1999 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 372 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.4 times the median 626 year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 64% of all reports (238 of 372), far ahead of engine at 52.

372

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mazda 626 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	238	64%	▼ down
Engine	52	14%	▼ down
Brakes	17	5%	▲ up
Electrical System	14	4%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	5	1%	▲ up
Airbags	5	1%	▼ down
Steering	4	1%	— flat
Suspension	4	1%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	4	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	4	1%	— flat
Fuel System	4	1%	— flat
Lighting	4	1%	▲ up
Other	4	1%	▼ down
Seats	4	1%	— flat
Speed Control	4	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	3	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	1%	▲ up

Does the 1999 Mazda 626 have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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.

00V134000EngineMay 9, 2000 · 31,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.

Consequence

THE BROKEN SPRING MAY GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT, RESULTING POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TENSIONER INSTALLED AND REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED TENSIONER.

00V074000BrakesMarch 7, 2000 · 71,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE PRESSURE COULD REACH A POINT THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER AND DRUM CYLINDER ARE PULLED BACK BY THE VACUUM IN THE RESERVOIR TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A LONG TIME.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFICIENCY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RESERVOIR CAP AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP WHICH IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE BY MAZDA THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. THIS BS WITH IT COST MY WIFE HER JOB ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 20, 2015 · crash

“VEHICLE STALLED AT 60MPH WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. DEALER STATED STALLING WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE ROD FAILURE AND WAS COMMON. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2001 · fire

“IN RAINY CONDITION AND DRIVING 40 MPH, ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID ABOUT 10-15 FEET AND HAVE A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 3, 2000 · crash

“VEHICLE STALLED AT 60MPH WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. DEALER STATED STALLING WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE ROD FAILURE AND WAS COMMON. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 16, 2001 · fire

“IN RAINY CONDITION AND DRIVING 40 MPH, ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID ABOUT 10-15 FEET AND HAVE A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 3, 2000 · crash

1999 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1999 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 372 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (238 complaints), engine (52 complaints), brakes (17 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Mazda 626. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 1999 compare to other 626 years?

What are the most common 1999 Mazda 626 problems?

Does the 1999 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 1999 Mazda 626 reliable?

What are the most common 1999 626 problems?

Does the 1999 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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