2002 Mazda 626
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Mazda 626. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
87 complaints6 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
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…
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. Both myself and the occupant of the vehicle I hit sustained minor injuries and well as property damage to the front of my vehicle and the back of theirs.
- Engine
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…
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
Tamara recall
- Power train
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
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 · Unknown or other
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
- Power train
Transmission failed while on highway. transmission failed at approximately 45,000 miles. repair ended up costing approximately $3,000 for a rebuilt transmission. I had owned the car for about 2 years at time of transmission failure and had put less than 10,000 miles on it personally. car was purchased used but in good condition. *tr
- Power train
My car will move fine until it warms up but then slips out of all gears and wont move until the next day. *tr
- Power train
Transmission making popping noises and lagging when making turns sounds horrible took to a mechanic he says he can fix it for 1700.00 the transmission IS bad. At a little over a 100 thousand miles it shouldn't need replaced. Ford should have to fix it. *tr
- Power train
On acceleration from being stopped the transmission would make a series of popping sounds. I took it to a mechanic and it was diagnosed to be a stretched drive chain in the transmission. Instances of high torque would cause the chain to skip past teeth, causing the popping noise. due to the significant amount if problems that plague the CD4E transmission the entire unit was replaced. *tr
- Power train
Had transmission replaced in 2010 after hard shifting and skipping gears, same problem again started in september 2012. should not be replacing a transmission every two years. *tr
- Electrical system
Smoke came from around the steering column. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission downshifted while driving on the freeway. while trying to maintain speed to exit the freeway, the engine started to overheat. as soon as I was able to pull into the local gas station parking spot, the engine died. the transmission appears to need a rebuild. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 mazda 626 transmission broke on me at 107,000 odo . *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failure. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Auto transmission has constant problems with leaking and shifting. Tons of complaints online of problems with these cars. Why cant something be done about this like a recall? *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission
Failure of transmission, 2002 mazda 626, twice in last 6 months. Car lurches, stalls, will not shift into gears, have been stuck on busy freeway. Also fuel pump just cuts off and car will not start. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure, 2002 mazda 626 4CYL. transmission began slipping and shifting hard between 2ND and 3RD gears. 97,000 miles but had regular "harsh conditions" maintenance as it was being operated in the az desert heat. transmission was rebuilt but now shifts hard 1ST to 2ND in addition to…
Transmission failure, 2002 mazda 626 4CYL. transmission began slipping and shifting hard between 2ND and 3RD gears. 97,000 miles but had regular "harsh conditions" maintenance as it was being operated in the az desert heat. transmission was rebuilt but now shifts hard 1ST to 2ND in addition to 2ND and 3RD despite being sent back. There are widespread failures of 626 transmissions but mazda was never forced by the government to issue a recall. the transmission IS too small for the weight of the vehicle per some reports. $2,500 for rebuilt transmission. I've never had a automatic transmission go out this soon and I have been driving for 35 years. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
2002 mazda 626 ES, left front wheel bearing failed. front drive shaft failed. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 mazda 626 transmission chain failure. Car has only 72K miles on it, needs entire re-built transmission costing over $1900.00. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure at 75,000 miles. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure
94,000 miles on my 2002 mazda 626 and the transmission IS shot and struts were worthless. was stranded on the road when the car would go in reverse but was difficult to operate in drive and at slower speeds and stop signs/lights. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have mazda 626 year 2002. It had around 53,000 miles on it. Very low mileage and well maintained. one day, while driving on the highway, there was sudden jerking motion and od light began to flash, after which the car slowed down and was moving at a very slow speed. (On the highway). as and…
I have mazda 626 year 2002. It had around 53,000 miles on it. Very low mileage and well maintained. one day, while driving on the highway, there was sudden jerking motion and od light began to flash, after which the car slowed down and was moving at a very slow speed. (On the highway). as and when I stopped/slowed, the car had difficulty to gain speed. Some how, I got it home after which , it would not move forward. Neutral and reverse gears worked fine. took it mazda dealer in troy, and they said a bad transmission. First they said that they will get a new transmission and they were charging exorbitantly. Later they said that it would be rebuilt for the same amount of money. I took my cart to a transmission shop and got it repaired. I have read online that there are numerous numerous people who have had issues with transmission with mazda 626. I called up mazda company and complained about it. But my words fell on deaf ears something needs to be done, mazda knows about this issue and has not addressed it. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 mazda 626 transmission burnout. purchased used mazda with 138000 miles, previous owner said he'd replaced the transmission once before. at around 160 k miles my transmission went out, I had a shop replace with rebuilt trans, but more problems resulted. 2000 dollars later, plus rental car…
2002 mazda 626 transmission burnout. purchased used mazda with 138000 miles, previous owner said he'd replaced the transmission once before. at around 160 k miles my transmission went out, I had a shop replace with rebuilt trans, but more problems resulted. 2000 dollars later, plus rental car fees and the "new" transmission IS on the blink still, has been back in the shop three times. symptoms are well documented in the internet, bucking, no power, high rpm's, flashing o/d light, spewing oil. if this car IS ever drivable again I will sell and never buy mazda again. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Mazda 626 was built with a bad transmission that has had problems since 50,000 miles. The car started forcefully shifting, and now will have problems accelerating. this happens every time I drive it since 50000 miles with conditions getting worse. nothing has been done yet to fix the problem accept my mechanic says I need to either rebuild this transmission or put in a new transmission. *Tr
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.
- 11006987In 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 dealers 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 Mazdas 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 SPECMOs 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.
- 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10222564Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. This is caused by a variable valve being stuck in the closed position. When returning from fast idle to normal, the stuck valve suddenly opens due to thermal change around it which causes abnormal noise. To eliminate this concern, the internal design of the exhaust manifold has been modified.
- 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
- 10213387Shock absorber replacement guidelines
- 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
- 10213332Battery Maintenance
- 10213331Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
- 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
- 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 10208556Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10206002Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmission when it is operating.
- 10205994Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10200933This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10198689Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. Accessories E-catalog For models prior to 2016: Accessory Parts and Installation Instructions
- 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10186701A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
- 10186693Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10179228New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
- 10173097Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10170817When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
- 10170661In 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 dealers 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 Mazdas 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 SPECMOs 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.
- 10170656Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10169539A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.
- 10163367A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. "Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating" is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
- 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.
Every Mazda 626 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.