1999 Mazda 626 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 233about this part
- Share
- 73%of 318 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 233 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Mazda 626, 73% of the 318 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had the transmission replaced at about 65,000 miles. The replacement transmission is very jerky and shifts very hard, and I would not be surprised if it failed again at some point in the future. Apparently, the automatic transmission for this model has a high rate of failure. Transmission problems can be potentially dangerous and very costly to repair; Mazda should issue a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10398081, filed 2011-04, 65,000 miles“Total transmission failure. My 1999 Mazda 626 4 cyl. Vehicle was heading south on i10 in phoenix when suddenly my speedometer went to 0 and smoke started pouring out from under my hood. Upon arrival at the aamco repair shop, I was told that the transmission needed to either be rebuilt or I needed to buy a brand new one... This cost me 4000 dollars to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10240965, filed 2008-09, 125,000 miles“99 Mazda 626es has been giving me transmission problems. It slips on 1 and 2 gear. I have to drive 5-10 MPH until it kicks-in but if I reduce speed I have to go trough the same process again. A mechanic changed the range-sensor, I think it's call but the problem has continued. I took the car to the dealer and after the diagnose the said you need a new transmission, for about 3,000 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10284753, filed 2009-09, 100,000 miles“Purchased this vehicle and transmission has been faulty. Aware that this is very common as each transmission shop that I have called for repair detailed exactly what it was doing before I even told them about it. Repair cost of $2000 with addition of transmission cooler and 12 month warranty were fairly costly and warrants a recall on this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10154691, filed 2006-04, 160,000 miles“The transmission on my 1999 Mazda 626 had failed for the third time now. The problem has been repetitive and requires continuous expensive repairs. After extensive research, I have found that the transmission on this specific car is common occurrence with very high failure rates. I want the manufactures to recall the transmissions of provide reimbursements for my past repair bills.”
NHTSA complaint #10240223, filed 2008-08, 99,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10222564Sep 26, 2022Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. This is…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10013965Jun 1, 2004Programmable module installation. ( 2004 mazda b series)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 11% |
| 2002 | 70 | 80% |
| 2001 | 139 | 74% |
| 2000 | 160 | 74% |
| 1999 | 233 | 73% |
| 1998 | 313 | 72% |
| 1997 | 233 | 65% |
| 1996 | 239 | 67% |
| 1995 | 337 | 69% |
| 1994 | 177 | 63% |
| 1993 | 42 | 34% |
| 1992 | 5 | 26% |
| 1991 | 11 | 18% |
| 1990 | 4 | 9% |
| 1989 | 11 | 26% |
| 1988 | 4 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mazda 626
48 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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