1997 Mazda 626 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 358 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Mazda 626, 2% of the 358 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Steering wheel is misaligned so the driver has to keep the steering wheel to the left in order to maintain a straight course. This occures even after the steering wheel is realigned.”
NHTSA complaint #10033243, filed 2003-08, 99,000 miles“Was traveling 50mph when rack & pinion steering broke. Lost control of vehicle. Vehicle went right & hit center divider. Had vehicle towed to dealer & was informed will have it checked. Owner called & told will not fix vehicle until insurance adjuster looks at vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #826466, filed 1998-08“While drivng approximately 64 MPH with the car in cruise, the steering wheel kept turning right constantly on it's own and would not go left at all. Dealer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #828991, filed 1998-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 8 | 2% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 2% |
| 1994 | 4 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 6% |
| 1991 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mazda 626
233 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEquipment
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