MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mazda 626

▲ Better than typical
2002 Mazda 626
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:24:17.478Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda 626 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 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 1992 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 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003
2002: 87 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 80%

80% of complaints: power train — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20200202

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, 20160917

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, 20121203

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file, most 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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020619

SEAT BELTS 3%

3% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20031126

Also filed under AIR BAGS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3%

3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Mazda 626 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (70 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ▲ 1990 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1998 ◆ 1996

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.