The transmission went out suddenly at approximately 62,800 miles. When I limped it into the dealership immediately after this occurred I was told it needed to be tested to see if the problem was internal to the transmission or not. Unfortunately, per their test, it was and now they want $3200 to replace it with a new one. My understanding from doing research (unfortunately well after I bought this car) is that this is a problem common to Mazda, especially the 626's I would like to know if this problem is as prevalent as it appears to be why there has not been a recall as the problem appears to be related to the Mazda transmission design.

- Livonia, MI, USA

The transmission on this vehicle just quit. It has always had problems from day one. The dealers would say it was normal for it to clank, shift erratically, and sometimes engine revved between shifts. Now it has quit working completely. How long will it take for the people at NHTSA to start saving people. After all it is your moto. Mazda/Ford should be forced to reimburse the $2000 repair costs each time.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Transmission failure and replacement at 72,000 miles.

- Dublin, CA, USA

While driving my 98 Mazda 626, I noticed slippage of gears (in the transmission). I would step on my accelerator, and nothing would happen. I spoke with Mazda, and was told that since my mileage is approximately 100,000, this is not under warranty. I replaced the transmission, at another ase-certified facility, for $3018. The mechanic advised me that this problem was "typical" with the 98 Mazda's. apparently, Mazda had a joint-Venture with Ford. The transmission used for the 98 Mazda 626 was the same transmission used on the Ford probe. (funny, you don't see any of those around now). I was given a 12-month, 12,000 mile warranty. It is one year later, and again the transmission is inoperable. Due to the numerous other complaints of Mazda transmissions, I asked the Mazda dealer if the transmission is under recall. The Mazda dealership stated that the transmission is not under recall. I find it appauling that a business can not stand in good faith with its product, especially, if numerous discrepancies are noted for the record. How many other Mazda owners are having this problem, but are not filing complaints? I believe many. If you own a Mazda and have a problem, especially with the transmission, please file a complaint. I am in the insurance industry, and have my property and casualty license. When I consult friends, neighbors and relatives about automobiles, I urge them, no I beg them, not to ever purchase a Mazda, because they do not stand by their name.

- Plainfield, IL, USA

My transmission goes out when I reach the speed of 60, iit has been taken to the shop four times within 3 months.

- Memphis, TN, USA

The automatic transmission went out in October 2001. I replaced the transmission. The transmission went out again in December 2002. I have not replaced the transmission because I feel that the car is just a lemon.

- University, MS, USA

The vehicle hesitated to accelerate, and was told that the problem was the transmission. Scc

- Sumter, SC, USA

The transmission on my Mazda 626 1998 ES (V6) is extremely defective. I'm now on my third transmission and have spent close to 1/2 the value of the car itself. Both transmission faulted to the point where I could not go in reverse. In addition, my gears stick to the point where it makes the car jerk.

- Plattsburgh, NY, USA

Consumer stated the transmission failed.

- Bridgeton, MO, USA

The transmission blew away at 90K miles inspite of religious take care of car ( Mazda 626 ).

- Toledo, OH, USA

While driving the vehicles transmission suddenly failed resulting in smoke coming out of the front of the vehicle, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the repairs and rental car expense. Nlm

- Henderson, NV, USA

Early transmissinon failure

- Forest Lake, MN, USA

While driving at 35 mph vehicle started hesitating to accelerate. Consumer had vehicle towed to dealership, who indicated that the automatic transmission had failed.

- Sumter, SC, USA

Transmission (drum) failed after normal use at 100K miles. Regular maintenance was strictly kept on the fluid a $2000 repair bill. Noticeably, there were 3 other Mazda's (626 and protege's) there with similar problems. The mechanic stated that Mazda does not even issue the same drum anymore. They have moved to a different design to replace these commonly malfunctioning parts. In my eyes, this amounts to an admission from Mazda that their product is faulty.

- Austin, TX, USA

I've been having a lot of maintenance problems with this car.

- Glendale, CA, USA

I had to have the transmission replaced at 34,600 miles of normal city driving. The warranty was for 3 years/36,000 miles. (I was about 6.5 months past warranty timewise) the mechanics who replaced it said that the front pump was scored, and that metal bits from it came out from the torque converter and lodged in the pressure valve, which was stuck. Also, the chain was stretched.

- Columbus, OH, USA

While driving 25 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Then vehicle would not accelerate. Please provide additional information.

- Slidell, LA, USA

The factory installed transmission failed in May 2002 at 85000 miles. The replacement (used) with 46000 miles failed 45 days later. Upon contact with service repairers I was informed that the vehicle has a high transmission failure rate.

- Snellville, GA, USA

Automatic transmission had completely failed at 15,000 miles. Was replaced by Mazda. Failed again at 53,800 miles/3 years.

- Urbandale, IA, USA

While driving at any speed and with no warning, the vehicle will shut off, causing consumer to pull over. It will become hard to get the vehicle restarted. Dealer notified. The consumer states at normal highway speeds, there was transmission trouble (slipping into gears) overdrive light turned on and off. The result was the transmission burned and had to be replaced. The cause was linked to the computer.

- Nogales, AZ, USA