1998 Mazda 626 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 434 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Mazda 626, 3% of the 434 complaints for this model year. 8 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.
“My daughter has a 1998 Mazda 626. She hit a tree head on at about 40 miles per hour and the air bag did not come out. We have had the car repaired and she is driving it now. It really concerns me that this is a dangerous car if she has a wreck that is worst that the one she already has.”
NHTSA complaint #10070196, filed 2004-01“I saw the item in the middle of the freeway traveling 55 MPH during rush hour traffic. It was small and due to traffic, I ran over the item and the next thing I remember was an airbag in my face. I looked around to see if someone hit me or if I hit someone. Due to the force of the passenger airbag, it cracked my windsheild. No damage was reported underneath my vehicle so why did my airbags deploy? This defect could have caused major damage if I hadn't reacted calmly when it happended.”
NHTSA complaint #750937, filed 2001-08“On stated date, I was rearended on highway. Air bags did not deploy, however back part of drivers seat broke. It was found completely horizontal at end of impact. Mazda said it was built to do that for safety reasons! Tow truck operator, auto body employees have never heard or seen such a safety feature. Due to this defect in seat mechanism,I sustained back injuries that continue to this day. I have kept the broken seat track. I would like to have it checked out. If Mazda designed the seat back to break on impact as a safety factor, it has failed me quite drastically!!”
NHTSA complaint #757907, filed 2002-02“While driving 30 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end collision which caused a chain reaction. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Driver and two other passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10065450, filed 2004-04“While traveling about 35mph on the highway and without prior warning.another vehicle made a sudden stop causing the consumer to hit her from behind. Upon impact, driver's side air bag didn't deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10026755, filed 2003-07Related service bulletins
- 10021000Oct 4, 2006Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 22% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 6% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 36 | 10% |
| 1996 | 49 | 14% |
| 1995 | 67 | 14% |
| 1994 | 14 | 5% |
| 1993 | 15 | 12% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mazda 626
313 complaintsEngine cooling
81 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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