Skip to content
Mazda 626Model year report

2001 Mazda 626 Problems

Complaints
188filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
78,346miles, 140 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Mazda 626 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems, typically hard or erratic shifting, a flashing overdrive light, and eventually a transmission that will not engage — sometimes leaving the car unable to move. Complaints show these episodes at widely varying mileages, from a few thousand to well past 100,000, and dealers are often described as replacing or rebuilding the transmission. A smaller share of complaints concern coolant reservoir leaks and overheating, and belt or latch problems.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Automatic transmission slipping, hard shifting, flashing

    • 120 complaints (64%)
    • median 80,400 mi at 5.2 yrs old (100 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $2,400 (median of 30 quotes)
    • filed 2003–2019

    Owners describe jerking or harsh shifting, delayed or slow engagement, and an overdrive light that flashes before the car stops moving or loses reverse. Several say a dealer or shop diagnosed the transmission as burnt or worn and recommended replacement or rebuild, with quotes in the low thousands of dollars. Some report repeat failures after a rebuild or replacement, and a few mention a transmission fluid leak or an added cooler as part of the repair. Spread widely, from under 10,000 miles to over 140,000, with many reports between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Road test from cold and check for firm, clean shifts, delayed engagement into drive or reverse, and a flashing overdrive light. Ask whether the transmission or fluid cooler lines have been serviced or replaced, and check the fluid level and color.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The o/d on my 2001 Mazda 626 is not disengaging. I noticed in march when I was at a traffic light and my care started out super slow like my car was taking off in 4th gear. It shifted gears real fast and after about 1 minute, the o/d off light started flashing. The only way to get it to stop was by turning the car off and back on. The o/d does not disengage at all now. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10223190, filed 2008-04, 81,456 miles

    “My transmission had to be replaced on my 2001 Mazda 626 this week. I had a previous problem with the internal coolant in 2003 which also cost me money. Last week I had to replace the catalytic converter. This car has given me nothing but problems since I've owned it. I do not feel the problems I've been having should occur in a 2001 automobile when regular maintenance is kept up.”

    NHTSA complaint #10107601, filed 2005-01, 81,759 miles
  2. Transmission and drivetrain

    Shift cable or linkage breaks, gear selection lost

    • 7 complaints (4%)
    • median 72,539 mi at 4.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2003–2010

    Several owners describe the shifter cable or linkage breaking so the car could not be put into drive or reverse, sometimes with the car stuck in gear. Repairs involved replacing the cable, and some report the part was on backorder or that the linkage failed again after repair. Complaints also note difficulty selecting gears before the cable gave out. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 60,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.

    What to check: With the engine off, move the shifter through every position and confirm it engages each detent firmly; ask whether the shift cable has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 2001 Mazda 626 es, and as of yesterday, my transmission gear cable broke. I took my car to the dealership here in atlanta, and one of the reps informed me that they have been receiving quite a few cars such as mine with the same problem. A friend of mine (brenda jackson) has the exact same car as mine, and her vehicle had the same problem 3 weeks ago. All of the cars seem to have more than 50,000 miles on them, and this problem is not even covered by the extended warranty.”

    NHTSA complaint #10090750, filed 2004-09, 57,200 miles

    “A year ago the shifter cable on my 2001 Mazda 626 broke (car under warranty at the time). I telephoned the local dealer and the cable was on backorder indicating many others were having the same problem a local mechanic put a bushing where the cable was attached to the shifter arm at transmission to replace the failed part. That worked fine until yesterday (8-6-04). I put the car in reverse to exit a parking lot and could not shift into drive. At present, a cable tie is on the cable to hold it in place. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10086365, filed 2004-08, 34,000 miles
  3. Engine cooling

    Coolant reservoir or tank cracks and leaks, causing

    • 7 complaints (4%)
    • median 81,759 mi at 3.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2004–2009

    Owners describe a cracked coolant reservoir or overflow tank that leaks and leads to overheating, with some saying the tank was replaced more than once and leaked again later. Others mention the thermostat, radiator or related cooling parts being replaced around the same time. Complaints note that repairs were paid for because the vehicle was outside warranty. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 120,000 miles, with repeat leaks reported after a year or more.

    What to check: Inspect the coolant reservoir and its seams for cracks or dried residue, and check the coolant level cold; ask whether the tank or thermostat has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “In august 2001, I purchased a brand new Mazda 626. In may 2003, I started to experience major problems with the car. At 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. At 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. Now at 48,000 miles, I returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10121970, filed 2005-05, 48,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2001 Mazda 626. The contact stated that the water reservoir off the radiator has to be replaced for the fifth time. The reservoir holds the overflow from the radiator. There is a crack in the seal where the seal meets. She has had to pay for each repair because the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10273474, filed 2009-06, 150,000 miles

Buying note. The transmission is the item owners write about most on this model year, so a thorough test drive and a look at transmission service history matter more than cosmetics. Also check the coolant reservoir for leaks and confirm the belts and warning lights behave as expected before deciding.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 188 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mazda 626. 140 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,346 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 82 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Steering (3), Fuel system (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “My Mazda 626, year 2001 has a problem with the transmission. At first the car would not go into reverse, then the entire transmission failed. I spoke with a co-worker that had the same problem with her Mazda 626. Is there a recall on the Mazda. Please help me with the repairs, I can't afford to get the vehicle fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #10229378, filed 2008-05, 96,000 miles

Engine cooling: “As well as other 626's my transmission has blown. Was driving it, down the road, then the check engine light flashed about 7 times, and it revved, then went down and revved with the check engine light. Took it to aamco transmissions and they drove it and looked and told me that its shot. Of course this all happens after spending $1200 for a dealer only catalytic converter. Why would anyone buy this car knowing that they fall apart, and have dealer only parts!?”

NHTSA complaint #10211251, filed 2007-12, 103,000 miles

Air bags: “My husband was driving our 2001 madza 626 with about 59000 miles (can't be accurate because it is still in the shop). He hit a pick-up truck from behind while going approximally 40 miles per hour. A car in front of the truck stopped quickly when the light changed. When the truck stopped, he was not able to stop. The truck had a large iron round bumper guard. My husband head hit the steering wheel along with his body being throw forward. The airbags did not deploy. Because of his head injury and back pain he had to be transported to hospital. He is still having headaches. …”

NHTSA complaint #10070619, filed 2004-01, 59,000 miles

Equipment: “Transmission problems with a code of p1744. Dealer advised to go for rebuilt one and charged me over $3000 with taxes. I think Mazda should take some responsibility looking at so many other incidences that I found on the web.”

NHTSA complaint #10221578, filed 2008-03, 140,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

25% of the 140 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,000 and 103,000 miles.

4%0–103%10–2518%25–5023%50–7525%75–10024%100–1503%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (140 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 78,346 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’02’0437’06’08’10’12’15’19
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Mazda 626. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
626 · sedan not rated4 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Mazda 626 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
626 FWD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual232925$2,700
626 FWD2.0L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192522$3,050
626 FWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manual192521$3,900
626 FWD2.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182420$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Mazda 626 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 82 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 82 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mazda 626

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2003918,0000———Not enough data
20028772,6000—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200118878,3460—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200021781,1001—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199931880,0002—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199843489,1554—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199735890,0003—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199635995,0002—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995488102,2622—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1994282112,0002—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1993122106,0001—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199219155,5060—22—Stable
199162131,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199044121,4161—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19894260,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19884550,0006—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19872938,4231—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198616235,0002—23—Stable
19856—0—25—Not enough data

All Mazda 626 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mazda 626?

Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems, typically hard or erratic shifting, a flashing overdrive light, and eventually a transmission that will not engage — sometimes leaving the car unable to move. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission slipping, hard shifting, flashing; Shift cable or linkage breaks, gear selection lost; Coolant reservoir or tank cracks and leaks, causing.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Mazda 626 have?

NHTSA recorded 188 consumer complaints for the 2001 Mazda 626 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Mazda 626 is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 139 complaints (74% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 20.

Has the 2001 Mazda 626 been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Mazda 626 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Mazda 626 (626, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Mazda 626 reported?

Among the 140 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,346 miles and the middle half falls between 52,000 and 103,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.