Summary
The Mazda 626 has 26 recalls spanning 1979 through 1999, with the most serious recent issue affecting 1998 models where condensation can enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit that overheats the speaker and can start a fire inside the vehicle.
The 1998 model year also has a powertrain control module programming error on 2.0-litre engines that can shift the air-fuel mixture too lean, stalling the engine and potentially causing a loss of control. A compliance label issue also exists on some 1998 vehicles. On 1999 models, the brake master cylinder reservoir cap can lack ventilation holes, which causes pressure to drop gradually as brake pads wear, eventually pulling the calipers back and reducing braking effectiveness when the vehicle sits parked for extended periods.
The 1997 model has two concerns: a timing belt tensioner spring that can break and snag the timing belt, stalling the engine, and an airbag sensor that can deploy the airbag during a minor undercarriage impact, raising the risk of injury and loss of control. The 1995 model year shares a similar unintended airbag deployment issue, and separately, the passenger-side airbag inflator body can be cracked, leaving it unable to deploy properly in a crash.
On 1994 models, the headlight lead wire can break at its solder point on the switch, cutting headlight function entirely, and the speedometer gear set can fail, leaving the driver unaware of their speed while the transmission stays locked in third gear.
Going back further, the 1990 model has a front door handle that can fracture at the latch rod attachment point. If the rod falls into the door and the window is then lowered, the door can spring open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. The 1988 model has several issues: fuel tank retention straps that can rub through the tank's protective coating and eventually perforate it, causing fuel to leak; front outer door handles with the same latch-rod failure mode described above; a throttle body that can accumulate frost in extreme cold, making the accelerator pedal heavy and causing uneven throttle return; and rear brake shoes that can dislodge from the wheel cylinder, allowing corrosion to form and reducing rear braking. The 1986 model has an ignition switch terminal that can malfunction and disable the windshield wipers, engine cooling fan, blower, and air conditioning simultaneously. The 1983 model, particularly those in eastern Canadian provinces, has a secondary hood latch that can seize in corrosive conditions. The 1979 model has an emissions-related compliance issue with the EGR valve.
