MYRModel Year Report

1994 Mazda 626

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Mazda 626
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
285
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

66% 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 1989 1990: 45 complaints 1991: 64 complaints 1992: 19 complaints 1993: 124 complaints 1994: 285 complaints 1994 285 1995: 488 complaints 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 1989 1990: 45 complaints 1991: 64 complaints 1991 1992: 19 complaints 1993: 124 complaints 1994: 285 complaints 1994 285 1995: 488 complaints 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 1991: 64 complaints 1991 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 124 complaints 1993 1994: 285 complaints 1994 285 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

1994: 285 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.

Power train

66% · 188 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have a 1994 Mazda 626. The automatic transmission burnt out one month after a factory reconditioned transmission was installed in it. I was stranded on i-84 in portland Oregon when the transmission went out.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-23

Transmission won't shift properly. When it does shift, it shifts hard. Od light flashes. Was driving vehicle from work and took off from a complete stop. The car revved up real high but wouldn't shift. Made it home, and now vehicle won't move.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-08

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

9% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

6% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

5% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Had a serious frontal collision and drivers air bag did not deploy. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-18

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1994Complaint volume 285 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1998-10-29SQClosed 1999-09-10 Speedometer inoperative
  3. R
    1999-09-03Power train99I005000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The speedometer gear…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the speedometer gear set and if necessary, will replace the speedometer gear set at no charge. This extended warranty covers necessary repairs due to failure of the vehicle's…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-12-20Recall queryClosed 2000-08-30 Headlight failure
  5. R
    2000-04-07Exterior lighting99V358000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlight wire that runs through the turn signal lever can fail at the point where it is soldered to the headlight switch.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlight switch lever.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2005-09-27Fuel system, gasoline05E065000 Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800F350-S1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 Ford probe,1993-2001 Mazda 626 and mx-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door…

    Remedy: Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began September 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2015-12-17Electrical system15V674000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 188 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I005000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V358000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1994 Mazda 626 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Mazda 626 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Mazda 626?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda 626 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.