There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda 626, but owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Mazda 626 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 70 | |
| Suspension | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 56
- Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 2
- Suspension › Front — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Steering › Column — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Mazda 626 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Power Train · at 85,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2020
Without any warning the transmission started slipping out of forward gear while at a traffic light after releasing the brakes and gently pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle didnt move. Manually shifting into 1st gear was the car able to move but causing a very harsh lurching forward causing a loud "clunking" noise. I was able to limp the car 3 miles to my home. I was involved in a rear end accident at the next traffic light. While the vehicle was in 1st gear and having the brakes applied the transmission caught in gear and lunged forward causing me to contact the car in front of me.…
Engine · reported Jun 7, 2017
The transmission has been replaced twice now. Even after we get it fixed it stills jerks and sounds like the engine is going to fall out. It has a terrible time shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes when you put it in reverse it jumps and sounds like it is going to fall out. My dad is 94 years old and needs this car to work. He doesn't need to go out and buy another one or spend another $1800 or so to get this one fixed. I have read a lot of complaints about this car and the transmission and I feel mazda needs to make it right.
Power Train · at 214,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2016
My car was driving fine and then one day as I was leaving work my car started acting as though it wanted to shut off. I made it all the way home and was going to go to the store and my car would not shift into gear I tried to add transmission fluids but it sounds not move.
Power Train · reported Aug 28, 2016
Transmission jerks-hard kicking from first to second gear automatic transmision/defective transmision on this model no matter what I do to try to fix the problem.(Fluid filter speed sensor etc)still has the same problem...this problem is well known on all the mazda vehicles with this type of transmission
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Dec 19, 2015
The car started to not want to crank it would crank sometimes then one day we went to the store then when we went to leave the store it finally just stopped trying to crank only making a clicking sound and while trying to crank it the steering column started smoking and almost caught on fire I believe it is the ignition switch
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda 626 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda 626?
Owners report power train problems most often (70 reports), followed by suspension (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.