1994 Mazda 626 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 177about this part
- Share
- 63%of 282 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 177 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Mazda 626, 63% of the 282 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The hold light is continually flashing. This started on sunday may 16, 2010. I called Mazda maple shade made an appt. I took the car in on may 19th at 7:30 am. I picked the car up on may 20th at 7:30 am and as I was driving home from work at 3 pm., the problem has worsen. I called Mazda on may 21th at 8 am and I am waiting for them to return my call. It is now 10:24 am.”
NHTSA complaint #10331533, filed 2010-05, 68,339 miles“The 1994 Mazda 626lx with a v-6 2.5l motor has required 3 transmissions in the 8 years I have owned the car. The water pump went out twice and the alternator twice as well. This last time the transmission failed, I was on I-5 heading north near the los banos turnoff when it just started slipping and came to a complete stop on the freeway. I am very frustrated with the design and longevity of many parts of this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10361472, filed 2010-10, 138,000 miles“I have a madza 626 (1994) and the transmission just stopped working. It will go in reverse, but thats it. I had the fluids changed with high temp. Fluids. The hold light would blink, and it was real slow on the take off. Then it would jerk alot when speeds increase. Sometimes, I would have to take off with the hold light on to keep it from jerking on take off.”
NHTSA complaint #10113985, filed 2005-03, 148,254 miles“1994 Mazda 626 automatic transmission failure.1 the car was bought with a pull when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear other then that no warning. All I was doing was backing out my driveway. 2 the transmission suffered catostrophic failure. 3 the car is probably going to be junked being that a new transmission is worth more then the car”
NHTSA complaint #10093537, filed 2004-10, 95,000 miles“I own a 1994, 626 Mazda es. This is the second time the transmission has gone out while on the tollway. No warning! A serious hazard to my life and others while on the busy road. The transmission lost power and almost caused a pile-up. Cars dodging me! Lucky I'm not injured. 1st in 2000, then dealer installed rebuilt Mazda transmissions failed again.”
NHTSA complaint #10049146, filed 2003-12, 145,623 milesTransmission 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 1994 Mazda 626
26 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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