Ignition switch is defected. After starting the vehicle, only for a few moments, smoke begin to flow from the steering column and I must immediately disengage the the key from the ignition position.
The worst 1999 Mazda 626 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission233
- Engine50
- Brakes16
- Electrical11
- Airbags5
- Acceleration4
- Fuel system4
- Lights4
- Seat belts4
- Seats4
- Suspension4
- Steering3
- Tires3
- Body2
- Visibility2
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Mazda 626
Transmission failure 81Overheating 32Slipping 30Jerking 26Stalling 26Check engine light 18Won't shift 14Harsh shifting 7Hesitation 7Loss of power 7Fire or smoke 5
Recalls 2
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
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain reservoir tank caps on the brake master cylinder were produced with a worn out die and lack ventilation holes. As a result, the pressure in the reservoir tank can drop gradually as the brake pad or shoe wears and ambient temperature drops. Also, the pressure could reach a point that the brake caliper and drum cylinder are pulled back by the vacuum in the reservoir tank when the vehicle is parked for a long time.
- Risk
- This condition could cause reduced brake efficiency, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary.
Recall number 00V074000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mazda 626 99
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed...
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources
- The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing
- Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote...
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission...
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâs floor mat to avoid...
1999 Mazda 626 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-23 | 26-30 | 22-26 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18-19 | 24-25 | 20-21 |
What 1999 Mazda 626 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When engaging the ignition switch to start the vehicle, smoke comes from the steering column, I must immediately turn off the contact position. This problem occurs seconds after the ignition switch is engaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mazda 626. The contact stated that the key was extremely difficult to turn over to start the vehicle. In addition, the failure was progressing to the point that the vehicle may not start intermittently. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
When engaging ignition switch to start vehicle, smoke comes up from the steering column. Have to immediately turn off switch. This problem started 2011. Vehicle is in storage at this time.
The transmission started acting up which is apparently a known issue by mazda that the transmission will malfunction causing the transmission to go bad. This bs with it cost my wife her job
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mazda 626. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed causing the instrumental panel wires to catch on fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised that the fire initiated due to a ignition switch failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 156,000.
Someone hit me from behind due to my break cause the car would not stop & the transmittion went out on the car & I also had other problems to with the car
Car tires slippery & always on flat.
My gas pedal get stuck, car jerks when driven & make noisy, car sakes brakes problems & more.
Catastrophic jerking of the transmission while accelerating causing extremely slow acceleration and dangerous conditions in heavy traffic.
Compare the 1999 Mazda 626
Other model years
Questions about the 1999 Mazda 626
Is the 1999 Mazda 626 reliable?
Owners have filed 318 complaints about the 1999 Mazda 626, 3.7 times a typical 626 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mazda 626?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 233 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (50).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda 626 have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and service brakes, hydraulic.
What year does the Mazda 626 have bad transmission?
The Mazda 626 model years with the most transmission complaints are 1995 (337 complaints), 1998 (313 complaints) and 1996 (240 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mazda 626 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mazda 626 range from 20 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-23 city and 26-30 highway.
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