Model year guide

1986 Mazda 626

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Mazda 626 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 158 on record.

1986 Mazda 626 — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Mazda 626 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints18
Combined22–25 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Mazda 626 recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #90V118000 · 14/06/1990

IGNITION SWITCH TERMINAL MAY MALFUNCTION.

Fix: REPLACE IGNITION SWITCHES.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #86V042000 · 11/03/1986

THE THROTTLE ANGLE SENSOR ON THE CARBURETOR MAY CONTAIN A NYLON ROTOR WHICH HAS NOT BEEN HEAT TREATED. ROTORS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HEAT TREATED CONTRACT IN THE PRESENCE OF HEAT CAUSING THE THROTTLE MECHANISM TO STICK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS MAY CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT. ALSO,VEHICLE MAY NOT CONFORM WITH STANDARD 124.

Fix: REPLACE THROTTLE ANGLE SENSOR ASSEMBLIES WITH NEW HEAT TREATED ROTORS WITH LARGER INSIDE DIAMETERS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Mazda 626 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1986 Mazda 626 MPG & running costs

Combined22–25 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,883
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume21 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,417 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Mazda 626 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,415
Fuel only$14,415
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
178.0 in
Width
66.5 in
Height
53.9–55.5 in
Wheelbase
98.8 in
Curb weight
2,449–2,641 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1986 Mazda 626 — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

THROTTLE STICKING Closed

NHTSA #PE91088 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1991 · closed Oct 1991

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 3

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW

Bulletin 008/97 · Equipment · May 1997

MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW

Bulletin 001/97G · Electrical System · Apr 1997

WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW

Bulletin 003/97G · Electrical System · Jan 1997

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 626. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1986 Mazda 626. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Structure

NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND AND NEWFOUNDLAND. A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT, COMBINED WITH LACK OF PROPER LUBRICATION, COULD CAUSE STICKING OR SEIZURE OF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, PARTIAL OR INCOMPLETE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH MAY CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN SUDDENLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS…

Transport Canada #1990160 · Oct 1990

Electrical

AN IGNITION SWITCH TERMINAL MALFUNCTION COULD RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WINDSHIELD WASHER, ENGINE COOLING FAN, HEATER BLOWER AND AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Transport Canada #1990061 · Apr 1990

Other

THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 124 -ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION.

Transport Canada #1986032 · Mar 1986

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mazda 626

The Mazda Capella, also known as the Mazda 626 in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 until 2002. Ford, Mazda's partner at the time, also used the Capella platform to create the Ford Telstar and Ford Probe. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Telstar models were sold worldwide.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Mazda 626 vehicles on record

1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC121101662442 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC162201742259 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC123201669668 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC143201668180 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC162201782717 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC164201707992 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC144201796707 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC142201784368 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC141201581927 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC124201795460 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC143201661894 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC142201787896 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC141201662611 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC143201661167 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC126201759390 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC162301552210 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC142201769068 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC141201658990 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC164201734416 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC122301792221 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC142201669102 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC142301742144 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC143201658136 1986 Mazda 626 1986 Mazda 626JMZGC143201666643

Other Mazda 626 model years

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1985 1984 1983 1982

1986 Mazda 626 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Mazda 626 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1986 Mazda 626. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mazda 626?

Across all 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, seat belts, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Mazda 626 get?

The 1986 Mazda 626 has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.