1997 Mazda 626: common problems and reliability
379 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 626?The 1997 Mazda 626 has 379 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Mazda 626 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the 626?
Across the 7 626 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 88 (2002) to 438 (1998). With 379 complaints, the 1997 626 sits above the model's median of 322.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 626
electrical system:ignition:switch
Campaign 15V674000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 05E065000CERTAIN 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 98V206001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 98V249000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 626. See the full 626 owner picture and every model year.
Other 626 model years
Compare every 626 year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 626 against its rivals
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