2001 Mazda 626 Engine cooling Problems

“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.”

“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!?”

“The engine light on my car has recently come on, and goes off periodically also. I took it to have the problem diagnosed and the mechanic said it was the the catalytic converter & o2 sensors on my 2001 626 4.0 cylinder. He said the catalytic converter had to be bought from Mazda only and it was $672, and the 2 o2 sensors would be $416.00 as well.....is there anyone else who've had these problems??? Also, is there a warranty on the converter??”

“Coolant reservoir on Mazda 626 models has a design flaw. Our vehicle has required 4 of these since we've owned it. Each time, the part is no longer under warranty as it is over 12 months old. Failures occurred on 5/30/06 at 118k and again on 6/1/07 at 138k, and now on 7/11/08 at 162k. The problem is that they are manufactured with a seam on the bottom. The seam leaks and so coolant gradually leaks from the reservoir until you notice your vehicle slowly running hot. Since I watch may gauges closely, I always see when this is happening. …”

“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. …”