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2001 Mazda 626 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 188 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Mazda 626, most often about the transmission (74% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 626 model year since 2000.

Complaints188
Recalls0
Crashes reported10
Fires reported4
Injuries reported11

Most common 2001 Mazda 626 problems

  1. Transmission

    139 complaints · 74%

    Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, manual transmission.

    My transmission had to be replaced on my 2001 Mazda 626 this week. I had a previous problem with the internal coolant in 2003 which also cost me money. Last week I had to replace the catalytic converter. This car has given me nothing but problems since I've owned it. I do not feel the problems I've been having should…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 81,759 miles
    O/d off light began to flash when vehicle's total mileage was about 76,000 miles. Informed by the dealer that transmission had overheated and required replacement. Vehicle's warranty had expired thus dealership refused to cover expenses of repairs.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 76,000 miles
  2. Engine

    21 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, cooling system, engine.

    The engine light on my car has recently come on, and goes off periodically also. I took it to have the problem diagnosed and the mechanic said it was the the catalytic converter & o2 sensors on my 2001 626 4.0 cylinder. He said the catalytic converter had to be bought from Mazda only and it was $672, and the 2 o2…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 68,500 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2001 Mazda 626. On approximately november 22, 2007, while driving 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. The manufacturer agreed to pay half of the replacement cost for the catalytic converter. On approximately october 15, 2006, (15,000…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 69,000 miles
  3. Air bags

    11 complaints · 6%

    Parts named most often: frontal.

    Vehicle was hit a 30 MPH in the front center of the vehicle but the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. The drivers seat belt did not hold and as a result the driver head went through he windshield. The dealer was notified. Ts
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2002, at 31,298 miles
    My husband was driving our 2001 madza 626 with about 59000 miles (can't be accurate because it is still in the shop). He hit a pick-up truck from behind while going approximally 40 miles per hour. A car in front of the truck stopped quickly when the light changed. When the truck stopped, he was not able to stop. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 59,000 miles
  4. Equipment

    9 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: electrical, appliance.

    I bought a Mazda 626 2001 in october 2005. In january of 2006 (4 months later) the transmission blew up. Tranny fluid was every where and there was a hole in the tranny it's self, I was stranded. Thankfully I purchased the extended warranty, and the factory warranty covered the cost. Again. Less than a month and a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 71,000 miles
    I have been having so many problems with my Mazda 626 and it's a 2001. The times that I have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course I know my car better I do drive it more than they have too. What I discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 41,000 miles
  5. Brakes

    7 complaints · 4%

    Parts named most often: foundation components.

    I own a 2001 Mazda 626 with 45,000 miles. High mileage do to 90%hiway driving in my work. At about 38000 miles noticed a violent vibration when braking at hi speed and a loud clunk when brakes applied. Dealer said no warranty normal wear and tear. Dealer advised me to get the rotors turned when the brake pads wear out…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 38,000 miles
    I have been having so many problems with my Mazda 626 and it's a 2001. The times that I have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course I know my car better I do drive it more than they have too. What I discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 41,000 miles
  6. Electrical

    6 complaints · 3%

    Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, ignition.

    The power doors unlocked by themselves. Also there is a beeping sound when remote control for power door locks is activated.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 35,000 miles
    Traveling in car on interstate in the right hand lane using cruise control set at 70mph. Was coming up on a car and tapped the brake to disengage cruise control and the car did not disengage. I tried to use the brake and it was not working and went to the floor. I could not shut the cruise control off at the controls…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 53,996 miles
  7. Seat belts

    5 complaints · 3%

    Parts named most often: front, rear/other.

    Vehicle was hit a 30 MPH in the front center of the vehicle but the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. The drivers seat belt did not hold and as a result the driver head went through he windshield. The dealer was notified. Ts
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2002, at 31,298 miles
    I have been having so many problems with my Mazda 626 and it's a 2001. The times that I have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course I know my car better I do drive it more than they have too. What I discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 41,000 miles
  8. Visibility and wipers

    5 complaints · 3%

    Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, windshield, sun/moon roof assembly.

    Vehicle stalled several times while driving. Also, water leaked into sun roof. Last week the car stalled. Towed it to marlin Mazda. Consumer had to pay $65 for a new battery.consumer cancelled warranty, stating sludge in engine. That was a lie. Towed vehicle to ocean Mazda, they did not find sludge. They said they…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 38,115 miles
    2001 Mazda 626 v6: windshield wiper arm on drivers side quit because nut that holds the arm on fell off. The working are enclosed and I could not fix. When the repair was made it was found that the nut on the drivers side was off completely and the passengers side nut was almost off. Dangerous!
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 81,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2001 Mazda 626 recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2001 Mazda 626

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mazda 626?
By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (139 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); engine (21 complaints, typically around 68,500 miles); air bags (11 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda 626 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mazda 626. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2001 a bad year for the Mazda 626?
It is the 2nd most complained-about 626 model year since 2000, with 188 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Mazda 626 years

Mazda 626 problems by year