Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1987 Mazda 626 sits mid-pack among 626 years: 40 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with a single recall and one closed investigation.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 43% of all reports (17 of 40), far ahead of seat belts at 8.
40
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 | 43% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IGNITION SWITCH TERMINAL MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS,WINDSHIELD WASHER, ENGINE COOLING FAN, HEATER BLOWER, AND AIR CONDITIONINGCOMPRESSOR. FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD CLEARING DEVICES COULD CAUSE REDUCEDVISIBILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE IGNITION SWITCHES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT: THE VEHICLE NEEDED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND TURNING THE KEY DOESN'T HELP AT ALL. THERE IS NO SOUND OF THE ENGINE TURNING ON. THE OWNER IS UPSET BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN# 90V118000. *SC *JB”
“CONSUMER WAS IN ACCIDENT, HE WAS REAR ENDED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DIDN'T RESTRAIN, CONSUMER HIT HEAD ON THE STEERING . *AK”
“WHILE PARKING OR DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED FORWARD WHICH CAUSED TWO CRASHES. DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT ARISEN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 40 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 626 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints), speed control (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.