2002 Mazda 626 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 99 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median 626 year — the 2002 model ranks #10 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 71% of all reports (70 of 99), far ahead of suspension at 4.
99
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other 626 years?
What are the most common 2002 Mazda 626 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 70 | 71% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE AND THEN ONE DAY AS I WAS LEAVING WORK MY CAR STARTED ACTING AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO SHUT OFF. I MADE IT ALL THE WAY HOME AND WAS GOING TO GO TO THE STORE AND MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR I TRIED TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUIDS BUT IT SOUNDS NOT MOVE.”
“THE CAR STARTED TO NOT WANT TO CRANK IT WOULD CRANK SOMETIMES THEN ONE DAY WE WENT TO THE STORE THEN WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE THE STORE IT FINALLY JUST STOPPED TRYING TO CRANK ONLY MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND WHILE TRYING TO CRANK IT THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE I…”
“VIBRATION IN THE FRONT (WORSE ON THE RIGHT) OF THE VEHICLE. WAS TOLD BY SALESPERSON, CAR HAD BEEN SITTING A WHILE AND SHOULD DRIVE OUT, AFTER 8 MONTHS AND NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE NATURE OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE THERE IS NO FRONT PASSENGER, YOU CAN SEE…”
“2002 626 PISTON RINGS FAILED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT PER THE MECHANIC. THERE WAS SCARING FOUND ON THE CYLINDER WALLS ALSO PISTONS LOWER COMPRESSION RING FAILED. *TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS STARTING TO RUN HOT. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD SHE NEEDED A NEW OVERFLOW COOLANT BOTTLE BECAUSE…”
“WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE INJURIES. CONSUMER WAS PREGNANT, AND HIT HER HEAD AND CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE THAT WAS INJURED.…”
2002 Mazda 626 — common questions
Is the 2002 Mazda 626 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 99 complaints put the 2002 model at #10 of 25 626 years. It is one of the 626 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 626 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (70 complaints), suspension (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Does the 2002 Mazda 626 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Mazda 626.
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.