The 1998 Mazda 626 has 7 recalls, with multiple fire risks standing out: condensation entering the audio unit in hot, humid conditions can short-circuit the speaker and cause it to catch fire, and grease inside the ignition switch can become conductive and overheat, also raising the risk of fire.
On the engine and fuel side, the powertrain control module can shift the air-fuel mixture too lean under certain driving conditions, causing the engine to stall and the driver to lose control. A separate issue affects the timing belt auto-tensioner: an external spring can break and get caught in the timing belt, which can also stall the engine. The engine stall and air-fuel ratio recalls affect 2.0-litre models. There is also a compliance recall for an incorrect safety certification mark, which carries no driving risk.
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.
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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.
