1996 Mazda 626 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 359 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 165,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mazda 626, 3% of the 359 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 165,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Intermittently (in low gear, manual shift), as I pull the car to the left (only), to park or turn a corner, the car dies. The incident date below denotes the latest incident.not certain of exact data of purchase from 128 Mazda, but web site demanded a specific day so, to satisfy it, I entered in august 7.”
NHTSA complaint #10025793, filed 2003-07“Car was purchased with 15,000 miles. I have had these problems with the car and I would like for these things to be investigated. I know of 4 other people who have had some of these same problems with their 1996 626.”
NHTSA complaint #706602, filed 1999-05“The contact owns a 1996 Mazda 626. While driving, the check engine sensor light suddenly illuminated and the instrument panel lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch wire harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The wire harness was replaced. Approximately six months later, the vehicle experienced the same failure. While operating the vehicle, the engine head gasket malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10875499, filed 2016-06, 165,000 miles“The consumer stated that while she was driving the vehicle jerked a lot. She also stated that her overdrive light flashed on and off. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer/mechanic and was told that the vehicle had an electrical wiring problem. The consumer is afraid she may have an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10052163, filed 2003-12“The instrument panel lights and the tail lights are inoperative, which may result visual difficulty. Owner's manual stated to replace the fuse. The occupant replace the fuse, but problem still occurring. Dealer said that the headlight switch needs to be replaced manufacturer was willing to pay half of the bill. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #852654, filed 1999-11Related recalls
- 15V674000Oct 19, 2015Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929…Covers: Mazda 626 1993–1998, MPV 1989–1998, Protege 1990–1998 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10170661Jan 9, 2020In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10153339Jan 14, 2019In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10213425Feb 17, 2016Speedometer replacement procedure
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 11% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 3% |
| 1999 | 11 | 3% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 32 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 4% |
| 1994 | 24 | 9% |
| 1993 | 17 | 14% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 4 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 9% |
| 1987 | 13 | 45% |
| 1986 | 5 | 31% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mazda 626
239 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mazda 626
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology