1994 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 353 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median 626 year — the 1994 model ranks #6 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 54% of all reports (191 of 353), far ahead of engine at 30.

353

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mazda 626 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	191	54%	▲ up
Engine	30	8%	▲ up
Electrical System	28	8%	— flat
Brakes	19	5%	▼ down
Airbags	15	4%	— flat
Lighting	13	4%	▲ up
Suspension	10	3%	— flat
Speed Control	9	3%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	8	2%	▲ up
Other	8	2%	— flat
Seat Belts	6	2%	— flat
Steering	4	1%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	4	1%	▼ down
Fuel System	3	1%	— flat
Body & Structure	2	1%	▼ down
Seats	2	1%	▲ up
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	0%	— flat

Does the 1994 Mazda 626 have recalls?

4 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.

99V358000LightingDecember 17, 1999 · 40,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT WIRE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS SOLDERED TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Consequence

THE FAILURE OF THIS WIRE COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH LEVER.

99I005000TransmissionAugust 16, 1999 · 47,651 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET CAN FAIL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER, SEVERE LACK OF POWER, AND/OR A TRANSMISSION WHICH STAYS IN THIRD GEAR. IN SOME CASES, THE "OD OFF" LIGHT MAY ALSO FLASH.

Consequence

A DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF INCREASED SPEED DUE TO THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AND IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET AT NO CHARGE. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS NECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET FROR 9 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE WITH NO MILEAGE LIMITATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“EXHAUST FAILURE...FIRE UNDER CAR, CAR STOPPED RUNNING, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS MELTED, ENTIRE SYSTEM REPLACED, COVERED BY CALIFORNIA WARRANTY. TRANSMISSION FAILURE, NO REVERSE, NO NEUTRAL GEARS. ONLY HAVE 1ST AND 3 RD GEARS. TRANSMISSION OIL READ OKAY TILL THIS HAPPENED, NOW IT IS GONE AND DEALER SAYS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 17, 1999 · fire

“EXHAUST FAILURE...FIRE UNDER CAR, CAR STOPPED RUNNING, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS MELTED, ENTIRE SYSTEM REPLACED, COVERED BY CALIFORNIA WARRANTY. TRANSMISSION FAILURE, NO REVERSE, NO NEUTRAL GEARS. ONLY HAVE 1ST AND 3 RD GEARS. TRANSMISSION OIL READ OKAY TILL THIS HAPPENED, NOW IT IS GONE AND DEALER SAYS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 1999 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH BOARD. THE CAR CUT OFF. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, RAISED THE HOOD. THE WIRE THAT COMES OUT OF THE DASH BOARD WAS RED. ABOUT 20 SECONDS LATER, SMOKE CONSUME THE CAR AND THE DASH BOARD WAS ON FIRE. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS BURNED. FROM THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 1999 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA 626. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE MECHANIC DIDN'T CHECK THE OVERHEATING FAILURE. HOWEVER, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TERRIBLE VIBRATION. THE MECHANIC REBUILT THE FRONT END. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 13, 2006 · crash

“SIDE MOLDING COMING OFF, ANTENNA WILL NOT GO UP NOR DOWN, HOLD LIGHT KEEP FLASHING, SUN ROOF WILL NOT SLIDE BACK, AIR BAG FLASHES SOMETIME,CUP HOLDER WILL NOT KEEP CONTAINERS FROM TILTING OVER,OIL DIP STICK HANDLE BROKE OFF,CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK,CRACKED MANIFOLD”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 23, 2002 · fire

1994 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 353 complaints put the 1994 model at #6 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (191 complaints), engine (30 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1994 compare to other 626 years?

What are the most common 1994 Mazda 626 problems?

Does the 1994 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1994 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 reliable?

What are the most common 1994 626 problems?

Does the 1994 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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