1997 Mazda 626 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 11%of 358 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Mazda 626, 11% of the 358 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“December 2004-january 2005- 1. Car overheats constantly 2. The transmission overheated the car and caused complications with the water pump, computer 3. Replaced all items; transmission rebuilt cost to fix $3200.00 couldn't afford to just junk the car, as I had purchased it for $5200 the summer before. So I had to fix it. Within a week of getting the car back, it blew a radiator hose.”
NHTSA complaint #10139358, filed 2005-10, 98,000 miles“Consumers vehicle began shaking, making noises and the dash light came on. Consumer had tensioner kit, gasket converter failures. The vehicle experienced several engine related problems. The dealer had to replace the thermostat, water pump, catalytic converter and sensors. The A/C also failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10038490, filed 2003-09, 60,161 miles“1997 Mazda 626 lx - transmission, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and computer have all been repaired in a span of 11 months. The car does not have 80,000 miles on it!”
NHTSA complaint #10049009, filed 2003-12, 66,000 miles“In addition to smelling gas - the radio and antenna doesn't work. Now the sunroof won't close all the way. The check engine light comes on more often than not since I had the car. The key sometimes won't fit into door lock and even though the car looks brand new and has been well taken care off - it just seems to fall apart. The glove compartment lock fell apart but the biggest thing is the sunroof won't close all the way. This is my 3rd Mazda and I will never buy another one.”
NHTSA complaint #10069215, filed 2004-01“The vehicle stalled after a scheduled oil change. After returning to the service center where the oil change was performed, I was told that I need to have my valve cover gaskets changed. I wanted a second opinion and scheduled a check with the dealership service center. I had no problems with stalling after the first initial incident. After the dealership mechanics looked at the vehicle the car would not move unless the engine was reved. I was informed at this point that my transmission was slipping and that I needed my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs changed. …”
NHTSA complaint #755525, filed 2001-12Related recalls
- 98V206001Sep 8, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.Covers: Mazda 626 1997, MX-6 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019In 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…
- 10153311Jan 9, 2019On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods…
- 10145240Sep 11, 2018EXHAUST PIPE GASKET OPEN END: There has been some concern with the open end of hoop design being considered a defect in the gasket for P/N AJ17-40-305. The end of this ?hoop? is…
- 10145242Sep 6, 2018On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods…
- 10213331Feb 15, 2016Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 11% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 11% |
| 2000 | 18 | 8% |
| 1999 | 48 | 15% |
| 1998 | 81 | 19% |
| 1997 | 39 | 11% |
| 1996 | 33 | 9% |
| 1995 | 28 | 6% |
| 1994 | 26 | 9% |
| 1993 | 12 | 10% |
| 1991 | 5 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 18% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mazda 626
233 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTires
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mazda 626
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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