626 (GF)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
FSD
2.0L 4-cyl / 113 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda 626 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
KLD
2.5L 6-cyl / 149 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda 626, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Mazda 626
On a used 2000-2002 Mazda 626, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (368), the engine (45) and the cooling system (40). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 368 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (2)
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
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.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Mazda 626 complaints?
Owners have filed 490 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Mazda 626. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 490 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Mazda 626. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 have?
NHTSA has 490 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Mazda 626?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2002 Mazda 626 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda 626?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 626 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2002 Mazda 626. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 490 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.