1991 Mazda 626 problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1991 Mazda 626 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1991 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.

1991 Mazda 626 at a glance

Safety recalls2

Owner complaints95

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

1991 Mazda 626 recalls 2

Structure:body:door NHTSA Campaign #93V174000 · 29/10/1993

RESIN MOLDED FRONT HANDLES FAIL AT THE DOOR LATCH ACTUATING ROD ATTACHMENT, FREEING THE ROD TO FALL INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME. SUBSEQUENT LOWERING OF THE ASSOCIATED WINDOW MAY FORCE THE ACTUATING ROD DOWNWARD AND RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:drum:drum NHTSA Campaign #93E035000 · 13/10/1993

THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Fix: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.

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.

1991 Mazda 626 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Hydraulic

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Latches/locks/linkages

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Dimensions & weight

Length

179.5 in

Width

66.5 in

Height

54.3–55.5 in

Wheelbase

101.6 in

Curb weight

2,590–2,679 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1991 Mazda 626 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING Closed

NHTSA #EA92031 · Structure · opened Sep 1992 · closed Nov 1993

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 2

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.

BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. *TT

Bulletin 0102504 · Electrical System · Jul 2004

SPEEDOMETER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

Bulletin 0902604 · Equipment · Jul 2004

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1991 Mazda 626. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

THE (Takata) ABS PLASTIC FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTONS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BREAK ALLOWING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, A NO LATCH, FALSE LATCH OR FAILURE TO UNLATCH CONDITION COULD OCCUR CREATING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP. CORRECTION: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AS N…

Transport Canada #1995085 · May 1995

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.

1991 Mazda 626 vehicles on record

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD12D201617790

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201225984

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD12D201328621

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14E201560120

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD16D201123447

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD12H201591791

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14H201606537

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14H201532505

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD146201660356

1991 Mazda 626JMZGE14F201129722

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD149201611807

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD149201614519

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14H201552761

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14E201281834

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD129201558316

1991 Mazda 626JMZGE14A201124915

1991 Mazda 626JMZGE12A201126623

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201102237

1991 Mazda 626JMZGE14J201130636

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14H201527988

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201569732

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD12D201608067

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201320719

1991 Mazda 626JMZGD14D201588644

Other Mazda 626 model years

1991 Mazda 626 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1991 Mazda 626 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1991 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 1991 Mazda 626?

Across all 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, service brakes, hydraulic.

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