I have a 1997 mazda 626 with a ford cd4e transmission. I have read numerous stories of early transmission failure with this transmission. I am experiencing it myself. I have filed numerous complaints and the only thing I have accomplished it put wear and tear on my keyboard. I also have a 1998 buick lesabre with a plastic intake manifold. It has 124,000 miles on it and the engine sounds like a diesel. This defect has been known to cause premature engine failure in numerous cases. What is going on? I would vote to fire all the ford and general motor engineers. I am a disabled man stuck with two pieces of engineering stupidity. All I can do is every once in a while is to beat on this keyboard and feel like there is nothing I can do about this. Is there? The injury is to my trust as well as my wallet.
1997 Mazda 626: engine failure
6 of the 358 complaints about the 1997 Mazda 626 describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Engine failure by model year
- 20021
- 20012
- 20004
- 19993
- 19985
- 19976
- 19962
- 19952
- 19942
- 19934
What owners say
I own a 1997 mazda 626 lx, which I bought used with 36,000 miles. At approximately 60,000 miles the transmission seized up, stranding my wife and I. Had car towed to dealership, where they informed us we needed a new transmission. Their exact words were: "we have good news and bad news. The bad news is that your warranty has expired. The good news is that we have a new transmission in stock." we then shopped around and found a less expensive transmission shop that gave us a one year guarantee, and came recommended by a mechanic friend of ours. One year and two weeks later, the transmission is overheating on long drives, spewing transmission fluid out the vent cap. Mechanics tell us we need a new torque converter, they think. In any case, we'll probably need another transmission soon. We're dumping the heap and buying a toyota camry. I'm appalled to see page after page of nearly identical complaints about the 1994 - 1998 626s. Mazda does not acknowledge the problem. How dare mazda/ford do this to hard working folks who just want to drive a dependable vehicle?
Engine was running badly, engine and oil light came on. Dealer found engine had "sludged" up, had to replace engine. In october of 1999, transmission went out.
The timing chain has broke twice. In jun 1999 and again in oct 2000. Both times we were away from home and had the car towed to mazda at our expense. To cars engine light continues to come on and mazda says its the exhaust/catalictic converter. We fixed the converter and the engine light is still on and the car shakes. Mazda refuses to fix the engine. Our insurance company even said they would replace the engine with a new one but mazda refused that also. Mazda will not fix this car and unitl they do we don't drive it for long distances. We can not even sell it until this problem is fixed.
Engine light came on. Car overheated. Car brokedown on the way to the dealer's service shop. Had to push car three blocks the rest of the way. Was told that the radiator leaked into engine. Engine is damaged must be replaced. Have to buy new engine and new radiator. No other warnings before that.
Engine failed/locked up.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak...
- On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system
- Exhaust pipe gasket open end
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters. eh
- Subject regarding inspection procedure - water pump leak. tt
- Information regarding piston standardization for vehicles within certain VIN ranges. tt
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
- Risk
- This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.
Recall number 98V206001 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Mazda 626 engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 1997 Mazda 626?
6 of 358 owner complaints about the 1997 Mazda 626 (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Mazda 626?
There is 1 recall and 18 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Mazda 626
Transmission failure 79Check engine light 30Jerking 28Stalling 25Slipping 13Overheating 12Won't shift 7No deployment 6Hesitation 6
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