626 (GF)
Engine Reliability Ratings
KLD
2.5L 6-cyl / 149 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
FSD
2.0L 4-cyl / 113 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mazda 626 regardless of engine variant.
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 Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Mazda 626 problems?
The 2000-2002 Mazda 626 has accumulated 502 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mazda 626 engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2002 Mazda 626 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 a good used car?
The 2000-2002 Mazda 626 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 502 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Mazda 626 have?
The 2000-2002 Mazda 626 has 502 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Mazda 626?
There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2002 Mazda 626 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda 626?
Before buying a used Mazda 626, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 502 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.