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Mazda 626 knocking problems

17 of the 2,985 owner complaints about the Mazda 626 describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
17
worst model year
1999
typical mileage
48,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    4
  • 1998
    1
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    2
  • 1994
    2
  • 1991
    1

What owners say

Filed Mar 16, 2008 · Transmission · FL

1997 mazda 626lx 2.0l. Had the o/d light come on twice. Then about a year later the vehicle started to shift hard/slip. Inspected valve body of the transmission & fluid, everything was ok. Did a transmission flush anyway. Did not have any codes in the system until 6 months down the line. Was for the transmission range sensor. Installed a new one & vehicle operated normal. Since I put a new range sensor in the vehicle, o/d light has come on about 5 times but no abnormal driving condition yet. Only notice it when driving on the highway with cruise control engage. Also have the vehicle rough idling. Found no vacuum leaks, pcv valve is new, spark plugs & wire set new. Fuel additive added every 6 months. Fuel injectors are operating. Ticking noise occurs every once & awhile from engine. Do know that the transmission in these cars are not capable of handle the engine. The fact that a ford probe small transmission was put into the mazda. It needs an transmission oil cooler to be install but was not a recall issue, only a bulletin that must be paid for by the customer. Exact day this started to happen is unknown. A new proper transmission should be introduce as a recall for these cars.

Filed Apr 14, 2007 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · SC

Car have a knocking noise when you first take off. I sent it to the mazda dealership and was told that it was my transmission and it would cost $4000.00 to fix it. Then it took it in for a second opinion and was told it was my transmission also. I have done my research and notice that there are several complaints with the transmission. Over the years I have had the car I have taking it to the dealership to get repairs or the normal service. I think that it is very unusually that everyone is having the same problem, and that the mazda dealership will not do anything to help with this problem. That is not professional for there company and they will lost business like that.

Filed Mar 20, 2006 · Transmission · IA

I purchased a mazda 626 (1999 model). The transmission is now overheating. This is such a prevalent problem that mazda needs to pay for it. Putting a ford transmission in a big mazda was a huge mistake and then need to make restitution for the thousands of dollars those of us who got duped must pay. Bottom line: they manufactured ticking time bombs and all transmission rebuilds do is add a few seconds to the bomb counter.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Engine · 48,000 miles · CA

In august 2001, I purchased a brand new mazda 626. In may 2003, I started to experience major problems with the car. At 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. At 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. Now at 48,000 miles, I returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. After a couple of minutes, I noticed that the thermostat was really hot, then the engine light came on and immediately the car died and started smoking (left my husband and myself stranded on the 405 fwy at midnight). I was told I need a new engine (engine long block, all water hoses, radiator, knock sensor, gasket set and spark plugs). The cost: $8400. They offered to reduce the cost to $5200, however I don't see how this is helpful for the car is probably worth less than that and even if they did replace the parts I have no doubt that they would just start falling apart again. I drive my car less than 10 miles a day, so I definitely do not think that all this damage is from normal wear and tear, rather I believe that mazda is making inferior parts.

Filed Aug 11, 2004 · Transmission · IL

While shifting vehicle failed to move on its own. A loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the shaft solenoid needed to be replaced.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Transmission · AL

While shifting gears vehicle failed to move. A loud knocking noise was heard from the front. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 26,000 miles · FL

I've had numerous problems with this car since 03/2001. I purchased it new from marlin mazda. This car has stalled several times while driving. The sunroof and corner roof between the front windshield and driver door leaked water when it would rain. January 2003 my car ran hot, the air conditioning was not blowing.they said they replaced the head on my engine and that some hose was not connected, this is why my air wasn't blowing? My car stalled on me 08/27/03. No warning lights came on. The car wasn't even hot. Towed to marlin mazda.I paid for new battery. I asked them to chaeck under hood to be sure no other problems, they told me at least $500 to check engine thoroughly? Week later stall again. This time towed to ocean mazda,knocking noise under hood, they said it is the engine and oil pump. They tried to look up factory warranty, they're not repairing it because marlin mazda voided my warranty(marlin said sludge in engine/ code w8.) that was a lie! I have been getting scheduled maintenance on my car. Ocean mazda checked engine no sludge but they can't do repair work without warranty. They tried to call district manager because code w8 does not exist!!! Also, I have an extended warranty which they seem to have no record of? I have spoken to mazda american credit to get copies of loan papers that shows purchase of extended warranty. I guess the next step is a law suit. After all these headaches I don't even want this car anymore. I am already paying a high car note for extra coverage and they don't even have the descency to repair my car.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Engine · 36,000 miles · MD

Engine had been serviced initially ten days after date of purchase. Constant problems with knocking and jolting when putting vehicle in gear. Major acceleration problems. Vehicle was towed to dealer several times. During one incident vehicle refused to start, and leaked all transmission fluid on flatbed truck. Final incident check engine light indicator illuminated, vehicle was taken back to dealership. Light was reset by dealership. Vehicle's engine has now seized at 36,000 km.

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · SC

Numerous problems with 1995 mazda 626, have problems with the transmission, valves knocking, will not stay in alignment, fan belt breakage. The last problem was the automatic transmission problem, the o/d light is flashing and seems not to want to shift.

Filed Jun 17, 2002 · Suspension · TX

While traveling on highway and without prior notice heard a knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported May 9, 2000 · 31,000 vehicles affected
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

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported September 8, 1998 · 40,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Risk
This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.

Recall number 98V206001 · Recall details

Questions about the Mazda 626 knocking

Which Mazda 626 years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (4 complaints), 1994 (2 complaints) and 1995 (2 complaints).

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