1990 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 — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage and webbing.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER, PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND FUMES WERE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961016
13% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door.
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
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE LATCH FAILED, CAUSING RIGHT HAND DOOR MECHANISM TO BECOME VERY LOOSE PRIOR TO RECALL (93V-174). *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941201
11% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN VEHICLE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. EXACT CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970808
SAFETY 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
1990 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure 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 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 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.