Model year guide

1987 Mazda 626

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Mazda 626 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 238 on record.

1987 Mazda 626 — representative photo
Representative photo

1987 Mazda 626 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints40
Combined22–25 mpg

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

1987 Mazda 626 recalls 1

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

IGNITION SWITCH TERMINAL MAY MALFUNCTION.

Fix: REPLACE IGNITION SWITCHES.

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.

1987 Mazda 626 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 40 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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

1987 Mazda 626 MPG & running costs

Combined22–25 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,933
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume21 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,667 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 1987 Mazda 626 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,665
Fuel only$14,665
Per mile$0.20

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
2,449–2,555 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Mazda 626 — ranges cover the 8 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 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 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

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.

1987 Mazda 626 vehicles on record

1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC124201768794 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC143201675068 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC142201795549 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14C201122511 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC123201664023 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD12D201140246 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC144201781151 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC123201658662 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14C2M1111351 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14C201120427 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC142201736069 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC126201831161 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC122201816373 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201166869 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC144201827835 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14C201134162 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGD14C201125393 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC121201693685 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC121201574223 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC146201803955 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC126201829647 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC121101694364 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC142201829406 1987 Mazda 626 1987 Mazda 626JMZGC141201571473

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 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982

1987 Mazda 626 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Mazda 626 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1987 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 1987 Mazda 626?

Across all 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, seat belts, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Mazda 626 get?

The 1987 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.