1989 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 | 46 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 45 |
| 1991 | 64 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 124 |
| 1994 | 285 |
| 1995 | 488 |
| 1996 | 359 |
| 1997 | 358 |
| 1998 | 434 |
| 1999 | 318 |
| 2000 | 217 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 87 |
| 2003 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HAD AN ACCIDENT, REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950414
26% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
MAZDA 626 TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TWO TRANSMISSIONS PUT INTO A CAR WITH LESS THAN 150,000 MILES. NOW DEAD BUT MONEY OWED ON CAR. HOW CAN YOU KEEP GETTING THESE COMPLAINTS AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060108
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020924
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020924
12% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and support device/strut.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
THROTTLE STICKING
INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Campaign 93E035000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93E035000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V174000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Mazda 626 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Mazda 626 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mazda 626?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Mazda 626 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.