1989 Mazda 626 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 26%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Mazda 626, 26% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Mazda 626 transmission failure, two transmissions put into a car with less than 150,000 miles. Now dead but money owed on car. How can you keep getting these complaints and not do anything about it?”
NHTSA complaint #10147203, filed 2006-01, 60,000 miles“When shifting from park to drive, the transmission often does not select first gear. Defaults to what feels more like 3rd gear. Suspect electrical position switch problem. Could cause accident if pulling out into traffic since car accelerates very slowly from standstill in 3rd gear.”
NHTSA complaint #703606, filed 1999-02“While driving, at approx. 55-60mph suddenly vehicle became inoperative, engine revved and had no forward motion as though in neutral gear position, no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #964230, filed 1995-04Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 11% |
| 2002 | 70 | 80% |
| 2001 | 139 | 74% |
| 2000 | 160 | 74% |
| 1999 | 233 | 73% |
| 1998 | 313 | 72% |
| 1997 | 233 | 65% |
| 1996 | 239 | 67% |
| 1995 | 337 | 69% |
| 1994 | 177 | 63% |
| 1993 | 42 | 34% |
| 1992 | 5 | 26% |
| 1991 | 11 | 18% |
| 1990 | 4 | 9% |
| 1989 | 11 | 26% |
| 1988 | 4 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mazda 626
12 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Mazda 626
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology