VehicleVerdict

1995 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 587 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.1 times the median 626 year — the 1995 model ranks #1 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 47 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 60% of all reports (349 of 587), far ahead of airbags at 74.

587

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

55

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

47

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 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, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Mazda 626 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission34959%
Airbags7413%
Engine346%
Electrical System203%
Brakes153%
Speed Control142%
Fuel System122%
Other122%
Tires & Wheels92%
Seats92%
Suspension81%
Steering81%
Lighting71%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Body & Structure51%
Seat Belts41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1995 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.

98V249000AirbagsOctober 8, 1998 · 213,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

Consequence

UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SAS UNIT TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF UNNECESSARY DEPLOYMENTS IN LOW SPEED UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

95E006001AirbagsFebruary 21, 1995 · 565 units

Defect

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO, THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.

Consequence

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN PUTTING THE PARKING PAWL IN PARKING AND APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE, THEN SHE CAME OUT OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD HEARD A NOISE, AND VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, AND STRIKING THREE VEHICLE BEHIND. ACCORDING TO CONSUMER, SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 9, 1998 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, HIT A POTHOLE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS VIOLENTLY DEPLOYED SHATTERING WINDSHIELD AND DRIVERS EYE GLASSES,AND THEN CAUSED THE CAR TO HIT THE SIDEWALK EXPLODING 2 TIRES AND INJURING THE DRIVERS FACE. EVEN THOUGHT THE CAR WAS UNDER RECALL, THE MANUFACTURER INITIALLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 15, 2003 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEHIND THE BATTERY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS FINE. THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2007 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED 50 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, APPLIED BRAKES AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKES FAILED, IMPACT 3:00 POSITION. T *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 14, 1995 · crash

1995 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1995 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 587 complaints put the 1995 model at #1 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (349 complaints), airbags (74 complaints), engine (34 complaints).

Does the 1995 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Mazda 626 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.

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.