1994 Mazda 626
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.
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 | 45 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 44 |
| 1991 | 62 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 282 |
| 1995 | 488 |
| 1996 | 359 |
| 1997 | 358 |
| 1998 | 434 |
| 1999 | 318 |
| 2000 | 217 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 87 |
| 2003 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
56% of complaints: power train — 159 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20050823
4% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH4% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20181208
4% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HAD A SERIOUS FRONTAL COLLISION AND DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950118
HAD A SERIOUS FRONTAL COLLISION AND PASSENGERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950118
3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE
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 S
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 SPE
Campaign 99I005000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
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.
Campaign 99V358000 — check if this car was fixed
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 COU
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 800-949-6
Campaign 05E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (159 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99I005000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V358000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:automatic transmission, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda 626 have?
4 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.