1994 Mazda 626
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1994 Mazda 626. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1994 Mazda 626. Newest first.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford probe,1993-2001 mazda 626 and MX-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door coupe, hatchback, sedan, wagon, brat, dl, GL, GL-10, RX, xt, and XT6 passenger vehicles with efi or turbo engines. these filters are packaged as wix, napa, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
Remedy
Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. the recall began september 27, 2005. owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the headlight wire that runs through the turn signal lever can fail at the point where it IS soldered to the headlight switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The failure of this wire could cause a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlight switch lever.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the speedometer gear set can fail. symptoms include an inoperative speedometer, severe lack of power, and/or a transmission which stays in third gear. in some cases, the "od off"…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A driver may not be aware of increased speed due to the speedometer not working correctly.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the speedometer gear set and if necessary, will replace the speedometer gear set at no charge. this extended warranty covers necessary repairs due to failure of the vehicle's speedometer gear set fror 9 years from the original warranty start date with no mileage limitation.
Owner complaints
282 complaints18 involved a crash6 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Transmission won't shift properly. when it does shift, it shifts hard. Od light flashes. was driving vehicle from work and took off from a complete stop. the car revved up real high but wouldn't shift. made it home, and now vehicle won't move.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
The 1994 mazda 626lx with a V-6 2.5L motor has required 3 transmissions in the 8 years I have owned the car. the water pump went out twice and the alternator twice as well. this last time the transmission failed, I was on I-5 heading north near the los banos turnoff when it just started slipping…
The 1994 mazda 626lx with a V-6 2.5L motor has required 3 transmissions in the 8 years I have owned the car. the water pump went out twice and the alternator twice as well. this last time the transmission failed, I was on I-5 heading north near the los banos turnoff when it just started slipping and came to a complete stop on the freeway. I am very frustrated with the design and longevity of many parts of this vehicle. *Tr
- Power train
The hold light IS continually flashing. this started on sunday may 16, 2010. I called mazda maple shade made an appt. I took the car in on may 19TH at 7:30 am. I picked the car up on may 20TH at 7:30 am and as I was driving home from work at 3 pm., the problem has worsen. I called mazda on may 21TH at 8 am and I am waiting for them to return my call. it IS now 10:24 am. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I puchased a 1994 mazda 626 2.0L automatic transmission, when I purchased the car they had told me that the transmission had already been replaced once due to falure. I do not know the story of how the transmission came to fail on the previous owner. now that I own it the car has started to shift…
I puchased a 1994 mazda 626 2.0L automatic transmission, when I purchased the car they had told me that the transmission had already been replaced once due to falure. I do not know the story of how the transmission came to fail on the previous owner. now that I own it the car has started to shift very hard, and randomly shift down for a split seccond at cruising speeds(no change in accelarator travel or grade change). the transmission also causes a fluctuation in rpm's in cruising conditions for about 5 seconds. *cn
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I purchase a 1994 mazda 626lx automatic sedan approximately 3 months ago, from an individual here in austin, tx. approximately one month after obtaining, and putting new tires, new brakes and a complete tune-up, the transmission went out. after doing some further investigation on the car, I…
I purchase a 1994 mazda 626lx automatic sedan approximately 3 months ago, from an individual here in austin, tx. approximately one month after obtaining, and putting new tires, new brakes and a complete tune-up, the transmission went out. after doing some further investigation on the car, I found out that the transmission(cdf4e) for that year model has gotten a lot of complaints. apparently, the transmission IS to small for the 2.0 liter engine, and burns up after so many miles or length of driving. I checked it out online, and the site that I checked gave a fairly decent approval rating of the vehicle. anyhow, the vehicle, as of now, IS disabled and right now, I don't have the money to fix it. the transmission quit working while I was driving down I-35 at 65mph, in a construction zone. luckily, I was going fast enough to coast to the end of the construction area, to park on the shoulder of the road, safely. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I bought a 1994 used mazda 626 LX a little over a month ago for $1600.00. And I put another $500.00 in it getting 2 new front tires a complete tune up, and a complete brake job. I test drove it and it ran fine. I found out later after I bought the car in a few days while going up a steep hill here…
I bought a 1994 used mazda 626 LX a little over a month ago for $1600.00. And I put another $500.00 in it getting 2 new front tires a complete tune up, and a complete brake job. I test drove it and it ran fine. I found out later after I bought the car in a few days while going up a steep hill here in austin, and put it in D2 a lower gear, and the transmission started slipping. so, at the top of the hill, I put it back in drive, and it worked ok. but sometimes IS would take off very sluggishly after warming up. the hold light started flashing also. I fixed the hold light problem, but 2 weeks later, going on the highway, the transmission went completely our, right at a construction zone, with the concrete barrier walls on both sides. so fortunately, I managed to coast about another mile to the end of the construction zone and off the highway, onto the shoulder safely. I have just recently found out here online on these auto forums, that the 1994 mazda 626 LX automatic IS a lemon. lot's of people have complained about the CD4E ford transmission on the car. I honestly can't believe there hasn't been a re-call on them. I've only had the car a little over a month, and im out of around $2100.00 dollars on it. I having a hard time finding anyone around here that will work on it, at a fair price. I could repair it myself, with some help, but from what I've read, the whole car was a design flaw, in that the transmission was actually to small for the 626 body, and causes the transaxle to overheat after a while. and I didn't know you had to buy a extra cooling kit for the transaxle to keep it from overheating. I liked the car when I first bought it, but,man, I didn't expect all of these problems. that IS about all I have. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Rough transmission shifting that occurs almost every day with o/d light flashing. no repair shop IS able to find what the problem IS. Last repair shop charged me $800 to replace the engine mounts but that did not fix the problem. issue IS still on going. There was a recall for the 94 mazda 626…
Rough transmission shifting that occurs almost every day with o/d light flashing. no repair shop IS able to find what the problem IS. Last repair shop charged me $800 to replace the engine mounts but that did not fix the problem. issue IS still on going. There was a recall for the 94 mazda 626 model for this particular issue but I was not notified. see this link for more info http://www.dustbury.com/626/94speedo.html. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission on 1994 mazda hold light flashing. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failed. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Rear calipers will not stop seizing. Tried using reman'd and new with the same results. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1994 mazda 626 auto transmission failure. known transmission problems by manufacturer resulting in defective auto transmissions that fail prematurely. only solutions are total transmission replacement sometimes on multiple occasions. this has been addressed in a tsb by mazda, but nothing has been done by them to correct the problem. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Mazda 1994 100K miles transmission shifts badly and hold light blinks and jumps like a monster when shifts gears. Loses power.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission not shifting properly. high rpm racing for prolonged periods between each gear shift. today, "hold" button started flashing on display panel. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Suspension › Front · Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mazda 626. the vehicle was overheating and a noise was coming from the brakes. the mechanic didn't check the overheating failure. however, stated that the vehicle had a terrible vibration. the mechanic rebuilt the front end. after the repairs were performed the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mazda 626. the vehicle was overheating and a noise was coming from the brakes. the mechanic didn't check the overheating failure. however, stated that the vehicle had a terrible vibration. the mechanic rebuilt the front end. after the repairs were performed the vehicle would pull from the left to the right, the vehicle would not drive straight , and the brakes were completely damaged. the second repair shop stated that they couldn't repair the vehicle due to the damages. the vehicle had not been repaired. The current and the failure mileage was 103696 ,and the current mileage was 104,000. *ak the consumer stated prior to the most recent repairs the following services were performed: new radiator, complete transmission service, engine tuned, and new tires. The dealer stated steering gear drifts during turns. updated 06/26/07 *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Repetitive automatic transmission failures on my 1994 mazda 626 already cost me many thousands dollars. History: december 1992 - initial transmission error codes. Authorized mazda repair service changed transmission filter and fluid. Codes were coming back. Installed extra cooler. may 1993 -…
Repetitive automatic transmission failures on my 1994 mazda 626 already cost me many thousands dollars. History: december 1992 - initial transmission error codes. Authorized mazda repair service changed transmission filter and fluid. Codes were coming back. Installed extra cooler. may 1993 - total transmission failure; tranny rebuilt at st. James transmission repair shop; warranty 1 year or 12K miles; march 1995 - transmission error codes back and unexplainable failures. Took it to lee myles in yonkers - gave me 2 years warranty. On the way home signal was back. Since then the car was back in the store for more than 6 months. During that time lee myles many times open and repaired transmission to fix tr, installed another extra cooler, replaced my original radiator, replaced main electrical wiring system and many other parts. I had also my engine inspected and tuned several times in another shops, including replacing of fuel pump, spark plugs and wires, distributor and other. However transmission was failing again and again. Car had to be towed away by lee myles 3 times and I drove it several times at slow speed on side roads back to the lee myles. Finally lee myles bought me a factory rebuild transmission and for about 2 weeks everything looked nice again. Then after 20 miles of driving at highway speed rpm started to go up and the error code came back again. Since then I am using my car only very locally and after about $10,000 (yes 10K) spent on transmission repairs and car upgrades, my mazda 626 IS junk I cannot even sell. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission failed. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a mazda 626 1994. on 9/9/06 I called bidoluph mazda to ask about a recall on my transmission for my 94, 626. they said "sure bring it down we will take care of everything. once I paid $80 in towing fees. the next day they called and said that the recall expired and proceeded to charge…
I have a mazda 626 1994. on 9/9/06 I called bidoluph mazda to ask about a recall on my transmission for my 94, 626. they said "sure bring it down we will take care of everything. once I paid $80 in towing fees. the next day they called and said that the recall expired and proceeded to charge me over $400 to fix the recall. then one week later the transmission failed completely. this IS unacceptable business relations. mazda IS no good. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission was rebuilt 6 years ago at 40,000 miles and needs rebuild again at 57,000 miles .an external cooler was installed after first rebuild and car IS babied . Its a ford CD4E and it IS a lemon. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt*: the contact stated the transmission overheats. the transmission fluid spills into a vent in the engine compartment. the dealer informed the contact there were no recalls on the vehicle. the contact found a technical service bulletin on the vehicle that addresses the transmission problems. the bulletin number was not available. no repairs have been made to the vehicle.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission hold light come on and off,will not operate in drive,reverse or any other gear. trans seem to be over heating. loud squeaking sounds like a fan belt. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Power train failure at 68000 mi in 10/09/02, rebuilt failure at 88000 mi 12/20/05. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 1994 mazda 626. The automatic transmission burnt out one month after a factory reconditioned transmission was installed in it. I was stranded on I-84 in portland oregon when the transmission went out. There was no shoulder on the interstate and was stranded in the right lane. I was side…
I have a 1994 mazda 626. The automatic transmission burnt out one month after a factory reconditioned transmission was installed in it. I was stranded on I-84 in portland oregon when the transmission went out. There was no shoulder on the interstate and was stranded in the right lane. I was side swiped and slightly injured. I have read hundreds,possibly thousands of complaints about the mazda 626 transmission built from 1994 to 2002. Mazda should have addressed this problem and corrected the faulty transmissions on these cars. The first transmission was that was installed was $1800.00 and was not even the original transmission that came with the car.this will be at least the fourth transmission in this car in its 105,000 mile life.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Purchased a 1994 mazda 626 that seems to have problems consistent with many other owners complaints. idles hard and jumps between gears, hold button flashes and transmission IS failing. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I thought I was gtood to go after installing my the second transmission in my 94 mazda 626, one year later I am in the same position I was when the first transmission failed...going nowhere. fortunately it moved enough to get to dealer where I traded my beloved car in for a "newer" car...no not a mazda 626.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Headlight failure
Obtained recall 99v-358
- Speedometer inoperative
See resume for details.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10208555Radio Unlocking Codes.
- 10154879In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
- 10153339In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10148072In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10144333In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10118467In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
- 10021000Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
- 10009427Battery test procedure requirements.
- 10009424Speedometer replacement procedure.
- 615641Subject regarding inspection procedure - water pump leak.
- 606033Information regarding piston standardization for vehicles within certain vin ranges.
- 604035Experienceing a metallic tapping noise heard from the right ( rear ) cylinder head exhaust cam area.
- 603891Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center.
- 603854Information regarding seat belt extenders.
- 54320Vehicle experiencing a oil leak at valve cover.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 54318Subject pertaining to mtx overhaul information.
- 54216Subject on establishment of distributor components.
- 54212Complaints of door glass may come off track.
- 53007Descriptions of typical engine noises.
- 52997Information on replacing cigarette lighters.
- 52524Electrical connector and terminal replacement part availability.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52503Maintenance free battery - diagnostic and charging procedure.
- 52498Partial engine replacement (pcv system modification).
- 52497Use of a/c tracer dye.
- 52492Wiper motor inoperative - circuit breaker activation.
- 52483Door side molding detatches in extremely cold temperatures,
- 52475Front door glass run channel out of position.
- 52470Stabilizer bar bushing replacement procedure.
- 52467Torque cconverter clutch system performance - dtc 628.
- 52460Diagnostic procedure for mass air flow sensor trouble (dtc p0171 / 181).
- 46694La4a-el transaxle fluid leak at torque converter hub seal.
- 45001Shift lever will not move from park.
- 45000Rattle noise from pre-muffler bracket.
- 44095Idle vibration due to mis-positioned dampers.
- 44090Insufficient cooling - a/c relay failure.
- 43095Unknown
Every Mazda 626 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.