SeatsPart report

1998 Mazda 626 Seats Problems

Complaints: 5about this part
Share: 1%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 5 complaints about the seats of the 1998 Mazda 626, 1% of the 434 complaints for this model year. 2 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.

“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

“Rear end collision while stopped at light. Uncertain of striking vehicle speed. Mazda rear crumpled sufficient to distort rear door frames. Both front seat mechanisms released and occupants were layed out flat. Only two occupants in car, approximately 225 lbs. Each. Minor neck injuries (muscle pull?) resulted.”

NHTSA complaint #746039, filed 2001-05

Seats: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2001	1	1%
1999	4	1%
1998	5	1%
1997	4	1%
1996	4	1%
1995	7	1%
1994	2	1%
1993	1	1%
1991	1	2%

Other parts of the 1998 Mazda 626

Transmission and drivetrain
313 complaints Engine cooling
81 complaints Electrical system
12 complaints Air bags
11 complaints Vehicle speed control
10 complaints Other or unknown
9 complaints Tires
7 complaints Equipment
6 complaints Fuel system
5 complaints Steering
5 complaints Seat belts
4 complaints Body 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