VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 202 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median 626 year — the 1993 model ranks #9 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (46), brakes (30), and electrical system (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

202

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted587 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 40 complaints1988: 58 complaints1989: 48 complaints1990: 62 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 202 complaints1994: 353 complaints1995: 587 complaints1996: 426 complaints1997: 451 complaints1998: 499 complaints1999: 372 complaints2000: 280 complaints2001: 235 complaints2002: 99 complaints2003: 9 complaints
626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda 626 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission4623%
Brakes3015%
Electrical System2311%
Engine178%
Airbags157%
Suspension105%
Body & Structure94%
Seat Belts84%
Other84%
Steering73%
Tires & Wheels73%
Lighting63%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Fuel System42%
Speed Control31%
Latches & Locks21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seats10%

Does the 1993 Mazda 626 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V674000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

Consequence

If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

05E065000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 42,962 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR IN PARK, IGNITION TURNED OFF, DRIVER WAS GETTING OUT OF CAR, CAR JUMPED OUT OF PARK, ROLLED BACKWARDS AND OVER DRIVER'S LEG, DRAGGED HIM DOWN DRIVEWAY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 13, 1995 · crash

“DISC HANDBRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE, DESTROYING PADS/CALIPERS; VEHICLE SPUN AS RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOCKED, VEHICLE FIRE ERUPTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · fire

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 35MPH WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. BEFORE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, HAD EASED TO SIDE OF ROAD. HAD LEFT BRAKE PADS ON ROAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING. LEFT VEHICLE & IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 17, 1998 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL & BOTH FRONT WHEEL AXLES WERE BROKEN. PRYING WHEEL AXLES APART MECHANIC FOUND THAT CAMSHAFT SEVERLY DAMAGED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN CURRENT CONDITION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 20, 2001

“ANOTHER DRIVER HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AT 75 MPH ON FRONT BUMPER WHILE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION AT ABOUT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DUAL FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 22, 2000 · crash

1993 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 202 complaints put the 1993 model at #9 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (46 complaints), brakes (30 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Mazda 626 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.