1998 Mazda 626: complete transmission failure

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

Transmission failed in 98 mazda 626 with 149k miles.

Filed Jul 29, 2009 · Transmission · 133,600 miles · MD

1. Long highway drive (8-10h) during temp. Stormy conditions (1-2h) 2. Transmission defect, 3800$ repair bill + additional costs for rentals/motels 3. Replaced transmission.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · MO

I own two 1998 mazda 626s. The transmission went out in the first one. I bought a replacement and installed it. At the same time, I bought another mazda 626 and my wife started driving it. Each transmission had about 100, 000 miles on it. We are small business owners on a budget with a big family and very mindful of preventable maintenance and driving with integrity. To make a long story short, I am sitting here this morning with three, yes three, useless transmissions and several thousands of dollars wasted thus far. Mazda needs to own up to this problem with your help!

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Transmission · 120,215 miles · PA · fire

Transmission problems with the year of 98's transmissions made by ford. Transmissions have had multiple issues starting from shifting issues, transmission fluid overheating requiring more and more mazda 626's to have aftermarket transmission coolers installed, transmission overheating. This year that ford made this transmission has caused many people to often replace transmissions for this vehicle. You will see many people have replaced their transmissions 2 or 3 times within putting 150k on the vehicle. Please look into as I have had my transmission slip and completely not work, to getting rebuilt and now my o/d is now flashing, which requires me to install an aftermarket oil cooler for my transmissions, which does not come with the vehicle already. Transmission rebuild is costing over 2,000 dollars due to the unavailability of parts from the dealer and aftermarket suppliers. Please recall this transmission!!!!!! A mazda technical service bulletin exists for some 1998-2001 models. Tsb 05-005/02 deals with one specific circumstance: "after extended highway driving, the o/d off light is blinking and code p1783 is set (excessive atf temperature). Occasionally there will be overflow through the dipstick tube and harsh shifting. Mazda's recommended fix is to replace the radiator and to install an auxiliary cooler for the transmission." when the light goes on, it enters a fail-safe mode? (the epc solenoid opens up and brings line pressure up to 'max') ... The only catch is it raises the fluid pressure well beyond normal specs (it goes from 100 to 400 psi). Ford cd4e transmission http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/724066 - issues also with transmission.

Filed Aug 20, 2008 · Transmission · MI

My 98 mazda 626 transmission went out twice within 2 years after I bought it! Mazda did a '!@#$% job with that transmission and should have came up with a solution that does not involve me spending 2,000 dollars to fix it!!!

Filed Aug 3, 2008 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · NC

I have a 1998 mazda 626 with 120,000 miles on it. I have had the original tranny rebuilt once then replaced with a new transmission and now it has been sitting for 6 months with another transmission failure. This time the transmission malfunctioning has cost me a very good job. This is insane and it is my understanding that this is a very common problem.

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Transmission · PA

This is the second mazda I have had since I ever started driving. I am 23 years old and have had my license for 4 years. My first car was a 92 mazda mx-3, I loved the car I then started to have issues with the transmission, which pissed me off because I was very aware with the maintenance done on my car. As time passed me and the mx-3 had to part ways. I then got a 98 mazda 626. I continued to support the mazda movement only because I thought you had to know how to drive a car in order to own a mazda. I'm about to have two years with this car, continuing to be aware of the maintenance and the transmission has failed. I am kind of upset. A month ago the censor in the brake pedal to switch gear had locked, when I got the part fixed the mechanic said everything was fine he made it a point to check the transmission fluid, only because I am pretty adamant about that particular fluid especially knowing the history. April 1, 2008 the car was struggling to reverse, it would jump if I would accelerate, other than that it wouldn't move. I was hesitant to believe that it was the transmission. I checked the fluid and it was super low. I bought about 4 bottles and the problem was still existent. I even started struggling to drive the car. My father thought maybe it was the cable that was loose, but no. I couldn't believe that this car hasn't complete its second year with me and its of no use. I brought it to the mechanic and he himself confirmed that it was a transmission failure. Once again the mazda and I will soon have to part ways, which is sad I always believed that mazdas were good vehicles. I am now discouraged about purchasing a mazda in the future. I am not sure what this scenario will do but hopefully they get this problem fixed. I understand it's not a brand new car but if its well kept it is a bit agitating. I don't see myself being a loyal customer to mazda, when mazda has yet to be loyal to me.

Filed Feb 21, 2008 · Transmission · 126,480 miles · GA

Transmission failure. I know of a lot of people with 626's that has transmission problems, and the bad thing about it is mazda knew about it. We are hoping to get mazda to do something about it, it's pathetic. I was hoping I wouldn't have any problems out of mine, but I have. We need to have something done about this, I can't afford to replace this transmission, and mazda knows about it. Why don't they do a recall? It could pose as a hazard. My car erratically changes gears, and rpms, it could just stop in the middle of the road and cause a serious wreck. Why wait until accidents happen, why not go ahead and do a recall????

Filed Feb 20, 2008 · Transmission · 168,337 miles · NC

Transmission on my 1998 mazda 626. I've purchased the vehicle in sept. 2000. I have replaced the transmission twice. The most recent replacement was july 2006. This car has had numerous transmission issues.

Filed Jan 3, 2008 · Transmission · WA

Transmission failure.

Filed Dec 10, 2007 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · CA

This will be the second time that I have replaced the transmission on my 626. The first time was august of 2006. It started with the o/d light flashing the smoking and finally going out completely. The car left me stranded on the freeway in the middle of no-where. I had to wait for a tow truck for 3 hours and $200.00 to get it towed to a shop near my house. I was able to find a used transmission from a junk yard and had it replaced for a total cost of $1200.00. Cheap compared to what everyone else has paid. The second time was just recent 12/7/07. The transmission started jumping between gears (2nd and 3rd) then it stayed stuck on 2nd gear. Finally it went out and would not engage any gear including reverse. So far I have not found another (reasonably priced) transmission. The cheapest I found with a 30 day warranty is $1000.00. This does not include the labor which is about $400.00.

Filed Oct 19, 2007 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. When the gear was shifted into drive, the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle would not drive in reverse or drive unless the gear was placed in neutral. The repair shop stated that the transmission failed. No repairs were made. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 135,000.