MYRModel Year Report

1990 Mazda 626

▲ Better than typical
1990 Mazda 626
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:50.483Z

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
45
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 29 complaints 1988: 46 complaints 1989: 42 complaints 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 64 complaints 1992: 19 complaints 1993: 124 complaints 1994: 285 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
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1987: 29 complaints 1987 1988: 46 complaints 1989: 42 complaints 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 64 complaints 1992: 19 complaints 1993: 124 complaints 1993 1994: 285 complaints 1995: 488 complaints 1995 1996: 359 complaints 1997: 358 complaints 1997 1998: 434 complaints 1999: 318 complaints 1999 2000: 217 complaints 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 87 complaints 2003: 9 complaints 2003
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 29 complaints 1987 1988: 46 complaints 1988 1989: 42 complaints 1989 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 64 complaints 1991 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 124 complaints 1993 1994: 285 complaints 1994 1995: 488 complaints 1995 1996: 359 complaints 1996 1997: 358 complaints 1997 1998: 434 complaints 1998 1999: 318 complaints 1999 2000: 217 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 87 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003

1990: 45 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19832
19843
19856
198616
198729
198846
198942
199045
199164
199219
1993124
1994285
1995488
1996359
1997358
1998434
1999318
2000217
2001188
200287
20039

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

29% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage and webbing.

Engine and engine cooling

20% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-16

Structure

13% · 6 reports

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, 2003-01-30

Right front passenger's outside door handle latch failed, causing right hand door mechanism to become very loose prior to recall (93V-174).

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-01

Service brakes

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While parked an electrical short in vehicle caused the engine to catch on fire. Exact cause unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-08

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1991-06-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-21 Throttle sticking
  2. I
    1992-09-25Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Inadvertent door opening
  3. R
    1993-09-30Service brakes, hydraulic93E035000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1994-04-29Structure93V174000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the door handle/latch assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93E035000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 93V174000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.