Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1989 Mazda 626 sits mid-pack among 626 years: 48 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (25% of the total).
48
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 12 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 11 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
RESIN MOLDED FRONT HANDLES FAIL AT THE DOOR LATCH ACTUATING ROD ATTACHMENT, FREEING THE ROD TO FALL INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME. SUBSEQUENT LOWERING OF THE ASSOCIATED WINDOW MAY FORCE THE ACTUATING ROD DOWNWARD AND RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH.
Consequence
INADVERTENT ACTUATION OF THE DOOR LATCH CAUSES THE DOORTO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THEVEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Defect
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Consequence
IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVER'S MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS, WON'T RELEASE, MUST DISENGAGE FROM CLOSED POSITION MANUALLY. TT”
“WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION OFTEN DOES NOT SELECT FIRST GEAR. DEFAULTS TO WHAT FEELS MORE LIKE 3RD GEAR. SUSPECT ELECTRICAL POSITION SWITCH PROBLEM. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT IF PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC SINCE CAR ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY FROM STANDSTILL IN 3RD GEAR.”
“CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 93V174000/ DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE. DEALER CORRECTED THE RECALL. CONSUMER CURRENTLY IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE RECALL REPAIRS. WHEN LOWERING THE WINDOW, DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”
“TRAVELING S. ON I93 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT SPEED LIMIT. EXIT AT #42 & TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE SPEED CONTROL. NO RESPONSE! CAR CONTINUED UP RAMP TOWARDS 5 PM TRAFFIC. BRAKES DID NOT AFFECT SPEED AS CONTROLL STILL ENGAGED. TURNED OFF IGNITION JUST BEFORE ENTERING RT 302 INTERSECTION,…”
It is close to typical for the 626: 48 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (12 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), engine (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.