1988 Mazda 626
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 29 |
| 1988 | 45 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 44 |
| 1991 | 62 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 282 |
| 1995 | 488 |
| 1996 | 359 |
| 1997 | 358 |
| 1998 | 434 |
| 1999 | 318 |
| 2000 | 217 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 87 |
| 2003 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 5 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH RELEASE OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF MAT.
Remedy: REMOVE PRESENT MAT AND REPLACE WITH NEW IMPROVED MAT.
Campaign 87V149000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR BRAKE DRUMS TRANSPORTED BY TRAIN MAY EXPERIENCE SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE SHOE FROM THE WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER PISTON.
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND IF NO SEPARATION IS FOUND GREASE WILL BE APPLIED TO THE COMPONENT INTERFACE TO LOWER FRICTION AND AVOID SUBSEQUENT RELATIVE MOTION. IF SEPARATION IS FOUND THE WHEEL
Campaign 87V196000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK FIXING BAND RETENTION IS NOT SUFFICIENT, ALLOWING THE BAND TO RUB AGAINST THE FUEL TANK BY VEHICLE VIBRATIONS.
Remedy: REPAIR FUEL FIXING BAND BY INSTALLING A RUBBER SHEET.
Campaign 87V186000 — check if this car was fixed
AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREE F, FROST MAY ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE THROTTLE BODY UNDER EXTENDED CONSTANT SPEED OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW TYPE THERMOSTAT DESIGNED TO RAISE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND WARM THE THROTTLE BODY TO A LEVEL ABOVE FREEZING.
Campaign 88V022000 — check if this car was fixed
THE DRIVE SPRING THAT DRIVES THE AUTOMATIC BELT MAY BREAK.
Remedy: REPLACE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT.
Campaign 88V063000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE STICKING
INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING
INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING
RESIN MOLDED FRONT HANDLES FAIL AT THE DOOR LATCH ACTUATING ROD ATTACHMENT, FREEING THE ROD TO FALL INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME. SUBSEQUENT LOWERING OF THE ASSOCIATED WINDOW MAY FORCE THE ACTUATING ROD DOWN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 93V174000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V149000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V196000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V186000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V022000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V063000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V174000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Mazda 626 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Mazda 626 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Mazda 626?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Mazda 626 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.