1996 Mazda 626 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 239about this part
- Share
- 67%of 359 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 239 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Mazda 626, 67% of the 359 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On my 1996 my Mazda 626 I was driving on the highway and my overdrive light started flashing. I researched the problem online and there was thousands of the same complaint I think is was a over drive solenoid or a sensor that control gear shifting. Apparently this happens to alot of Mazda 626's and I think Mazda need to be held accountable for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10220206, filed 2008-03, 108,500 miles“Hi I have a 1996 Mazda 626 lx and the o/d light just went off at 176,000 miles. I read several forums online and they all said its most likely a an electrical problem in the transmission. This can b very dangerous to us drivers as well as drivers next to us on the road. I advice to please have Mazda recall all models with this problem and reimburse us or fix our transmissions at no cost. Thank you very much for reading my post.”
NHTSA complaint #10298665, filed 2010-01, 167,000 miles“Hi I have a 1996 Mazda 626 lx and the o/d light just went off at 167,000 miles. I read several forums online and they all said its most likely a an electrical problem in the transmission. This can be very dangerous to us drivers as well as drivers next to us on the road. I advice to please have Mazda recall all models with this problem and reimburse us or fix our transmissions at no cost. Thank you very much for reading my post.”
NHTSA complaint #10298666, filed 2010-01, 167,000 miles“The o/d off light on vehicle flashes. I now understand that this is a common problem that is known to Mazda. Mazda should take responsibility and recall the transmission in these vehicles. This vehicle is used by my kids for transportation to and from school. They are at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #10281777, filed 2009-08, 143,000 miles“My car would not movie even if I keep it in r or d. Sometimes it move but after reaching a certain speed say 30 MPH even if I press the accelerator it would not accelerate. It just sounds like I am pushing the accelerator in the neutral gear. I took it to the mechanic and he said that my transmission broke down and I have to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #10107859, filed 2005-01, 94,600 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 1996 Mazda 626
49 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsElectrical system
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 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