1999 Mazda 626 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 1999 Mazda 626
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1998 Mazda 626 earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
Should You Buy the 1999 Mazda 626?
The 1999 Mazda 626 is an older, budget-friendly sedan that can be a surprisingly engaging drive, but it requires careful scrutiny due to a significant Achilles' heel: its automatic transmission. While the body and engines often hold up well, neglecting specific pre-purchase checks can quickly turn a bargain into a costly headache, making it a car you should approach with caution.
Biggest Strengths
- Generally robust engine (especially 4-cylinder)
- Solid chassis and responsive handling for its class
- Affordable purchase price and readily available parts
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1999 Mazda 626. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
What breaks on the 1999 Mazda 626?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mazda 626 by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda 626. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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