2001 Mazda 626: engine overheating

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Engine · 162,000 miles · SC

Coolant reservoir on mazda 626 models has a design flaw. Our vehicle has required 4 of these since we've owned it. Each time, the part is no longer under warranty as it is over 12 months old. Failures occurred on 5/30/06 at 118k and again on 6/1/07 at 138k, and now on 7/11/08 at 162k. The problem is that they are manufactured with a seam on the bottom. The seam leaks and so coolant gradually leaks from the reservoir until you notice your vehicle slowly running hot. Since I watch may gauges closely, I always see when this is happening. Replacing coolant will prevent the engine from overheating but replacing the reservoir is always required. Locally this part costs $100. This does not include labor to remove/discard the old reservoir and to attach the new one. Our local mazda dealership has 50 of these in stock at any given time. Seems like a large inventory for a part. This item needs to be redesigned so that the seam is more durable or so that there is no seam at the bottom where the leaks keep occurring. Others not aware of this problem may have allowed their engines to overheat causing much more costly problems in their engines. We have been fortunate in that we have always caught it early and that we have a good mechanic not associated with a dealership but who is mazda certified.

Filed Aug 1, 2006 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated the transmission burned out at the end of a long trip. Initially, the service dealer offered to cover the cost of the transmission if the contact paid for the labor cost. The dealer's offer was withdrawn because the transmission was rebuilt at 65,000 miles. A service bulletin (06012004, the federal safety agency item #10013965) regarding overheating of the transmission was discovered which recommended the installation of a transmission control module. The manufacturer was contacted.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Engine · 106,000 miles · MD

Dt*: the contact stated that the engine overheated due to a coolant tank leak. The vehicle was inspected by a service dealer, where the coolant tank was replaced. After a year a half the new coolant tank started to leak causing the same overheating issue.

Filed Oct 12, 2005 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · TX

I was alone in the car with my 9 yr old autistic son when the transmission failed on my 2001 mazda 626. I was fortunate enough to get off the road with out being rear ended however we were forced to pull over in a very dangerous part of austin. I am being told that my transmission has failed and needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I am learning that this is a common problem with all mazda 626 models 94-2002. Apparently the transmission is a ford and too small to support the 626 model therefore the cooling system is not sufficient to cool the transmission hence the system overheats. How many complaints have to be filed for mazda to be forced to recall this vehicle. My research is discovering that tons of accidents have happened because of this defect and nothing is being done to hold mazda accountable.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Transmission · 47,100 miles · NE

1) car overheating, o/d light blinking, car not shifting out of 1st gear 2) car eventually would not shift at all, had repairs done = $1900 3) transmission shop replaced tranny. Mazda dealer quoted $3500 to do same repairs.

Filed Apr 12, 2005 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · SC

Vehicle broke down and o/d off light flashed. Vehicle overheated. Had not been repaired. Extended warranty declined to pay for services.

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Engine · 60,814 miles · CA

Vehicle overheated and spilled coolant. It had been to the repair shop 5 times for overheating.

Filed Feb 4, 2004 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · PA

O/d off light began to flash when vehicle's total mileage was about 76,000 miles. Informed by the dealer that transmission had overheated and required replacement. Vehicle's warranty had expired thus dealership refused to cover expenses of repairs. *la