1998 Mazda 626 Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 434 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Mazda 626, 1% of the 434 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“I just finished paying for the second transmission in my 1998 Mazda 626. The original transmission went 93,000 miles before complete failure. That unit was replaced with a used transmission and it failed at 105,000 miles. I had the second failure rebuilt at a cost of $2,100, the first used transmission cost $1,700 to replace.”
NHTSA complaint #10159778, filed 2006-06, 93,000 miles“I have spent over $2000 trying to get my engine light to turn off. Nothing works. Now I am being fined for not passing inspection. What is going on? I have been having this problem for 2 years. After various repairs the light would finally go off. Now it will not and has been on for over 6 months. I have had o2 sensor and cat sensor replaced, since that is supposedly what the code was. Still nothing and noone seems to care.”
NHTSA complaint #10102252, filed 2004-12, 80,000 miles“My 1998 Mazda 626 4cl 2.0 engine has approx. 71k miles on it. The transmission starting having problems in august 2003, at which point we had the transmission fluid flushed,& the spark plugs changed. The mechanic told us to drive it a little while and let the conditioners take effect, but the car shows no difference in driving. The o/d light flashes now on occasion, and the RPM goes up to 4 or 5 before it shifts to a higher gear. We are not driving it now..its been sitting in our driveway for a week & a half. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070864, filed 2004-01, 70,600 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Mazda 626. The contact noticed that her radio was inoperative accompanied by a heating sensation. In addition, the vehicle would fail to start. She called the manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 98v243000 (equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.), in which a representative stated that they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. The contact was referred to a dealer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 46,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10266809, filed 2009-04, 20,000 miles“Recall component (radio- #77810) failure resulting in fire/smoke damage, notice not received until after incident and dealership will not honor recall work. Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #546050, filed 1999-06Related recalls
- 98V243000Oct 2, 1998Vehicle description: if the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation…Covers: Mazda 626 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10209761Mar 29, 2022Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 10209778Mar 17, 2022The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 10200527Aug 17, 2021This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâÂÂs floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are…
- 10198689Jun 9, 2021Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer…
- 10186701Jan 26, 2021A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the…
- 10186703Jan 21, 2021In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 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…
- 10169539Dec 17, 2019A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the…
- 10163367Jul 16, 2019A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the…
- 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…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 1% |
| 1997 | 8 | 2% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 5 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mazda 626
313 complaintsEngine cooling
81 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTires
7 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 29, 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