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2001 Mazda 626

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 626 years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Mazda 626 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 44.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

140 reports with mileage · 48 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports4 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

188 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ENGINE WOULD OPERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS TAPPED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW MAZDA OF GREENSBORO (1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, 336-299-1500), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11230445

140,000 miles · Jun 23, 2016
Electrical SystemFire

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 COMING FROM THE IGNITION SW…

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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 COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART AS WELL AS THE RECEIPT FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART.

NHTSA ODI #10876059

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2016
SteeringFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE ST…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA 626. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10860056

150,000 miles · Feb 16, 2015
Service Brakes

OUR MAZDA 2001 TRIBUTE HAS BEEN LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND MECHANIC SAID IT MAY BE SOMETHING WITH MASTER CYLINDER. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND MAZDA HAD A RECALL (#6712A) THAT COVERED 2001-2002 MODEL YEAR TRIBUTE SUVS FOR A FAULTY BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP. WE CALLED MAZDA AND SPOKE TO A REP. KATRINA SAID "YOU…

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OUR MAZDA 2001 TRIBUTE HAS BEEN LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND MECHANIC SAID IT MAY BE SOMETHING WITH MASTER CYLINDER. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND MAZDA HAD A RECALL (#6712A) THAT COVERED 2001-2002 MODEL YEAR TRIBUTE SUVS FOR A FAULTY BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP. WE CALLED MAZDA AND SPOKE TO A REP. KATRINA SAID "YOUR CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES". WHETHER WE HAVE ABS BRAKES OR NOT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE OUR CAR CHECKED IN THIS RECALL FOR OUR SAFETY. WE SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683599

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes

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 INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR …

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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 INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR EIGHT YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670033

83,201 miles · Dec 7, 2014
Power Train

TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHTS FLASHING AND DOES NOT MOVE IN THE FIRST GEAR OR SHIFT TO SECOND EITHER HAS HAPPENED ON FREE WAY ALSO WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY WIFE DRIVES WITH KIDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662651

88,000 miles · Sep 22, 2012
Power Train

THIS CAR STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH GOING INTO REVERSE. FORWARD IS BECOMING DIFFICULT ALSO. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INDICATE THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY NOTE THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY GIVE TEMPORARY RELIEF BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I LIVE AND WORK OVERSEAS ON A US ARMY MILITA…

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THIS CAR STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH GOING INTO REVERSE. FORWARD IS BECOMING DIFFICULT ALSO. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INDICATE THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY NOTE THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY GIVE TEMPORARY RELIEF BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I LIVE AND WORK OVERSEAS ON A US ARMY MILITARY BASE SO TO EVEN CONSIDER BRINGING AN SPEC REBUILT TRANSMISSION OVER IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT WITH A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ALL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE COVER OVER THE YEARS AND TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT 88,000 MILES IS A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10476746

125,000 miles · Sep 7, 2012
Electrical SystemSteeringFire

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE T…

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COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON DC JUNE 19TH 2012, I WAS WITH MY MOTHER AND PARTNER PARKING IN FRONT OF GIANT SUPERMARKET RETURNING A MOVIE AT LOCAL REDBOX, WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTNER, I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SITTING INSIDE NOTICED DENSE FUMES CAME FROM THE IGNITION, I REMOVED THE KEY AND FUMES STILL COMING OUT, WE STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WE SAW SEVERAL SPARKS IN THE IGNITION, I CALLED IMMEDIATELY 911, SUDDENLY A BIG FLAME OF FIRE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE ROOMS FROM A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, A MAN CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALM THE FIRE AND FLAMES; FIRE TRUCK CAME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, BUT CAR WAS ALREADY DESTROYED. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE, PHONE CALLS AND WITNESS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10474281

53,996 miles · Jul 27, 2012
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TRAVELING IN CAR ON INTERSTATE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE USING CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. WAS COMING UP ON A CAR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR DID NOT DISENGAGE. I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE AND IT WAS NOT WORKING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEE…

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TRAVELING IN CAR ON INTERSTATE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE USING CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70MPH. WAS COMING UP ON A CAR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR DID NOT DISENGAGE. I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE AND IT WAS NOT WORKING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER. I QUICKLY SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I EASED UP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WE CAME TO A SAFE STOP. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR WE TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND TESTED THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS ON THE SHOULDER AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED NORMALLY. MY HUSBAND FEELS THE CRUISE CONTROL STUCK AND THAT IS WHY WE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS OR WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10467995

158,000 miles · Feb 28, 2012
Power Train

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH WHEN MY DAUGHTERS CAR ENGINE LOCKED UP. SHE WAS OUT OF STATE SO IT WAS A HURRY UP THING OVER THE PHONE. SHE DIDN'T REALIZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN FIRST GEAR, THOUGHT IT WAS CV JOINT. SHOP DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS REALLY MAKES ME SOOO MAD AS THIS IS A NICE CAR. I…

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I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH WHEN MY DAUGHTERS CAR ENGINE LOCKED UP. SHE WAS OUT OF STATE SO IT WAS A HURRY UP THING OVER THE PHONE. SHE DIDN'T REALIZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN FIRST GEAR, THOUGHT IT WAS CV JOINT. SHOP DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS REALLY MAKES ME SOOO MAD AS THIS IS A NICE CAR. I THINK FORD SHOULD PAY TO REPLACE ALL THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE CARS. NOW I HAVE TO EITHER DUMP IT AT A LOSS OR PAY OUT ALOT TO GET TRANSMISSION REPAIRED . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449529

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.