2002 Mazda 626 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 80%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,100miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mazda 626, 80% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,100 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car was driving fine and then one day as I was leaving work my car started acting as though it wanted to shut off. I made it all the way home and was going to go to the store and my car would not shift into gear I tried to add transmission fluids but it sounds not move.”
NHTSA complaint #10907323, filed 2016-09, 214,000 miles“Mazda 626 was built with a bad transmission that has had problems since 50,000 miles. The car started forcefully shifting, and now will have problems accelerating. This happens every time I drive it since 50000 miles with conditions getting worse. Nothing has been done yet to fix the problem accept my mechanic says I need to either rebuild this transmission or put in a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10256186, filed 2009-01, 78,000 miles“Without any warning the transmission started slipping out of forward gear while at a traffic light after releasing the brakes and gently pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle didnt move. Manually shifting into 1st gear was the car able to move but causing a very harsh lurching forward causing a loud clunking noise. I was able to limp the car 3 miles to my home. I was involved in a rear end accident at the next traffic light. While the vehicle was in 1st gear and having the brakes applied the transmission caught in gear and lunged forward causing me to contact the car in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306609, filed 2020-02, 85,000 miles“My 2002 Mazda 626 gave out on me while I was driving on the highway going 70 MPH. Had to stop and pull over. Have the car towed over 60 miles home to have it towed to Mazda for them to charge 170.00 to tow and check the car to tell me it was my transmission and my warranty was up a week before. Would not give me the warranty to cover the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10138667, filed 2005-10, 41 miles“2002 Mazda 626 2.0 w/ 39000 miles transmission failed as reported by thousands on the net. Erratic hard shift occurred that almost caused an accident. The odometer indicator began flashing right there after. I see no recalls for this although reported so many times ,which I am very surprised. I see so many failures for this particular transmission . Very disappointed! Not many miles on this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10187879, filed 2007-04, 39,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 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…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 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…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 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 2002 Mazda 626
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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