Mrs. Jackson

- Plymouth, NC, USA