24th Feb 2003, 11:20

1999 626...auto transmission... same issues experienced with flashing o/d and check engine light, hard shifting, now it won't leave 2nd gear. Has anyone successfully solved this problem with Mazda?

10th Mar 2003, 10:21

My sister-in-law had a 626 Mazda, circa 1996. The transmission failed on her Mazda around 60K to 70K miles. I had always thought that Japanese auto quality was better than American, so I was very puzzled by such a huge quality problem.

My brother-in-law discovered that the transmission was made by FORD, not Mazda!! My family had owned a Mercury Sable (virtually the same as the Ford Taurus) several years earlier... the transmission also gave up on that car before 100K miles.

So, I would say, if you're buying another Mazda today, try to find out who makes the transmission. If it's FORD, I think you're taking your chances. Or, if you can, get an extended warranty on the power-train.

24th Mar 2003, 16:34

I ran across these accounts from Mazda owners while searching for some information regarding the constant problems I have with my 1999 Mazda 626, which currently has 70,000 miles on it. Just yesterday I brought my car into the dealer because of the check engine light; they have since called back saying I need to replace a circuit and "maybe think about" replacing the timing belt. I know belt replacements are standard, but I am still frustrated that this was not brought to my attention during my 60,000-mile tune up (also at a Mazda dealer). In addition to the normal car maintenance, I, too, was forced to replace the transmission early on. To top off my disappointment with Mazda, the customer service has been terrible; I am a young female college student who has continuously been patronized by Mazda reps when I ask questions regarding my car, and find it particularly offensive because my father is treated with the utmost respect and professionalism when he interacts with Mazda to clarify and resolve the (numerous) problems for me. Mazda has lost out on a major future client.

11th May 2003, 02:37

I have purchased a 1996 Mazda 626 and have been experiencing the same types of problems. My engine light stays on all the time and my overdrive off button blinks on and off after driving for a period of time. I don't know what the problem is with these Mazda's. I am sorry that I ever purchased one.

16th May 2003, 16:10

I have a 1995 Mazda 626 LX with 90K miles that has had the blinking OD light and engine warning light issues described here by many. The problem started last July when the car had just hit 80K miles. I took the car to the dealership and they quoted me 3200.00 for a new trans. A transmission shop quoted me 2200.00. That was almost 10 months ago and I have continued to drive the car. I don't take the car on long trips. I just drive locally. To show how confident I am about this car, I have the number for AAA tow service on my speed dial. I am currently looking to purchase another car probably a Toyota or Nissan. I am finished with Mazda period.

I regret not looking into these problems before I bought the car. Had I known that Mazda was using Ford transmissions, I would have never bought the car. Now I'm looking at selling for thousands less than blue book or donating the car to charity for a write-off. I wish I would have walked away from the car a year ago!

Be forewarned! Trans problems with Mazda vehicles are common and costly.

6th Jun 2003, 18:34

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/ is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, and you can file your complaints there. I just filed one for our 1999 Mazda 626, because the transmission failed 2 weeks ago at 67,000 miles. There are many other similar complaints, and you can read them all for any make and model.

The cost to replace the transmission was $2,600.00 with a one year warranty - goody. The mechanic says he replaces a lot of these in the Mazda's, and the dealer says they sell a lot of transmissions - really? Guess it's a good deal for them.

Now we have another problem. When the headlights are turned, they, along with the tail lights, interior lights and dash lights, start flashing. While this is going on, there is a whining in the engine compartment, which I found was coming from the headlight relay under the hood. I replaced the relay - and of course it made zero difference. In addition to the "strobe lights", just the left turn signal flashes very fast while the headlights are on. I guess I could drive the car in a parade to entertain people and throw candy to the kids.

Looking forward to taking the car back to my mechanic. Dealership service and parts department people have been rude and short. Once this is fixed, the car is being sold and we will buy something reliable - but never another Mazda. I suggest all Mazda victims get together and begin creating ads, commercials, billboards, etc., whatever it takes to tell Mazda and other car manufacturers we have had enough. You know, I work for a company that makes automotive components, and our customers expect zero defects. We should expect the same from them. If any of you have had this headlight problem, please contact me with your experience at js083101@yahoo.com

This Too Shall Pass - The sooner the better.

26th Jul 2003, 11:08

After reading 20+ comments on the poor quality of Mazdas, I am shocked, but slightly disbelieving. I have own two 626s a 98 and a 99. I have had no problems with either one, and only purchased the second after my first was totaled in an accident. I have no complaints other than the air has a funny smell just after I turn the AC off.

My first 626 had 50,000 on it when I bought it, and I drove it for at least 25,000 more miles with no problems.

My second now has 60,000 on it, and I drive a lot, to college which is 100 miles away, at least once a week.

I am starting to doubt my own confidence in mazda, but only a little. Time will tell if the confidence I have left in mazda is going to stay.

7th Aug 2003, 08:22

I purchased a 97 Mazda 626 3 yrs ago. The transmission went at 87,000 and cost us 3,000.00 plus rental car. Since than its been in the shop for cracked radiator and minor other problems, but too many to count. Eight weeks ago my engine light came on and I was told we needed to replace the O2 sensor, another 389.00. Guess what my engine light came back on again this week and took it into Mazda. Just received a call, seems there are 2 - O2 sensors and now the second has gone bad. I originally owned a Toyota and will never again make the mistake of switching.