Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 99 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median 626 year — the 1991 model ranks #10 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (35% of the total).
99
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 35 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 13 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Suspension | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
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.
“WHEN REAR ENDED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN FROM MAKING CONTACT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. ESTIMATED SPEED OF IMPACT 30 MPH. TT”
“FRONT SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE, AND HAVING TO PUT THE SEAT BELT AROUND DRIVER'S BODY. THE CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS. THEY COME ON AND OFF WHENEVER THEY WANT TO, AND THE CONSUMER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA 626. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRANSMISSION. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HE HAD IT REBUILT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE…”
“I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THIS DEALERSHIP ON 1-9-03,SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT A COUPLE OF TIMES TO DATE. THIS CAR HAS MAJOR FRONT END PROBLEMS,THE AXEL IS BROKEN, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING,IT IS TERRIBLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT,THE CABLE SHIFTER IS OUT AND THE CAR STOPS ON ME WHILE IM…”
“FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 99 complaints put the 1991 model at #10 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (35 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 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.