Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1982 Mazda 626 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IN CERTAIN HIGH SALT AREAS, THE IDLER ARM IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT WHICH CAUSES THE DUST SEAL TO DETERIORATE RESULTING IN IDLER ARM PIN CORROSION. THIS CAUSES THE PIN TO FREEZE AND BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN IDLER ARM PIN COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE PIN WITH ONE OF IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANT QUALITY.
Defect
ANCHORAGE BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY REINSTALLED AFTER VEHICLE REPAIR. THE BOLT COULD LOOSEN DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy
UPON INSPECTION, ALL IMPROPERLY INSTALLED BOLTS WILL BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED CORRECTLY.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 626 years to avoid are 1995, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1999, 1994, 2000, 2001, 1993, 2002, 1991. The cleanest record among 626 years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.