1999 Mazda 626
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 233 of 318 complaints (73%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 434 in 1998 to 318 in 1999.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,400–3,900 | 2,400–3,900 | 2,400–3,900 | 2,500–3,900 | 2,500–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–26 | 20–26 | 20–26 | 20–25 | 20–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–23 / 24–31 | 18–23 / 24–30 | 18–23 / 24–30 | 18–23 / 24–29 | 18–23 / 24–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 342–444 | 342–444 | 342–444 | 355–444 | 355–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 358 | 434 | 318 | 217 | 188 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 17 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 10 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 27 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 11 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda 626 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Mazda 626?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 233 of 318 NHTSA complaints (73%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mazda 626 get?
EPA rates it 20–26 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Mazda 626?
EPA estimates $2,400–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $2,400 (low) | 342 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 233 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 05E065000 · Oct 6, 2005
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 00V134000 · May 10, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 00V074000 · Mar 13, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFICIENCY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RESERVOIR CAP AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.