VehicleVerdict

Mazda 626 years to avoid

The Mazda 626 years to avoid are 1995, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1999, 1994, 2000, 2001, 1993, 2002, 1991 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1982 is the cleanest year on record.

3,877

Total complaints

23

Recall campaigns

1979–2003

Years covered

11

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

626 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1995High complaint rate587
1998High complaint rate499
1997High complaint rate451
1996High complaint rate426
1999High complaint rate372
1994High complaint rate353
2000High complaint rate280
2001High complaint rate235
1993High complaint rate202
2002High complaint rate99
1991High complaint rate99

Every 626 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200390
2002avoid990
2001avoid2351
2000avoid2802
1999avoid3724
1998avoid4996
1997avoid4514
1996avoid4263
1995avoid5874
1994avoid3534
1993avoid2022
1992241
1991avoid992
1990622
1989482
1988586
1987401
1986202
198570
198440
198320
198202
198102
198002
197902

Common questions

What are the worst Mazda 626 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 626 years to avoid are 1995, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1999, 1994, 2000, 2001, 1993, 2002, 1991. The cleanest year on record is 1982.

What is the best year for the Mazda 626?

By complaint volume, 1982 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 626 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mazda 626 have?

Across all model years, the 626 has 23 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 3,877 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.