Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 0102704 | 08/02/2004 | 10009908 | Rough idle / hesitation / stumble / misfire / malfunction indicator lamp illumination with diagnostic trouble code p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304. *tt | 11/02/2004 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||||
| 00204 | 10/26/2004 | 00204 | 10010540 | Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters. *eh | 11/30/2004 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 09/25/2004 | 72800 | 1 | 11/15/2003 |
| 1. turned air conditioner on. no cold air coming out, then shortly noticed the car heat gauge was showing hot, and fumes coming from hood. 2. pulled to the side of road. turned off engine and waited about 20 minutes before checking the hood. the coolant reservoir had coolant. opened the coolant tank, and there was no steam or hot fluids from the tank. 3. tried restarting after cooling and the car would not restart. had car towed to repair store. had to get another engine since the engine was damaged.*ak | |||
| 10/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| I purchased a brand new mazda 626 lx 2001 model on august 19, 2001 at magnussen's ford/nissan/mazda dealership in newark ca. little did i know, i bought a lemon!!!!! i returned the vehicle numerous times and telling the service dept people that the transmission was slipping and overrunning in gear. at one point, i had a friend of mine drive the vehicle to the dealership and meet with the service dept people. this was the week before christmas 2001. rudy diephus could not believe that i was getting a song and dance from the magnussen service dept. rudy built and drove race cars for over thirty years, and knew i had a transmission problem. the service manager bob (who is no longer there) said that the car had to be broken in, not enough miles on the car. bob also said that all mazda 626's drive like this (transmission slipping/overrunning in gear). in addition, i was told to keep a journal of every time this happened. that would be a problem, writing and driving at the same time. again, returned the vehicle back to magnussen's and met with a different svc manager. here it is april 2002, and i was told that the transmission tech was going to run a special test on the car (line pressure check at idle and stall speeds). sure enough, i was right! the test indicated that there was a definite problem with the transmission. after driving the vehicle out of the dealerships lot, the car was (and is) running worse than ever. the second transmission is worse than the first. i return the car and the car stays there for another week. i picked up the car on april 26, 2002, (running worse) and drove to vacaville about 100 miles one way from where i was living. i felt something funny under the hood and drove into vacaville and found a mazda dealership. i explained the problem of the transmission and engine. they stated that there was a problem with the mounts and the car needed new mounts. | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 26000 | ||
| I've had numerous problems with this car since 03/2001. i purchased it new from marlin mazda. this car has stalled several times while driving. the sunroof and corner roof between the front windshield and driver door leaked water when it would rain. january 2003 my car ran hot, the air conditioning was not blowing.they said they replaced the head on my engine and that some hose was not connected, this is why my air wasn't blowing? my car stalled on me 08/27/03. no warning lights came on. the car wasn't even hot. towed to marlin mazda.i paid for new battery. i asked them to chaeck under hood to be sure no other problems, they told me at least $500 to check engine thoroughly? week later stall again. this time towed to ocean mazda,knocking noise under hood, they said it is the engine and oil pump. they tried to look up factory warranty, they're not repairing it because marlin mazda voided my warranty(marlin said sludge in engine/ code w8.) that was a lie! i have been getting scheduled maintenance on my car. ocean mazda checked engine no sludge but they can't do repair work without warranty. they tried to call district manager because code w8 does not exist!!! also, i have an extended warranty which they seem to have no record of? i have spoken to mazda american credit to get copies of loan papers that shows purchase of extended warranty. i guess the next step is a law suit. after all these headaches i don't even want this car anymore. i am already paying a high car note for extra coverage and they don't even have the descency to repair my car. | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 24000 | ||
| The engine is misfiring causing the check engine light to come on. the first two times i took the car in for this problem they replaced spark plugs and told me i was putting "bad gas" in the car; the third time they replaced a distributor cap, the fourth the ignition wires, the fifth the computer in the car, and now for the sixth attempt they are replacing valve one in the engine. the dealer has had my car for 31 days (21 business days) and as of yesterday, even after replacing the valve in the engine, the problem has still not been corrected. i've had a rental car for the 31 days they've had my car. i purchased the optional insurance because my insurance agent advised me to do so (what the rental company expects in the event of an accident is much higher than what an insurance company would pay...therefore i would be responsible for the difference). mazda refuses to pay for the insurance on the rental car which, considering the circumstances, i believe is unreasonable. i would like to exercise my lemon law rights, however my car had over 18,000 miles on it at inception of the problem and was 18 months old. my purpose in filing this complaint is to warn other consumers against the mazda 626 as it has been nothing but trouble for me. | |||
| 03/15/2003 | 41000 | ||
| I have been having so many problems with my mazda 626 and it's a 2001. the times that i have taken it in the shop that would tell me that nothing is wrong with my car, but of course i know my car better i do drive it more than they have too. what i discovered just today is off the map funny(like something is not right), was dealing with my odometer reading. so if i can please allow me your help before my give out on me. thank you mrs. jackson | |||
| 05/13/2003 | 23000 | 9 | 08/07/2001 |
| In august 2001, i purchased a mazda 626. in may 2003, i started to experience major problems with the car. at 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. at 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket, and the throttle body gasket. *ak my car is nearing the end of its 3 year/36,000 warranty and i am frightened about how much future repairs will cost, as well as the overall safety of the car. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 07/11/2008 | 162000 | 1 | |
| Coolant reservoir on mazda 626 models has a design flaw. our vehicle has required 4 of these since we've owned it. each time, the part is no longer under warranty as it is over 12 months old. failures occurred on 5/30/06 at 118k and again on 6/1/07 at 138k, and now on 7/11/08 at 162k. the problem is that they are manufactured with a seam on the bottom. the seam leaks and so coolant gradually leaks from the reservoir until you notice your vehicle slowly running hot. since i watch may gauges closely, i always see when this is happening. replacing coolant will prevent the engine from overheating but replacing the reservoir is always required. locally this part costs $100. this does not include labor to remove/discard the old reservoir and to attach the new one. our local mazda dealership has 50 of these in stock at any given time. seems like a large inventory for a part. this item needs to be redesigned so that the seam is more durable or so that there is no seam at the bottom where the leaks keep occurring. others not aware of this problem may have allowed their engines to overheat causing much more costly problems in their engines. we have been fortunate in that we have always caught it early and that we have a good mechanic not associated with a dealership but who is mazda certified. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2004 | 106000 | 2 | 08/30/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated that the engine overheated due to a coolant tank leak. the vehicle was inspected by a service dealer, where the coolant tank was replaced. after a year a half the new coolant tank started to leak causing the same overheating issue. | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 60814 | 5 | |
| Vehicle overheated and spilled coolant. it had been to the repair shop 5 times for overheating. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 06/08/2003 | 150000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mazda 626. the contact stated that the water reservoir off the radiator has to be replaced for the fifth time. the reservoir holds the overflow from the radiator. there is a crack in the seal where the seal meets. she has had to pay for each repair because the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 150,000. | |||
| 05/14/2005 | 48000 | 4 | 08/07/2001 |
| In august 2001, i purchased a brand new mazda 626. in may 2003, i started to experience major problems with the car. at 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. at 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. now at 48,000 miles, i returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. after a couple of minutes, i noticed that the thermostat was really hot, then the engine light came on and immediately the car died and started smoking (left my husband and myself stranded on the 405 fwy at midnight). i was told i need a new engine (engine long block, all water hoses, radiator, knock sensor, gasket set and spark plugs). the cost: $8400. they offered to reduce the cost to $5200, however i don't see how this is helpful for the car is probably worth less than that and even if they did replace the parts i have no doubt that they would just start falling apart again. i drive my car less than 10 miles a day, so i definitely do not think that all this damage is from normal wear and tear, rather i believe that mazda is making inferior parts. | |||
| 05/13/2003 | 23000 | 9 | 08/07/2001 |
| In august 2001, i purchased a mazda 626. in may 2003, i started to experience major problems with the car. at 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. at 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket, and the throttle body gasket. *ak my car is nearing the end of its 3 year/36,000 warranty and i am frightened about how much future repairs will cost, as well as the overall safety of the car. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 11/13/2005 | 64600 | 1 | 03/24/2001 |
| Dt: the contact stated while pulling the shifter into drive the spark plug blew out of the engine. the contact called the dealer for assistance, but they offered no free remedy. the manufacturer has not been contacted. *ak | |||
| 05/14/2005 | 48000 | 4 | 08/07/2001 |
| In august 2001, i purchased a brand new mazda 626. in may 2003, i started to experience major problems with the car. at 23,000 miles, the following had to be replaced: transmission assembly, thermostat and radiator sub-tank. at 31,000 miles, my car was in the shop for 11 days in order to replace the following: mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, valve idle air control, thermostat gasket and the throttle body gasket. now at 48,000 miles, i returned from a trip, got in my car and started driving. after a couple of minutes, i noticed that the thermostat was really hot, then the engine light came on and immediately the car died and started smoking (left my husband and myself stranded on the 405 fwy at midnight). i was told i need a new engine (engine long block, all water hoses, radiator, knock sensor, gasket set and spark plugs). the cost: $8400. they offered to reduce the cost to $5200, however i don't see how this is helpful for the car is probably worth less than that and even if they did replace the parts i have no doubt that they would just start falling apart again. i drive my car less than 10 miles a day, so i definitely do not think that all this damage is from normal wear and tear, rather i believe that mazda is making inferior parts. | |||
| 08/27/2001 | 38115 | 2 | 03/06/2001 |
| Vehicle stalled several times while driving. also, water leaked into sun roof. last week the car stalled. towed it to marlin mazda. consumer had to pay $65 for a new battery.consumer cancelled warranty, stating sludge in engine. that was a lie. towed vehicle to ocean mazda, they did not find sludge. they said they could not fix it because warranty wa scancelled by marlin mazda (code w8). ocean mazda said this code did not exist. this car was purchased new 03/2001. my factory warranty was for 3 years or 50,000 miles. consumer only had 38,000 miles and an extended warranty. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 08/25/2004 | 10 | 05/20/2002 | |
| Vehicle: mazda 626 2001. the engine light has kicked on numerous times while driving at a 35-40mph. mechanics indicate that the code references the one of two problems- oxygen sensor defect or catalyst inefficiency. but, because the code is not specific as to which piece is defective the only recourse is to drive the vehicle and if the engine light turns off don't worry or bring the vehicle back if the light continues to stay on. i have continued to drive the vehicle and of course the light turns itself off. i return to the service station when the light turns back on. this problem has been occurring over a two month time span. i have not had any work done to solve the problem because no one knows what the problem may be. this is not a valid answer. the engine light would not activate if there is no problem. please provide assistance. if you are having this problem please file a complaint.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 12/03/2007 | 103000 | 2 | 01/05/2006 |
| As well as other 626's my transmission has blown. was driving it, down the road, then the check engine light flashed about 7 times, and it revved, then went down and revved with the check engine light. took it to aamco transmissions and they drove it and looked and told me that its shot. of course this all happens after spending $1200 for a dealer only catalytic converter. why would anyone buy this car knowing that they fall apart, and have dealer only parts!? *tr | |||
| 10/11/2006 | 69000 | 2 | 08/03/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mazda 626. on approximately november 22, 2007, while driving 60 mph, the check engine light illuminated. the dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. the manufacturer agreed to pay half of the replacement cost for the catalytic converter. on approximately october 15, 2006, (15,000 miles later) the engine shut down and the vehicle was towed. the catalytic converter was replaced again. the contact requested information as to whether the catalytic converter was flawed. the dealer stated that this type of failure was rare and the cause could not be explained. the failure mileage was 69,000 and current mileage was 84,000. | |||
| 05/06/2005 | 68500 | 01/04/2003 | |
| The engine light on my car has recently come on, and goes off periodically also. i took it to have the problem diagnosed and the mechanic said it was the the catalytic converter & o2 sensors on my 2001 626 4.0 cylinder. he said the catalytic converter had to be bought from mazda only and it was $672, and the 2 o2 sensors would be $416.00 as well.....is there anyone else who've had these problems??? also, is there a warranty on the converter?? | |||
| 01/04/2005 | 81759 | 1 | 04/28/2001 |
| My transmission had to be replaced on my 2001 mazda 626 this week. i had a previous problem with the internal coolant in 2003 which also cost me money. last week i had to replace the catalytic converter. this car has given me nothing but problems since i've owned it. i do not feel the problems i've been having should occur in a 2001 automobile when regular maintenance is kept up. *jb | |||
| 08/25/2004 | 10 | 05/20/2002 | |
| Vehicle: mazda 626 2001. the engine light has kicked on numerous times while driving at a 35-40mph. mechanics indicate that the code references the one of two problems- oxygen sensor defect or catalyst inefficiency. but, because the code is not specific as to which piece is defective the only recourse is to drive the vehicle and if the engine light turns off don't worry or bring the vehicle back if the light continues to stay on. i have continued to drive the vehicle and of course the light turns itself off. i return to the service station when the light turns back on. this problem has been occurring over a two month time span. i have not had any work done to solve the problem because no one knows what the problem may be. this is not a valid answer. the engine light would not activate if there is no problem. please provide assistance. if you are having this problem please file a complaint.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| 12/25/2007 | 117500 | 1 | |
| 2001 mazda 626 right rear tire sidewall split in two areas. consumer states that left rear tire was inspected and had similar cracking forming. consumer was informed that the warranty does not cover that type of damage. *kb the wiper blades were replaced. the engine light illuminated due to a bad egr flow which was clogged due to carbon build-up. *jb | |||