1991 Mazda 626 Problems
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Mazda 626 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the motorized automatic shoulder belts, which complaints describe as failing to move, failing to latch, or failing to retract. Transmission and brake complaints make up most of the remaining reports, typically on vehicles with well over 100,000 miles. Many reports come from used cars bought long after the original sale, so condition varies widely.
- Seat belts
Automatic shoulder belt does not move or latch
- 25 complaints (40%)
- typically at 6.5 yrs old
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe the motorized shoulder belt staying in its rearward position when the door is closed, or moving inconsistently unless the door is reopened and shut again. Some owners say the belt ran entirely inoperable after the drive motor stopped working, and others report the buckle separating from the webbing. Some complaints describe the belt not restraining an occupant in a collision; dealers named in the reports replaced belts that later failed again. Mileage is rarely given in these reports and they span model years of use, so age rather than mileage appears to be the common factor.
What to check: With the door closed, watch whether the shoulder belt tracks forward and latches on its own every time, and pull on the buckle and webbing to check they are still attached. Ask whether the belt motor or track has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Front seat belt doesn't work automatically when getting into the vehicle, and having to put the seat belt around driver's body. The consumer is also having problem with the reverse lights and other lights. They come on and off whenever they want to, and the consumer can't find the problem. The brake system has also caused problems.”
NHTSA complaint #831585, filed 1998-12“Seat belt is automatic, however it does not engage when the door is closed unless you re-open it and slam the door shut. Sometimes even that does not work. Has become a bit of a hassle as this occurs just about every time I use the vehicle, this being up to 3 hours a day.”
NHTSA complaint #706916, filed 1999-05 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, jerks or stops driving
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 145,000 mi at 13.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 1996–2007
Complaints describe the automatic transmission slipping, jerking when the overdrive light flashes, or suddenly dropping into a lower gear at highway speed. In several reports the car simply lost drive and stopped, and owners were told a replacement or rebuild was needed. One owner reported a fluid leak from the front of the transmission about a year after a rebuild. Reports cluster from roughly 110,000 to 160,000 miles, often on cars bought used.
What to check: Check the transmission fluid level and colour, look for leaks at the front of the gearbox, and drive at highway speed to see whether it holds gear without jerking or flashing warnings.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving home from work, the car was going pretty slowly. When I pressed the gas more, it didn't seem to help. It slowed to a crawl then stopped. The transmission just decided to stop. This is on a Mazda 626. There were no other indications of the failure and now I have to get a new transmission!”
NHTSA complaint #10029079, filed 2003-07, 162,000 miles“I bought this car at this dealership on 1-9-03,since I have had this car I have only driven it a couple of times to date. This car has major front end problems,the axel is broken, the transmission is slipping,it is terribly out of alignment,the cable shifter is out and the car stops on me while im driving in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069729, filed 2004-01 - Brakes
Brake pedal goes to the floor
Mentioned in 5 of 28 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floorboard during ordinary braking, with long stopping distances and, in some reports, a collision. One owner was told the ABS control unit cylinder had cracked and was leaking fluid, and another was told the rotors were too thin. A separate report notes the reverse and other lights switching on and off unpredictably alongside brake trouble. Mileage is mostly not stated in these reports; several describe the problem appearing during normal driving at 45-55 mph.
What to check: Press the pedal firmly with the engine running and check that it stays high and hard, look for fluid at the wheels and under the ABS unit, and ask when the fluid and rotors were last serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving at 45-50 MPH and attempting to make a graudal stop brake pedal went to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Vehicle skidded one hundred feet, causing a rearend collision. Consumer also, vehicle was totaled. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #882761, filed 2001-03“When driving at 55 MPH and applying the brakes they went straight to the floorboard, and there is some type of knocking noise and tapping noise coming from the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #847234, filed 1999-09
Buying note. Look closely at the automatic seat belts, since they are the most frequently reported problem and are expensive to put right, and drive the car long enough to check transmission behaviour and brake pedal feel. Ask for service records covering belts, transmission and brakes, and confirm whether the door handle recall was performed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1991 Mazda 626. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 131,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts31 50%
- Brakes8 13%
- Engine cooling5 8.1%
- Suspension5 8.1%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.5%
- Steering3 4.8%
- Electrical system2 3.2%
Also reported: Other or unknown (2), Body and structure (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Consumer's motorized driver side shoulder belt does not work. There is no traction when door opens, nor when closing. The driver side belt does not operate automatically. This is a serious safety deffect.”
NHTSA complaint #816672, filed 1997-09Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 1991 Mazda 626. He stated that there was a leak coming from the front of the transmission. Approximately a year ago, the transmission failed and he had it rebuilt. The mechanic stated that he would need to purchase a new transmission. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage 124,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10198418, filed 2007-08, 112,000 milesBrakes: “Brakes on the car would not work properly had taken to the dealer after six months to find out about thin rotors which Mazda did not fix. Had problems braking.”
NHTSA complaint #977013, filed 1995-12Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 112,000 and 162,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Mazda 626 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 626/MX-6 FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| 626/MX-6 FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 626/MX-6 FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| 626/MX-6 FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V174000Oct 29, 1993Structure › Body › DoorCovers: Mazda 626 1988–1991, 929 1988–1989
Resin molded front handles fail at the door latch actuating rod attachment, freeing the rod to fall inside the door frame. Subsequent lowering of the associated window may force the actuating rod downward and release the door latch.
Recall details for the 1991 Mazda 626 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019Engine cooling, Equipment, Fuel system. In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop…
- 10153339Jan 14, 2019Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018Vehicle speed control, Equipment. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017Equipment, Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10213425Feb 17, 2016Electrical system. Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10098367Aug 15, 2014Equipment. In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer is…
Other model years of the Mazda 626
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9 | 18,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 87 | 72,600 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 188 | 78,346 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 217 | 81,100 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 318 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 434 | 89,155 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 358 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 359 | 95,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 488 | 102,262 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 282 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 122 | 106,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 19 | 155,506 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 62 | 131,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 44 | 121,416 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 42 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 45 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 29 | 38,423 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 16 | 235,000 | 2 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Mazda 626 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mazda 626?
Owners of this model year most often write about the motorized automatic shoulder belts, which complaints describe as failing to move, failing to latch, or failing to retract. The issues reported most often: Automatic shoulder belt does not move or latch; Transmission slips, jerks or stops driving; Brake pedal goes to the floor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Mazda 626 have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1991 Mazda 626 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Mazda 626 is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 31 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 11.
Has the 1991 Mazda 626 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mazda 626 get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Mazda 626 (626/MX-6, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Mazda 626 reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 131,000 miles and the middle half falls between 112,000 and 162,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.