2001 Mazda 626 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 235 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median 626 year — the 2001 model ranks #8 of 25 626 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 62% of all reports (145 of 235), far ahead of engine at 24.

235

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other 626 years?

626 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 626 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Mazda 626 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	145	62%	— flat
Engine	24	10%	— flat
Airbags	11	5%	— flat
Electrical System	9	4%	▲ up
Other	8	3%	— flat
Brakes	8	3%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	5	2%	▲ up
Seat Belts	5	2%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	4	2%	— flat
Steering	3	1%	▼ down
Fuel System	3	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	2	1%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	1%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	1%	▼ down
Seats	1	0%	▼ down
Suspension	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2001 Mazda 626 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS CAR. ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, TIRES AND BALL JOINTS. NOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED, WIPER MOTOR AND QUARTER PANELS ARE ALL RUSTED OUT. I AM DISABLED AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. SHOULD ALL OF THIS SHOULD OF GONE WRONG? IT WILL NOT PASS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 31, 2014

“2001 MAZDA 626 RIGHT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL SPLIT IN TWO AREAS. CONSUMER STATES THAT LEFT REAR TIRE WAS INSPECTED AND HAD SIMILAR CRACKING FORMING. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THAT TYPE OF DAMAGE. *KB THE WIPER BLADES WERE REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A BAD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 25, 2007

“DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO REAR END COLLISIONS . UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SPEED OF THE FIRST COLLISION WAS NOT AVAILABLE, BUT IT WAS AT A LOW SPEED. THE SECOND COLLISION OCCURRED AT 30 MPH. BOTH TIMES THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 21, 2005 · crash

“MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN HER CAR WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIPER SWITCH AREA AND BLINKER AREA. THE SMOKE SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD, CAUSING THE STARTER TO STAY ENGAGED. THE BURNING SMELL WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 10, 2016 · fire

“I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY MAZDA 626 AND IT'S A 2001. THE TIMES THAT I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THE SHOP THAT WOULD TELL ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR, BUT OF COURSE I KNOW MY CAR BETTER I DO DRIVE IT MORE THAN THEY HAVE TOO. WHAT I DISCOVERED JUST TODAY IS OFF THE MAP FUNNY(LIKE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 15, 2003

2001 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 2001 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 235 complaints put the 2001 model at #8 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 626 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (145 complaints), engine (24 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 2001 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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 2001 compare to other 626 years?

What are the most common 2001 Mazda 626 problems?

Does the 2001 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2001 Mazda 626 — common questions

Is the 2001 Mazda 626 reliable?

What are the most common 2001 626 problems?

Does the 2001 Mazda 626 have recalls?

Which Mazda 626 years should you avoid?

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