1997 Mazda 626 transmission gave up at around 85,000 miles. The O/D light blinks at speeds of 60+ mph and the car sometimes completely lose power making it a dangerous ride.

- Corona, CA, USA

This complaint is regards to the automatic transmission (ATX) on my 1997 Mazda 626, 2.0L I4. The transmission is manufactured by Ford, model cd4E. Despite faithfully changing the fluid at recommended intervals, the transmission completely died and needed replacement at 105,000 miles. This transmission was forced on Mazda by Ford in all post 1993 4 cylinder models, and suffers major problems with heat and metal particles due to inadequate cooling and filtration systems. The filter is internal to the transmission and inaccessible (cannot be changed) requiring the fluid to be flushed. It is also woefully under cooled, with a simple pass through the engine radiator, and no external cooler. Models subsequent to 1999 has external coolers installed, so it seems that Mazda/Ford are acknowledging this problem. The following link is very illustrative of the shortcomings of this vehicle: homepage.ntlworld.com/dorothy.bradbury/probemx/index.htm.

- Katy, TX, USA

I have some problem about my car. Mazda 626 1997 automatic. Like everyone else, the transmission went down at 95,822 miles. I've found out that that problem happens to every 626 Mazda. They [Mazda] have to do something about this.I'm just only student from thailand. I don't have that much money to fix it.{2000-3000$}. my car is not worth that much. Please help me tell them {Mazda} to do something.

- La Mase, CA, USA

Transmission failure. The od light started blinking and when I stopped the car, it would not shift into drive. I let the car sit a few minutes and tried again. It seemed to go but took a lot more engine power to make the car drive. The next day the car started to pop out of gear while driving and would not go back into gear. Stopped the car and had it towed to a transmission shop who stated that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. 130000 miles on the car.

- Hartford, WI, USA

While driving at 40 to 50 mph transmission jerked violently. When the vehicle changed gears very hard and with a thump. Vehicle was diagnosed as transmission failure. Consumer replaced the transmission once, but problem recurred.

- Hermanville, MS, USA

Catastrophic transmission failure on my 1997 Mazda 626 4 cylinder automatic.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

Mazda 626 '97, transmission failure.

- Saratoga Springs, UT, USA

1997 Mazda 626 - auto transmission failed 3 times. Cost to repair - $2300. Not fixed yet.

- Chicopee, MA, USA

While driving at any speed the over drive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the transmission needed to be replaced due to worn parts. However, the problem still occurs at this time. Please provide any additional information.

- Hermanville, MS, USA

1997 Mazda 626 "O/D off" flashing; needs new transmission ridiculous expensive and so many people have this same problem with the 626- unfortunately I didn't find this out until too late. Mazda needs to recall this and pay for a new transmission!

- Leetonia, OH, USA

My 97 Mazda 626lx automatic has 59K miles, the transmission started slipping yesterday, and the RPM's rev up to 5000 or 6000 on normal acceleration. The O/D light is flashing, and at a steady speed of 55 mph, the rpms stay at 5000. It is having a hard time shifting from 1st to 2nd - by the time I'm at 25 mph, the RPM's are at 6000. I took it in, and bottom line, I need a new transmission - at $2,900. I looked online, and found dozens, maybe hundreds of similar complaints about the 97 Mazda 626. 59K miles is awfully low to need a new transmission. I have kept excellent upkeep and maintenance on this vehicle.

- Eugene, OR, USA

I bought a 1997 Mazda 626 and has been having nothing but problems out of it!! my O/D (over drive) light blinks constantly non stop and the transmission jerks real hard when changing gears. Today the transmission went out all the way! its obvious that Mazda knows about this problme because when I took it to the dealership he didn't even look at my car, I told him the problem I was having and he said you need a transmission because all Mazda do that. Well I have only had the car for a couple of months, so why is all the transmissions going bad in them? I receive no answer from the dealership, and now iam about to be all a bunch of money to fix this problem, money I don't have! and hard to get while you have no way back and forth to work to even get the money! well I really think Mazda needs to recall the transmission for their cars. The O/D light blinked for about 2 weeks everytime I took to a tranmission place it stopped blinking like a ghost! well its going to cost me 2,600 to fix it so Mazda needs to pay at least half of it considering I haven't even had the car long and the owner before me told me he just had to replace the radiator and timing belt. I had a 87 Camry and it ran good for over 3 years never having to replace a transmission or motor! I will never buy another Mazda ever! they need to have immediate attention to this matter and at least contact there consumers and let them know they are concerned about this.

- Memphis, TN, USA

On Tuesday April 27, 2004 the transmission on my 1997 Mazda 626 LX went out while I was traveling from nashville, tn to gatlinburg, tn. The vehicle only has 73,500 miles and other than the now nonfunctional automatic transmission, the car is in excellent shape. I have contacted the dealership, nelson Mazda antioch, tn as well as the Mazda corporation. Basically, all I have gotten is sorry, no warranty, no help. It is now going to cost about $2700. To get a replacement. I have seen numerous complaints on this site as well as others in regards to this problem. I feel that this transmission needs to be recalled!!!

- Antioch, TN, USA

Transmission failure at 78,000 miles. Rebuilt installed under extended warranty. Failed again at 90,000 miles. Will not go into reverse unless I speed up engine. Mazda needs to 'fess up to this problem. I tell everybody I know and I know a lot of people. I have a 1987 chev celebrity wagon 130,000 miles and original transmission, shifts like the day I bought it! Mazda please see what GM is doing right.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

Bought '97 Mazda 626 LX used with only 67000 miles on it. Soon the "O/D off" lamp keeps blinking and it changes gear roughly. It is said the transmission will fail soon and will do no good even if you change the tranny with $$$$. it is really astounding to find so many pepole have the same problem in just one forum: www.cartrackers.com/forums/live/yourlemon/189.html many people had even worse experiences than mine. I am wondering what this model is if it is not a lemon? hope you take necessary measure before it killing people by suddenly broken down in the interstate. (if no one has been killed yet).

- Memphis, TN, USA

There is a fault with the 1997 Mazda's 626 transmission that the company is aware about. Per phone conversation with transmission repair shop specialist they found a problem with the transmissiom and are only fixing problem if repairs to the transmission are needed. Could cause potential hazard to drivers of 97 Mazda 626 owners if transmission breaks in drive while traveling.

- Bay City, MI, USA

1997 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 automatic transmission is slipping. The car hesitates excelerating at different speeds, mostly around 40 to 60 mph. I am now at 82500 miles and have found numerous posts on the internet about transmission issues. Along with this my check engine light has been on for the last 3 yrs with not one Mazda dealership or mechanic being able to keep it off for longer than 30 miles. I have replaced timing belt tensioners, mass air flows, O2 sensors, fuel filters PCV valve, and numerous more. I guess the problems never end and I am tired of it being "my" problems and not Mazda's!

- The Colony, TX, USA

While driving 35 mph transmission down shifted on its own. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed replacing.

- Olympia, WA, USA

Our 1997 Mazda 626, 76,000 miles suffered transmission failure. Repair shop has indicated a replacement cost of $2500. I feel this is an equipment failure that ought to be reimbursed by Mazda.

- Hartford, KS, USA

Transmission rebuilt 1 year ago, and has been into the shop to be fixed 6 times since that. The overdrive light flashes on and off, which means there is still more trouble with the transmission.

- Cleveland, TN, USA