Transmission failure on 2000 Mazda 626 -- 6 cyl. Automobile serviced regularly. Repairs costing small fortune. Common problem among 626's. expecting to have to go through this again at some point.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Transmission failure. Was on my way home and the car just stop at an intersection and would not shift into gear. The only operable gear was reverse. I was lucky, no accidents. Towed car to a mechanic, the transmission is completely gone. Mazda charges $2500 for a new one, when they are aware of their transmission problems.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Shifter cable locked up back August of 2003. Was unable to put car in reverse or drive. Had car towed to pearson Mazda richmond, va was told that it was a malfunction with the remote keyless entry and that they could not duplicate shifter problem. Now of 6/3/05 shifter cable breaks off. Now car hesitates when in reverse and drive. Took care back to dealer to be told that a new transmission is needed on a 5 1/2 year old car. Mazda will not help with any financial assistance. We are to foot the entire bill of just over $3000. This is not acceptable.

- Richmond, VA, USA

Approximately 1 year ago I F have purchased a used Mazda 626 with a total mileage of under 68000 miles. Before I made the purchased of the vehicle I made a background check of the vehicle and its history was fine. 6 months after the purchase I ran over curve and it gave the car a small jolt, moments after the incident my transmission was acting funny. Just before I could make it to my mechanic my transmission failed. Later I find out that the jolt caused a spragg to pop off in the transmission virtually destroying every thing inside which caused me to have the transmission rebuilt. 4 months later my transmission fails again for some odd reason now I have to get my transmission rebuilt again.

- Warsaw, NC, USA

Transmission problems on a 2000 Mazda 626

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

Faulty/defective transmissions are being used in Mazda vehicles well after the issue was known about by the manufacturer. There are literally hundreds, of not thousands of individuals and companies who have had their transmissions go out... many with well under 60K miles. And, many have been through several transmissions before 100K miles. All of the problem vehicles share the same symptoms: Od light flashing off and on, and transmission slipping in and out of gear, as the transmission burns up, literally from poor design and implementation which doesn't allow for proper air flow and cooling. This problem is widely acknowledged by the manufacturer, car owners, dealers, service centers, and other automotive professionals. Proof of this fact was a notice sent out to dealers that there is a cooling kit "available" for this transmission that should aid in keeping the transmission cool. However, this is not a free addition! Mazda is actually charging customers to add a fix to their design flaw! I feel this problem is not only a fraudulence issue, but is also a safety issue. People could (may have already) be severely injured, or killed, by having their transmission go out as they attempt to enter high traffic, high-speed areas, such as a freeway. Personally, I expect to receive the difference between what I could have sold my car for, and what I actualy had to sell it for due to this known defect. I also expect to see Mazda make good on this problem with current and previous owners, as well as correcting this issue once and for all, to ensure that this problem doesn't continue. Thanks, david williams

- Tomball, TX, USA

My 2000 Mazda 626 transmission failed with 60000 miles on it. I had it in spec with vehichle maintenance of the transmission. I am still currently making payments with about 3500 to go and the Mazda dealership said to replace the tranny it will cost 3074.

- Riviera Beach, FL, USA

The gears are slipping, making it impossible to accelerate due to transmission failure. The entire transmission has to be rebuilt. This was a common failure with these vehicles.

- Austin, TX, USA

Car all of a sudden quit accelerating in the drive gear. I previously posted a complaint regarding a symtom of transmission failure but, it now failed. Car was taken to local shop where it was diagnosed with transmission failure a $2500 cost. I have done extensive reasearch on the transmission model and come to find out that it is a Ford transmission model# cd4E which is notourious for failing. This transmision is not only in Mazda models but Ford cars as well. The years vary from approx 1994 to 2002, please don't only consider the amount of complaints for this year and model of car, but do put into consideration the various cars this transmission was installed into. This type of transmission has been a failure since it was manufactured, if you were to invistigate all cars with this type of transmission you would come to conclude that a massive recall should be done for the safety of us drivers. I'm fortunate that I made it to work and that the transmission didn't fail while driving on the freeway on my way to work.

- Fresno, CA, USA

When automatic gear is placed in reverse, gear hesitates for a few seconds before the car actually begins to move.. at 98000 I had to replace catalytic converter at selma Mazda in selma, ca..

- Fresno, CA, USA

I have a 2000 Mazda 626 LX. I was accelerating onto freeway and suddenly lost all power. I was able to quickly take next exit and was not in a collision. I had vehicle towed to repair shop and was told that a complete rebuild of the automatic transmission was necessary. The mechanic stated that the cause of failure appeared to be a loss of pressure within the transmission and subsequent damage occured. He also stated that there was a known cooling problem with this model transmission. The total cost of repair was $2500. Judging from other complaints I reviewed there seems to be a history of failure in these vehicles. The vehicle had 75000 miles at the time of failure.

- Durham, NC, USA

I own a Mazda 626, 2000 with 65,000 miles. The vehicle has recently run into over $3700 worth of repairs to the transmission, engine mount and axles. The transmission, with a $2700 bill had to be rebuilt with a number of new parts. According to the mechanic, this is a common problem with this type of vehicle, which as a Ford transmission and many other Ford parts. I am shocked to learn that with so many transmission and other complaints, the vehicle parts have not been recalled. I am in the process of talking to other Mazda 636 owners to ensure they report similar problems with their vehicles. Ford needs to take responsibility for these substandard parts.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

I'm a victim to a bad transmission. I have a Mazda 626 LX year 2000. It is has around 63500 miles and I just found out today that my car need a new transmission. I bought this car brand new from the Mazda dealer. My warranty has expired. I was told that I have to buy a new transmission which is going to cost me $2900. As you know that 63500 is not a lot of miles. What should I do?. if you have any information that can help, please email me at marn786@nyc.rr.com

- Rego Park, NY, USA

We just had to replace the trasmission on are 2000 Mazda 626 we were told that Mazda built a very poor transmission, and to file a complaint.

- Spanish Fork, UT, USA

My Mazda 626 LX currently has 49,000 miles and needs a new transmission. I have read numerous complaints via the internet from other drivers experiencing the same problem!!! can this be looked into by the NHTSA for a potential recall"?"please let me know - your help is greatly appreciated.

- Kennewick, WA, USA

While driving at any speed automatic transmission doesn't shift properly from the first to the second gear. Takes longer to release from one gear to another. Dealership was notified.

- Richmond, VA, USA

Transmission shifts very hard from 1st to 2nd gear when cold or at slow speeds. Have taken vehicle to dealer numerous times for this problem but have been told that it is normal or no problem found. Continued to drive the vehicle thinking that there was nothing wrong and I noticed that it would shift hard into 1st and then from 1st to 2nd. After continuous driving (1 hr) at 65 mph the O/D light started flashing and the engine was smoking. Took it in for repairs again was told they could find nothing. I then searched on the net and came noticed that several people have been complaining about the 626's transmission problems. Someone please help us!!!!

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

Took my 2000 Mazda 626 to mike mcgrath's in cedar rapids, ia while under warranty because of problems with the transmission. Was a delay in shifting and shifting hard. Service drove the car and I was told there was nothing wrong with the car. Problem continued and when I took the car in after it was off of warranty, was told by mcgrath's that the car needed a new transmission. Mcgrath's was aware that 2000 Mazda 626's had transmission problems the first time I took the car in but neglected to inform me. Appears that Mazda uses a Ford transmission but does not install a coolant as Ford does with their vehicle transmissions. Although Mazda covered cost of parts, I was responsible for the labor costs of $600. Mcgrath's should have alerted me to the fact that there were transmission problems the first time I brought the car in and Mazda should have issued a recall on this defective vehicle. I have driven Mazda's for 19 years but I am finished with them. The quality now is extremely lacking.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

Since owning my mazda626 I have a problem with my engine light coming on and off I am assuming its a electrical problem. I was reading a article own the net saying that mazada is infamous for having transmission problems with there cars and that no one has bothered to recall these vehicles. That is unbelievable to me, I have a 2000,626 and I have to many problems for the year of car it is please help. I am requesting that the Mazda 626 be recalled to check and maintenance its transmission problems seeing that everyone knows its a problem now why should the consumer be held responsible? shouldn't Mazda be held accountable. I have had barings replaced and my car is only 4yrs. Old. The radio/cd player replaced, and now the engine light. Please help.

- Richmond , VA, USA

While driving the overdrive light flashed on the dashboard, and vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. Consumer noticed smoke coming from the hood. Consumer was able to pull over, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

- Ankeny, IA, USA