MYRModel Year Report

1990 Mazda 626

▲ Better than typical
1990 Mazda 626
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:31:46.995Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda 626 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 29 complaints 1988: 45 complaints 1989: 42 complaints 1989 1990: 44 complaints 1990 1991: 62 complaints 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 122 complaints 1994: 282 complaints 1995: 488 complaints 1995 1996: 359 complaints 1997: 358 complaints 1998: 434 complaints 1998 1999: 318 complaints 2000: 217 complaints 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 87 complaints 2003: 9 complaints 2003
1990: 44 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19832
19843
19856
198616
198729
198845
198942
199044
199162
199219
1993122
1994282
1995488
1996359
1997358
1998434
1999318
2000217
2001188
200287
20039

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEAT BELTS 18%

18% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 11%

11% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE/LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN (EVEN IF LOCK) WHEN THE PASSENGER ROLLED THE WINDOW DOWN. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED ONCE UNDER RECALL (93V-174000).

NHTSA ODI report, 20030130

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I BOUGHT A 1990 MAZDA 626 ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAS AN ATX. RECENTLY THE CAR WOULD ONLY DRIVE IN ONE GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A BUDDY OF MINE THAT OWNS A TRANSMISSION SHOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041218

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 7%

7% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19910618 — PE (closed 19911021)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19920925 — EA (closed 19931130)

INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING

R 19930930 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 19940429 — structure

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

1990 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 93E035000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V174000 (structure) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ▲ 1988 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1998 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Mazda 626 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mazda 626 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda 626?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda 626 have?

2 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.