The 1998 Mazda 626 has 7 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a speaker that can overheat and ignite after condensation shorts the audio unit, and an ignition switch where grease on internal contacts can become conductive and overheat.
The audio unit fire risk is most likely in hot, humid conditions where a window is open and the air conditioner is running, which allows moisture to reach a specific set of terminals inside the unit. The ignition switch fire risk is a separate issue entirely, where grease applied to the switch's internal contact points can conduct electricity it was never meant to carry, generating heat that raises the risk of a fire at the switch itself.
On the engine side, two recalls address the same underlying problem: the powertrain control module can shift the engine's air-to-fuel mixture too lean under certain driving conditions, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. A stall at speed can leave the driver without power steering and braking assist, raising the risk of a crash. This issue is specific to vehicles equipped with the 2.0-litre engine. Separately, an external spring in the timing belt auto tensioner can break and catch in the timing belt, which can also cause the engine to stall.
One remaining recall is a compliance matter involving an incorrect National Safety Mark on the vehicle's labeling, which carries no direct mechanical consequence.
At a glance
What can fail
Grease at the ignition switch contact points may become conductive and overheat in certain 1989–1998 Mazda vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition switch at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle has an incorrect National Safety Mark and does not meet Regulation 6 compliance requirements.
What the fix does
No corrective action is needed, as this non-compliance does not pose a safety risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt, causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In hot, humid conditions with windows open and air conditioning running, condensation can enter the audio unit, causing a short circuit. If the short circuit occurs at certain terminals, the speaker may overheat and catch fire.
What the fix does
Aluminum tape will be applied over the audio unit to block water from entering.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In hot, humid conditions with the window open and air conditioning running, condensation can enter the audio unit and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A programming error in the engine control computer can cause the fuel mixture to become too lean under certain driving conditions, potentially affecting engine performance.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the engine control computer with corrected software to fix the fuel mixture logic.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control computer may shift the air-fuel mixture too lean, causing the engine to stall and loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
The engine control computer will be reprogrammed with corrected logic.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
