2000 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 280 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median 626 year — the 2000 model ranks #7 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 59% of all reports (164 of 280), far ahead of engine at 23.

280

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mazda 626 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	164	59%	▼ down
Engine	23	8%	▼ down
Brakes	14	5%	— flat
Suspension	11	4%	▲ up
Fuel System	10	4%	▲ up
Airbags	9	3%	▲ up
Other	7	3%	▲ up
Electrical System	7	3%	▼ down
Lighting	6	2%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	5	2%	— flat
Steering	5	2%	— flat
Latches & Locks	5	2%	▲ up
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	4	1%	— flat
Speed Control	4	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	1%	— flat
Seat Belts	2	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	1%	▼ down

Does the 2000 Mazda 626 have recalls?

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

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.

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.

“MY 2000 MAZDA 626 BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING APRIL 10, 2008! THE CAR STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH RESULTED IN 3 BATTERIES, 2 ALTERNATORS, NO AC OR DEFROST COULD BE RUN. THEN THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD! ALL THESE PROBLEMS RESULTED IN ME…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 8, 2009 · crash

“WHILE COMMUTING, THE CAR STOPPED SHIFTING. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC--THEY FIXED A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID-- CAR WAS THEN SHIFTING HARD, TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP--THEY DIAGNOSED TWO PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED THE LEAK. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT EFFECTIVELY PUSHING THE FLUID THROUGH THE SYSTEM, AND WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 22, 2014

“MY 2000 MAZDA 626 BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING APRIL 10, 2008! THE CAR STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH RESULTED IN 3 BATTERIES, 2 ALTERNATORS, NO AC OR DEFROST COULD BE RUN. THEN THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD! ALL THESE PROBLEMS RESULTED IN ME…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 8, 2009 · crash

“VEHICLE GOT REARENDED. WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN IT WAS FOUND OUT THAT FRONT AND BACK ENDS OF VEHICLE WERE MADE OF PLASTIC. CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHY FRONT AND BACK ENDS OF VEHICLE WERE MADE OF PLASTIC INSTEAD OF REENFORCED METAL. CONSUMER CALLED MAZDA, AND MAZDA STATED IT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 17, 2001 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, THE ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 6, 2010

2000 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 2000 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 280 complaints put the 2000 model at #7 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (164 complaints), engine (23 complaints), brakes (14 complaints).

Does the 2000 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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 2000 compare to other 626 years?

What are the most common 2000 Mazda 626 problems?

Does the 2000 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2000 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 2000 Mazda 626 reliable?

What are the most common 2000 626 problems?

Does the 2000 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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