Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1990 Mazda 626 sits mid-pack among 626 years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (14), engine (11), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
62
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 14 | 23% | — flat |
| Engine | 11 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 8% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
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.
“AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL NOT COMPLETING CYCLE. UPON ENTRY OWNER STRUCK EYE BRUSING BADLY. ALSO BELTS MAY NOT RELEASE ON ITS OWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE.”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER, PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND FUMES WERE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK”
“WAS DRIVING CAR AND THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO GET HOT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND REPLACED THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT AND THE FUSE BOX . *AK”
“THE DOOR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER RECALL. HANDLE BROKE AGAIN. ALSO, WHILE ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN, THE DOOR OPENED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
“I BOUGHT A 1990 MAZDA 626 ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAS AN ATX. RECENTLY THE CAR WOULD ONLY DRIVE IN ONE GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A BUDDY OF MINE THAT OWNS A TRANSMISSION SHOP. HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THE CAR NEEDED A NEW VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR AND PROBABLY A NEW TRANSMISSION. I PURCHASED A NEW SPEED…”
It is close to typical for the 626: 62 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (14 complaints), engine (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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.