My daughter was driving the car in heavy traffic when it stalled and lost all power. It would not start and it was towed to a shop where it was found that the timing belt had broken and caused much damage. We had to have the following replaced: cylinder head gasket, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler, spark plugs, thermostat, 2 drive belts, and the water pump. It cost us almost $1,700 to get it repaired. I have owned this car since it was new and have lived at the same address and was never notified of any recall before this happened. I have heard that there have been many other people that have had the same problems but their cars were not included in the recall... Only ones with certain VIN numbers. I believe it is a problem with all 1998 626 models.
1998 Mazda 626: sudden loss of power
6 of the 433 complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626 describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
Failure of 1998 mazda 626 automatic transmission. Transmission overheated on the interstate resulting in boiling out of fluid, fluid was replaced and the transmission overheated again blowing the main seal. Sudden loss of power occurred on the interstate (was able to maintain vehicle to exit ramp -incident occurred very close to ramp). The seal was prepared and the check engine light came on (ptc 0743). Diagnosis at local shop indicated that the transmission needed to be replaced. Mileage was only 90,000.
While driving vehicle lost power. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Mechanic stated that the timing belt needed to be replaced. *ak timing belt and tensioner didn't correct the problem. A used engine was installed. Even though there was a recall for this make, model,year and manufacturing date, the consumer's VIN wasn't in the recall scope.
1998 mazda 626 transmission failure experienced on a freeway. The car lost power and I had to pull over immediately. It repeatedly slipped out of gear.
Transmission locked up while driving at 45 MPH , vehicle came to a dead stop with engine running. Front wheels locked up, and would not move due to torque converter failure. *ak engine would stall during right turns, dealer reset computer, then engine light illuminated, dealer stated the torque converter clutch was slipping, transmission locked up on the way to a dealership for replacement of torque converter clutch, a new transmission was installed and 20 miles later the od off light illuminated, vehicle started smoking and losing power, this time dealer stated the cooling system in the radiator was not large enough to cool the transmission, an external cooling system was installed, now transmission needs replaced again, consumer requests that vehicle be replaced or repurchased by the dealer.
Loss of power during acceleration fron stop or at slow speed, engine light comes on durring failure.
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
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters
- Subject regarding inspection procedure - water pump leak
- Some vehicles may exhibit a tapping noise which CAN be heard coming from the rear of the vehicle within...
- Vehicles with fs 4-CYLINDER engines may experience coolant leak at accessory block heater
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- 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
Questions about the 1998 Mazda 626 loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 1998 Mazda 626?
6 of 433 owner complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626 (1%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Mazda 626?
There is 1 recall and 11 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Mazda 626
Transmission failure 126Stalling 42Slipping 35Jerking 30Check engine light 22Overheating 13Hesitation 9Won't shift 6Won't start 6Engine failure 5Harsh shifting 5
VIN decoder
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