The Mazda 626 has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–2001. On average a defect was admitted 5.93 years after the car was built, the slowest took 22 years. The most recalled system is Fuel System, Gasoline (3 campaigns). Owners also filed 2,225 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Mazda 626
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Fuel System, Gasoline 3 Read
What's wrong. 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…
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur
Fix. Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698
What's wrong. 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…
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur
Fix. Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698
What's wrong. 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…
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur
Fix. Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 3 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. This condition could cause reduced brake efficiency, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary
What's wrong. 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
Risk. This condition could cause reduced brake efficiency, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary
What's wrong. The groove for the rear wheel bearing retainer ring was incorrectly machined
Risk. If the retaining ring does not sit correctly in thegroove, the axle lug nuts will break, causing the brake drum, wheel, and tireassembly to separate from the vehicle
Fix. Midas shops will replace the brake drums with other brake drums from another supplier
Vehicle Speed Control 3 Read
What's wrong. Floor mat could interfere with release of accelerator pedal due to improper shape of mat
Risk. This could result in loss of accelerator control andcreate potential for an accident
Fix. Remove present mat and replace with new improved mat
What's wrong. At ambient temperatures below 0 degree f, frost may accumulate within the throttle body under extended constant speed operation
Risk. Frost accumulation on the throttle valve may prevent thevalve from returning smoothly
Fix. Install a new type thermostat designed to raise the coolant temperature and warm the throttle body to a level above freezing
What's wrong. The throttle angle sensor on the carburetor may contain a nylon rotor which has not been heat treated. Rotors that have not been heat treated contract in the presence of heat causing the throttle mechanism to stick. Consequence of defect: this may cause the throttle to stick in the open position which may result in loss of control leading to an accident. Also,vehicle may not conform with standard 124
Fix. Replace throttle angle sensor assemblies with new heat treated rotors with larger inside diameters
Exterior Lighting 2 Read
What's wrong. Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors
Risk. Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589
What's wrong. Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors
Risk. Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlight wire that runs through the turn signal lever can fail at the point where it is soldered to the headlight switch
Risk. The failure of this wire could cause a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the headlight switch lever
Engine And Engine Cooling 2 Read
What's 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
Fix. Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner
What's 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
Fix. Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner
What's 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
Fix. Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary
Electrical System 2 Read
What's wrong. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J
What's wrong. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J
What's wrong. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat
Risk. If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J
Air Bags 2 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the sas sensor unit. These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts
Risk. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury
Fix. Dealers will reprogram the sas unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the sas sensor unit. These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts
Risk. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury
Fix. Dealers will reprogram the sas unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts
What's wrong. The passenger side air bag has an inflator body that cracked during forming of the curl that retains the igniter plug in the end of the inflator. Also, the igniter end cap can separate from the inflator
Risk. The passenger side air bag may not inflate properly resulting in reduced occupant protection in a vehicle accident. If the igniter end cap separates in a frontal collision, hot gases can be released and ignite flammable material or cause burn injuries
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace the passenger side air bag module
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. The drive spring that drives the automatic belt may break
Risk. This would prevent full forward movement of the seat beltanchorage from the lock position when the door is opened
Fix. Replace automatic shoulder belt
What's wrong. Anchorage bolt may have been improperly reinstalled after vehicle repair. The bolt could loosen during normal vehicle operation
Fix. Upon inspection, all improperly installed bolts will be removed and reinstalled correctly
What's wrong. Anchorage bolt may have been improperly reinstalled after vehicle repair. The bolt could loosen during normal vehicle operation
Fix. Upon inspection, all improperly installed bolts will be removed and reinstalled correctly
Equipment 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: if the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation to enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit
Risk. If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the speaker can overheat and in some cases, catch fire
Fix. Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering
Power Train 1 Read
What's wrong. This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The speedometer gear set can fail. Symptoms include an inoperative speedometer, severe lack of power, and/or a transmission which stays in third gear. In some cases, the "od off" light may also flash
Risk. A driver may not be aware of increased speed due to the speedometer not working correctly
Fix. Dealers will inspect the speedometer gear set and if necessary, will replace the speedometer gear set at no charge. This extended warranty covers necessary repairs due to failure of the vehicle's speedometer gear set fror 9 years from the original warranty start date with no mileage limitation
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 5.93 years |
| Slowest campaign | 22 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 40% |
| Campaigns on record | 23 |
Which 626 years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1996 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1995 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1994 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1993 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1992 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1991 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1990 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1989 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1988 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1987 | Electrical System | |
| 1986 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1982 | Seat Belts | |
| 1981 | Seat Belts |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mazda 626 have?
23 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–2001. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my 626 still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 5.93 years, and the slowest campaign came 22 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.