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1998 Mazda 626 engine problems

83 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000.

owner complaints
83
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Engine
    42
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    14
  • Engine: gasoline
    10
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    4
  • Cooling system
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    2
  • Engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda 626 engine problems in other years

1990199520002003

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Mazda 626 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 42Check engine light 22Overheating 13Loss of power 6Won't start 6Engine failure 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported May 9, 2000 · 31,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break.
Risk
The broken spring may get caught in the timing belt, resulting possible engine stalling.
Remedy
Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner.

Recall number 00V134000 · Recall details

What 1998 Mazda 626 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 30, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · AR

Takata recall. The transmission cd4e tranny doesn't have switch gears unless you use excessive RPM.

Filed Feb 23, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 200,000 miles · OR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle also made a warning sound and emitted a burning odor from the front end. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

Filed Feb 7, 2011 · Engine · 187,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626lx. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and at times would stall. Approximately one year ago, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the timing belt. The problem continued. The current mileage was approximately 198,000 and the failure mileage was 187,000. The vehicle was at the dealer awaiting repairs.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Engine · 79,000 miles · TX

While driving exit the highway, the engine shut down. Push to the side and could not restart the car. After toll back to home, we can start the car next day.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Engine · 114,000 miles · IL

Tl- the contact has 1998 mazda 626. The contact stated that there is a recall and the campaign number is 00v134000 that their vehicle is not a part of. The contact stated that the dealer stated there is a recall for this but the vehicle was not involved. The contact had the timing belt tension spring break causing the vehicle to stall. The contact was pulling out of a drvie way and traveling 5mph at the time. The vehicle had 114000 miles at the time of the failure and 11400 miles currently. Updated 06/25/10. *lj updated 07/27/10*j

Filed Nov 24, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 149,000 miles · NC

Transmission failed in 98 mazda 626 with 149k miles.

Filed Nov 1, 2009 · Engine · 85,000 miles · IN

1998 mazda 626, while driving the highway going 60 MPH the engine stalled and we coasted to the break down lane of the highway. Car would not start back up. Had it tow. Car diagnostics pending.

Filed Apr 29, 2009 · Engine · 180,000 miles · IL

The external spring in my timing belt tensioner has broken, and there is no recall on my specific vehicle. However, there is one on the mazda 626 2.0 ltr engine (4 cyl).

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 138,645 miles · IN

1998 mazda 626 lx 2.0l 4cylinder engine. Returning back to the guest house after dropping a friend off at the airport that evening, after getting off the interstate, I heard a crack (followed by a grinding noise) from the passenger's side of the engine. Within moments as I slowed the car to a safe spot, I heard a whipping noise from the same region. That later happened to be the serpentine and alternator belts both broke just after exiting the interstate, the engine and battery lights came on at once.., and then, immediately after that, the engine stopped working. I called my insurance and had my car towed to the guest house. The car was looked at and the diagnoses were the gears in the water pump were broken which froze the alternator belt, the alternator belt-now stiffened- shredded and mangled the serpentine belt. Then the serpentine belt tore along the grooved lines. Plus, the engine is now leaking coolant. Repairs???? I am waiting for the estimate to come in. I have been warned that it would not be cheap to fix. $500-$700 I asked? Nope! He said, after letting out a chuckle..., much higher he replied. At least $1000 or more.

Filed Jan 3, 2008 · Engine, Visibility · CO

1998 mazda 626 with same problem as described in the recall. Consumer states that he believes the recall does not include all affected vehicles. His has that problem and his is not included in the recall. *kb the consumer believed there was a faulty spring on his timing belt tensioner, which was confirmed by the repair shop. The consumer was told only vehicles manufactured between july 1997 and november 1997 were affected by the recall. The consumers vehicle was manufactured in february 1998. The windshield wiper didn't work in the intermittent mode. (recall 00v134000)

Questions about the 1998 Mazda 626 engine

Does the 1998 Mazda 626 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 83 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Mazda 626, 19% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Mazda 626 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 1998 Mazda 626 engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V134000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 1998 Mazda 626 problems

Transmission 313Electrical 12Airbags 11Acceleration 10Tires 6Fuel system 5Seats 5Steering 5Seat belts 4Body 3Brakes 2Lights 1Suspension 1Visibility 1Wheels 1

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