1996 Mazda 626 engine problems

Filed Jun 21, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 165,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. While driving, the check engine sensor light suddenly illuminated and the instrument panel lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch wire harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The wire harness was replaced. Approximately six months later, the vehicle experienced the same failure. While operating the vehicle, the engine head gasket malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed May 12, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · IA

Transmission was slipping and fuel was leaking. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer told him that transmission failed, and it needed to be repaired. Conumer stated that dealer told him it would cost approximately $3000.00. Consumer was concerned because he did not have that many miles on vehicle. Also, check engine light came on and stayed on.

Filed Apr 17, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 138,318 miles · NM

I bought a used 1996 mazda 626lx from rierson motors in clovis, new mexico and have had the car less than one month and the engine light stays on , it loses power on the interstate when I accelerate above 55 MPH and lurches and goes in to next gear very hard. I think mazda should be held liable for these defects in this paticular model. I hope the government will look into this matter and investigate why so many consumers are having the same problems and mazda should step up to the plate and admit their failure and fix the problem are compensate the consumer for their expenditures.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Engine · NC

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle.

Filed Apr 25, 2003 · Acceleration, Engine · 125,000 miles · NC

I have a 96 626 that has 125,000 miles. I purchased my car in 98 with 60,000 miles. In may of 2000 I had to replace the oxygen sensor. I have also had to replace the left front axel and the right cv joint boot in feb. 2003. Now I have replace my entire transmission which is going to cost around 2300. I had no indications that I had transmission problems until it just quit. On my way to work my car just stopped moving on the interstate. When I pressed the accelerator it wouldn't pull. So I got off the road safely and attempted to see what the problem was. The car was not moving forward or backwards. I had to have it towed to the transmission shop to be told the wonderful news. I have been doing research and I'm finding this car has lots of problems. I am also having problems with oil leaking and occasionally the accelerator pedal appears to be hard to press as if it's stuck for a few minutes or it's real tight. I would not advise anyone to purchase a mazda. Don't even take it if it's free because it would be cheaper to purchase a car. I realize my car has 125,000 miles but I had a nissan that I drove 180,000 miles for before major problems occurred. I'm filing this complaint in hopes something can be done because this is a major problem.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Engine · FL

While driving the vehicle stalled without warning making the vehicle difficult to control. The dealer was notified.

Filed Mar 11, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 90,000 miles · IL

While driving the car on the expressway or anywhere for that matter the car engine light comes on and the "over drive off" light begins to blink and my overdrive turn off. I usually have to pull over to the shoulder or at a red light and turn the car off and back on to fix it. This is very unsafe and annoying because it happens almost everyday. I have to do this during rush hour on I-294 in chicago. I am reluctant to take it to mazda repair because they charge $100 just to take the car in the shop and they try to find little ways to slap on a bigger bill. I had them change my transmission fluid and a week later it leaked and they told me there was a hole in the transmission. Apparently it was not there before the transmission fluid change and they did not notice it during. So I had them just refill it and I added sealant from auto zone. I checked my transmission fluid weekly and its just fine. Engine light comes and goes at will. There seems to be a problem with the computer chip or something which is mazda's fault and I should not have to pay to replace or fix. Everything on the car is stocked and I maintain the car better than mazda suggests. I check all fluids, oil change every 2000 miles, etc... I know that many people (thousands of them) that have the same problems with the engine lights and the "over drive off" light blinking.

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · FL

While driving vehicle just stalled out without warning. Had vehicle serviced and transimission had blownout. Dealer stated this was a common problem.

Filed Jun 17, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Check engine light came on - dealer says that if car is running okay that no service needed?????? Finally get it checked out and turns out that cat converter is going bad. Barely get that repaired under warranty limit. Same day, driving home from dealer, engine light comes back on. Bring it back to dealer, they say air flow meter is also bad and needs to be replaced, but not covered under warranty. At least engine light stays off now. Then, at only 78k, o/d light starts blinking along with check engine light. Shop says that it's transmission (torque converter). Why are so many of these units failing so early? Only 78k on car, more than half of them are from pure hwy trips of 45 miles?????? Why isn't mazda doing anything for consumers about this?

Filed May 23, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Intermittently the overdrive and check engine lights illuminate, when this happens the transmission does not change gears. Feel free to provide further information.