1997 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 451 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.8 times the median 626 year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 54% of all reports (244 of 451), far ahead of engine at 45.

451

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mazda 626 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	244	54%	— flat
Engine	45	10%	— flat
Airbags	39	9%	— flat
Electrical System	33	7%	▲ up
Other	21	5%	▲ up
Brakes	18	4%	▲ up
Speed Control	9	2%	— flat
Steering	8	2%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	6	1%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	4	1%	▲ up
Fuel System	4	1%	— flat
Lighting	4	1%	▲ up
Seats	4	1%	— flat
Suspension	4	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	3	1%	▼ down
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	0%	— flat
Body & Structure	2	0%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 1997 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.

98V206001EngineSeptember 8, 1998 · 40,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TENSIONER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IMPACT WAS ON LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES.*AK THE VEHICL'S SENSOR SYSTEM FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN ACCIDENT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND DEALER REFUSED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 15, 2001 · crash

“COLLISION WAS CAUSE BY LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO ENGINE STALLING. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MFR. CONCERNING MAZDA/TIMING BELT # 98V-206.001. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF VEHICLE STALLING AND THEN BEING OUT OF CONTROL. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 1998 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IMPACT WAS ON LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES.*AK THE VEHICL'S SENSOR SYSTEM FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN ACCIDENT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND DEALER REFUSED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 15, 2001 · crash

“CAR TRAVELING AT 70MPH. CAR UNEXPLAINABLY ACCELERATES AND THEN MODERATE "POP" HEARD UNDER HOOD. DEBRIS NOTICED FALLING FROM CAR. CAR IS BROUGHT TO STOP ON SHOULDER. SMOKE EMINATING FROM UNDER HOOD. LATCH OF HOOD IS RELEASED TO INVESTIGATE WHEN FLAMES ERUPT. ENGINE IS ON FIRE. ELECTRIC COOLING FAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2004 · fire

“I STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 45000 MILES TRANSMISSION WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED AT 48OOO MILES. NOW ABOUT TWO YEARS LATER I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN, BUT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.( O/D + ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON, TRANS STALLS WHILE ACCERLERATING, TRANS SLIPPING, BANGING SOUND WHEN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 1999

1997 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1997 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 451 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (244 complaints), engine (45 complaints), airbags (39 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 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 1997 compare to other 626 years?

What are the most common 1997 Mazda 626 problems?

Does the 1997 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1997 Mazda 626 reliable?

What are the most common 1997 626 problems?

Does the 1997 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Is the 1997 Mazda 626 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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