2002 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
- 87
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
None on file
80% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 87 complaints
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.
Power train
80% · 70 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Without any warning the transmission started slipping out of forward gear while at a traffic light after releasing the brakes and gently pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle didnt move.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-02
My car was driving fine and then one day as I was leaving work my car started acting as though it wanted to shut off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-17
On acceleration from being stopped the transmission would make a series of popping sounds. I took it to a mechanic and it was diagnosed to be a stretched drive chain in the transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-03
Electrical system
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Suspension
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing wheel bearing and front.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving heard humming noise. Took vehicle to dealer. A loose bearing on right front wheel. Replaced part. While driving again, heard a noise wheel front right wheel fell off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-19
Seat belts
3% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end accident. The impact was about 25 to 30 MPH yet neither of the air bags deployed nor did the seat belt hold the driver. The air bag warning light did not illuminate prior to the crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-26
Also filed under Air bags
Engine and engine cooling
3% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 70 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Mazda 626 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mazda 626 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda 626?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 80% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda 626 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.