Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
98V206001MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INCfrom 12/11/1996 to 06/26/1997V (Vehicle)4000011/20/1998MFRMAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS09/08/199809/09/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles. an external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can result in possible engine stalling.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.
NotesOwner notification began during november 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do nt receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (-1888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
970716004/9707/16/199752992Information and instructions on improving the productivity of high-tension leads. *yc11/06/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
0160011/20/2000615641Subject regarding inspection procedure - water pump leak. *tt01/26/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0159905/21/1999606033Information regarding piston standardization for vehicles within certain vin ranges. *tt08/05/1999
0059811/04/1998604035Experienceing a metallic tapping noise heard from the right ( rear ) cylinder head exhaust cam area. *yc03/16/1999
0029804/08/199800298603989Subject regarding malfunction indicator light (mil) illumination with dtc ( s ) p0300 through p0306. *yc03/15/1999
0019812/23/1998603120Subject on oil pump replacement. *yc02/03/1999
9710230039710/23/199754318Subject pertaining to mtx overhaul information. *yc03/30/1998
9710230079710/23/199754320Vehicle experiencing a oil leak at valve cover. *yc03/30/1998
970716006/9707/16/199753007Descriptions of typical engine noises. *yc11/06/1997
002/97M02/25/199752482Clunk noise/vibration during acceleration on left turns. *tw08/14/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
001/9703/10/199752455Tapping noise when engine is cold. *tw08/14/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
0020410/26/20040020410010540Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters. *eh11/30/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12/01/200410
 Car rpm's are high on start, car idles rough, over drive light blinks, car is very dangerous and when od light blinks car cannot change gears correctly and makes it dangerous on turns. had close calls almost being hit, as transmission and engine does not work properly. i have had to change all spark plugs and wires, had a rebuilt engine out in as old one was destroyed due to a spring in the timing belt breaking. new 02 sensors, and maf. current issues are with the od light blinking and causing the car to hesitate and stall. turning car off and on seems to fix it for a while, then problem happens again after a few hours. seems to be a computer problem or something, also there is a whining noise when rpm's are over 4000. this car is a lemon and i have read how mazda refuses to admit the transmission problems they have. *jb
11/15/20030
 In addition to smelling gas - the radio and antenna doesn't work. now the sunroof won't close all the way. the check engine light comes on more often than not since i had the car. the key sometimes won't fit into door lock and even though the car looks brand new and has been well taken care off - it just seems to fall apart. the glove compartment lock fell apart but the biggest thing is the sunroof won't close all the way. this is my 3rd mazda and i will never buy another one.
06/22/200391000104/06/1997
 Transmission failure had to be replaced, overdrive light constantly flashing, dealers stated was oxygen sensor replaced both sensors, problem not solved, replaced transmission replaced several days later with another, first replacement was defective. *la
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
01/04/200598000407/01/2003
 December 2004-january 2005- 1. car overheats constantly 2. the transmission overheated the car and caused complications with the water pump, computer 3. replaced all items; transmission rebuilt cost to fix $3200.00 couldn't afford to just junk the car, as i had purchased it for $5200 the summer before. so i had to fix it. within a week of getting the car back, it blew a radiator hose. *jb
01/17/2000
 While driving water pump busted, causing the vehicle to stall out and die without warning. dealer has been notified. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
12/21/2000107/01/2000
 Engine light came on. car overheated. car brokedown on the way to the dealer's service shop. had to push car three blocks the rest of the way. was told that the radiator leaked into engine. engine is damaged must be replaced. have to buy new engine and new radiator. no other warnings before that.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
06/09/2004106000708/13/2003
 Repeated transmission and motor mount problems /axles too. *ak
01/20/200580000202/16/1997
 Engine is stalling. it looks like the similar failure recall description of mazda 97, http://www.automotive.com/1997/49/mazda/626/recalls/12919.html) reported. and dealer(tele. no. 972 298 0333) refused to fix. *nm
60161105/29/1997
 Consumers vehicle began shaking, making noises and the dash light came on. consumer had tensioner kit, gasket converter failures. the vehicle experienced several engine related problems. the dealer had to replace the thermostat, water pump, catalytic converter and sensors. the a/c also failed. *nlm
07/17/20031
 While traveling on the highway and without prior warning oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. *ak
1
 The vehicle stalled, and then caught on fire.*jb
01/09/2001
 Engine timing chain and gear malfunctioned. *ak
01/09/2001
 Intermittently vehicle jerks/ sputters and jumps out of gear or gets stuck between gears. gear is shifted to neutral first before going into drive. service technician indicated that vehicle didn't fall within the guidelins of recall 98-v-206-001/ manufacturer's recall 76810. vehicle has a preexisting timing belt problem. please provide more information. *ak
10/12/2001107/01/2001
 The vehicle stalled after a scheduled oil change. after returning to the service center where the oil change was performed, i was told that i need to have my valve cover gaskets changed. i wanted a second opinion and scheduled a check with the dealership service center. i had no problems with stalling after the first initial incident. after the dealership mechanics looked at the vehicle the car would not move unless the engine was reved. i was informed at this point that my transmission was slipping and that i needed my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs changed. the total cost would amount to over $3200. after getting a second opinion on the state of the transmission i had the transmission replaced. i was informed by the dealership mechanic that the 1997 mazda has transmission problems. i had the transmission replaced by the dealership service department. the new transmission is extremely loud, the car does not drive the smoothly; i can feel the gears change, and the odometer is running rampant. i went back to the dealership and was told that mazda transimission are generally loud and that the car will rev and cause one to feel a shift in gear if the computer cannot distinguish a speed setting. i feel that after reseach and speaking with the dealerships mechanics that mazda was aware that the madza 626 v6 1997 year was defective and should not continue to make revenue for a costly repair that should have been fixed by the manufacture. when my vehicle stalled it was in heavy traffic (45mph zone) and it is a blessing that i did not cause a wreck or hit anyone. thank you t. simpson*ak
06/01/1999205/31/1997
 Recall 98v206001 done in june 1999, problems with vehicle ever since, timing chain replaced a second time in october 2000. currently vehicle is shaking, catalytic converter was replaced, dealer thought that was the problem, engine light still on, timing chain needed to be replaced a third time. *ak
06/01/20001
 2-4 servo piston failed.
01/07/200001/01/2000
 When the gear shift is in drive, and the brake is pressed, the car shakes violently and so much that it actually creates a humming noise. the vibration is so intense that it cause ears to clog up. took car to browns mazad dealership, because still under warranty. was told it was the motor mounts. they had my car for a total of two weeks, waiting on a part which happend to be a bolt and when i pick up the car, it was in worse condition than when i brough it in. i was told that the some vibration is normal, but i am literally shaking when the car idles in the drive gear. nasty attitude. i am still covered under warranty and i asked to have the mounts replaced, but was told it was within 'specs' therefore, live with it. this could become a potential safety hazard, because i have to put the car in neutral gear to stop the shaking. *ak
01/23/19991
 Consumer received recall letter in october concerning engine timing belt. dealer had no parts available to remedy the problem. recall number 98v20600. failure occurred 3 months after the consumer called the dealer to get car repaired according to the recall. *ak *ml
11/30/19981
 Recall repair work on the timing belt tensioner denied due to lack of parts.
10/15/1998
 Collision was cause by loss of control due to engine stalling. consumer received a recall notice from the mfr. concerning mazda/timing belt # 98v-206.001. consumer believed that was the cause of vehicle stalling and then being out of control. *ak
07/01/199805/08/1997
 Engine malfunction.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
04/01/1999104/23/1997
 Consumer stated that while driving the vehicle began riding rough, shaking, and stalling, and then the engine light came on, consumer was then informed that all was needed was a tune-up, throttle cleaned and an airflow meter, however once repairs were made, consumer began to experience stalling again. *yd
 While traveling and without any indication vehicle started idling and stopped traveling. please provide further information.*ak
08/15/1999
 Ongoing problem with engine stalling while driving at any speed. vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still reoccurring. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
03/01/2000
 Engine was running badly, engine and oil light came on. dealer found engine had sludged up, had to replace engine. in october of 1999, transmission went out. *ak
12/21/2000107/01/2000
 Engine light came on. car overheated. car brokedown on the way to the dealer's service shop. had to push car three blocks the rest of the way. was told that the radiator leaked into engine. engine is damaged must be replaced. have to buy new engine and new radiator. no other warnings before that.
02/29/2000503/01/1999
 Consumer states vehicle has stalled numerous times, 2 times due to spillage from a cup that's in the cup holder, dealer installed a cover to protect pcm, vehicle has also stalled 3 other times with no explanation, possibly an electical problem, however check engine light was also illuminated, stalling could also be related to engine problem. *slc
12/01/199811/01/1997
 Was notified from mazda on a recall. the recall was for a defective tension spring for the timing belt. took it to dealer and they had to replace part. now i have strange noise in the engine compartment. i have taken the car back to the dealer several times with no results. they state that there is nothing wrong but i still have an engine noise that wasn't there before i took it in for the recall. i am looking for the factory rep. to help solve this problem.
05/06/19981
 Engine locked up.
 Vehicle stalls without warning.
07/29/1998
 While driving the vehicle would stall with out indications. please provide further details. *ak
05/06/19981
 Engine failed/locked up.
310/26/1997
 Intermittent stalling. *ak
 While driving vehicle through a puddle with water vehicle stalled. owner noted that dealer said owner hydro locked vehicle. dealer further noted that engine rod was snapped because water got into engine some how. owner is very concerned about this problem. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
04/30/2007104/16/2007
 Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mazda 626. the contact stated that the vehicle was purchased on april 16, 2007. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic ,who determined that the timing belt tensioner was causing excessive wear on the belt. the mechanic stated that there was recall # 98v206001 concerning engine and engine cooling on, and he should call the mazda manufacturer. the contact called the manufacturer, and was informed that this vehiclewas included in the recall. the recall was not remedied previously. the contact arrived at a mazda dealer for recall repairs, where he was informed that this vehiclerwas excluded from the recall due to the vin. he showed the dealer a copy of the recall notice, and they stated that the vehicle was branded with no warranty. the dealer refused to perform recall repairs. the current mileage is 83,936, and the failure mileage was unknown.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
06/01/1997
 Exhaust fumes come inside of the vehicle, smelled a strong odor.dealer contacted several times, and is not aware of the problem/cannot duplicate the problem. *ak
 Experiencing exhaust fumes in the passenger compartment. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
11/03/200366000410/01/2000
 1997 mazda 626 lx - transmission, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and computer have all been repaired in a span of 11 months. the car does not have 80,000 miles on it!*ak
01/31/2001311/01/1997
 Vehicle taken to service twice under warranty. sensor cleaned instead of replaced. per mazda, this is not a proper repair. now mass air flow & o2 sensor damaged. vehicle stalls when slowing or stopped.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
11/03/200366000410/01/2000
 1997 mazda 626 lx - transmission, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and computer have all been repaired in a span of 11 months. the car does not have 80,000 miles on it!*ak
06/11/2001105/01/1999
 About a year ago my engine check light came on. i took it to the mazda dealer and they said the catalytic converter was bad. it was replace because it was still under warranty. two months ago my check engine light came on again. i was again told that my catalytic conver was bad and it was again replaced. today i was driving on the highway at about 75 miles per hour when my o/d light began to flash on and off. five minutes later my car started to lose power. after pulling over to the side of the road my car would not change gears. it would not go forward or in reverse. i had it towed to the mazda dealer and i was told that the transmission was bad and that it would take $2500.00 to be replaced.*ak
06/01/1999205/31/1997
 Recall 98v206001 done in june 1999, problems with vehicle ever since, timing chain replaced a second time in october 2000. currently vehicle is shaking, catalytic converter was replaced, dealer thought that was the problem, engine light still on, timing chain needed to be replaced a third time. *ak