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2001 Mazda 626 problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Mazda 626 is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical 626 model year.

Year to avoid2.2x the typical complaints
Year score
47/100
Owner complaints
188
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
97
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
20-25mpg
Typical repair
$3,000

The worst 2001 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.

  • Transmission
    139
  • Engine
    21
  • Airbags
    11
  • Brakes
    7
  • Electrical
    6
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Tires
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Mazda 626

Transmission failure 62Jerking 13Check engine light 12Won't shift 12Slipping 9No deployment 8Overheating 8Stalling 8

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mazda 626 97

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 97 bulletins for the 2001 Mazda 626

2001 Mazda 626 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD19-2325-2922-25
2.5L 6‑cylFWD18-1924-2520-21

What 2001 Mazda 626 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda 626. The contact stated that after fuel was added to the vehicle, the engine seized and would not engage. The engine would operate when the accelerator pedal was tapped. Also, while driving, the vehicle sporadically stalled. The contact was unsure if any warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to flow mazda of greensboro (1205 bridford pkwy, greensboro, nc 27407, 336‑299‑1500), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 23, 2016 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · IL · fire

My daughter was sitting in her car when she noticed smoke coming from the wiper switch area and blinker area. The smoke smelled like burning plastic. Upon further inspection by a mechanic, it was discovered that the ignition switch was bad, causing the starter to stay engaged. The burning smell was coming from the ignition switch. I currently have the defective part as well as the receipt for the replacement part.

Filed Apr 18, 2016 · Steering · LA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda 626. While driving 15 MPH, and slowing down to make a turn into a parking lot, the steering wheel emitted smoke and burst into flames. The police department extinguished the fire, but did not file a report. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic replaced the steering wheel. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · NC

Our mazda 2001 tribute has been leaking brake fluid and mechanic said it may be something with master cylinder. After searching the internet I found mazda had a recall (#6712a) that covered 2001-2002 model year tribute suvs for a faulty brake master cylinder reservoir cap. We called mazda and spoke to a rep. Katrina said "your car does not qualify because you do not have ABS brakes". Whether we have ABS brakes or not we should be able to have our car checked in this recall for our safety. We should not be excluded from this recall. Please let us know what needs to be done.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Body, Brakes · PA

I have put so much money in this car. Alternator, transmission, brakes, tires and ball joints. Now the catalytic converter needs replaced, wiper motor and quarter panels are all rusted out. I am disabled and this is my only transportation. Should all of this should of gone wrong? It will not pass inspection. I have had this car eight years.

Filed Dec 7, 2014 · Transmission · 83,201 miles · MA

Transmission o/d lights flashing and does not move in the first gear or shift to second either has happened on free way also which is very dangerous. My wife drives with kids.

Filed Sep 22, 2012 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · AE

This car started having difficulty with going into reverse. Forward is becoming difficult also. Two different mechanics indicate that it is the transmission. They note that changing the transmission fluid may give temporary relief but the real problem is I need a new transmission. I live and work overseas on a us army military base so to even consider bringing an spec rebuilt transmission over is very expensive. I have been told that with a replacement transmission I will have the same problem. I have had all preventive maintenance done on the cover over the years and to have this happen at 88,000 miles is a financial hardship.

Filed Sep 7, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 125,000 miles · DC · fire

Columbia heights, washington dc june 19th 2012, I was with my mother and partner parking in front of giant supermarket returning a movie at local redbox, while waiting for my partner, I turned off the car, sitting inside noticed dense fumes came from the ignition, I removed the key and fumes still coming out, we step outside the car and we saw several sparks in the ignition, I called immediately 911, suddenly a big flame of fire came from the steering wheel, the car was on fire, we were close to the rooms from a local fire department, a man came with a fire extinguisher and calm the fire and flames; fire truck came less than 10 minutes later, but car was already destroyed. I have pictures to prove, phone calls and witness.

Filed Jul 27, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 53,996 miles · OR

Traveling in car on interstate in the right hand lane using cruise control set at 70mph. Was coming up on a car and tapped the brake to disengage cruise control and the car did not disengage. I tried to use the brake and it was not working and went to the floor. I could not shut the cruise control off at the controls on the steering wheel either. I quickly swerved onto the shoulder of the freeway to avoid hitting the car in front of me. My husband turned off the ignition and I eased up on the emergency brake and we came to a safe stop. After inspecting the car we turned the car back on and tested the brakes at slow speeds on the shoulder and the brakes engaged normally. My husband feels the cruise control stuck and that is why we could not stop the car with the cruise control buttons or with the brake pedal.

Filed Feb 28, 2012 · Transmission · 158,000 miles · AR

I bought this car used a year ago this month when my daughters car engine locked up. She was out of state so it was a hurry up thing over the phone. She didn't realize the transmission was slipping in first gear, thought it was cv joint. Shop diagnosed the transmission. This really makes me sooo mad as this is a nice car. I think ford should pay to replace all the transmissions in these cars. Now I have to either dump it at a loss or pay out alot to get transmission repaired .

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2001 Mazda 626 before you buy

Compare the 2001 Mazda 626

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Questions about the 2001 Mazda 626

Is the 2001 Mazda 626 reliable?

Owners have filed 188 complaints about the 2001 Mazda 626, 2.2 times a typical 626 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2001 Mazda 626 year score?

The 2001 Mazda 626 scores 47 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda 626: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mazda 626?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 139 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (21).

How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda 626 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Mazda 626 get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Mazda 626 range from 20 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-23 city and 25-29 highway.

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