Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 1996 Mazda 626

The contact owns a 1996 Mazda 626. The contact stated that while reversing from a driveway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

I am having problems with my automatic transmission in my Mazda 626 lx 1996 model. I bought this used car on Jan 2006 and it started to give problems by showing o/d lights off. Then check sign popped up and I fixed that one. Again popped up and found torque converter failure. I took it to transmission shop and they quoted $1700 to change the transmission. In online, I read many complaints about transmission and it advised to use this site to file a complaint against Mazda company. Many people had the same problem like me and this raises safety aspect of this vehicle, which is a manufacturing defect. Though I haven't invested any money now to change transmission but I am seeking whether Mazda company is providing any alternative change or offer to their customer related to transmission.

I brought my 1996 Mazda 626 into hoehn Mazda of carlsbad, CA for a specific code (p0441-evap emissions control-incorrect purge flow). The dealership mechanic pulled a code of p0741- slipping torque converter. They said I would need a transmission replacement (which would be the third or fourth for this vehicle). I stated that may be a problem since the overdrive light had been blinking and also stated that there was a service bulletin on these particular transmissions. Soon after I checked my car's VIN number on carfax and noticed a note placed by Mazda that this car had no recalls on it. Hoehn Mazda told me that this was a good thing as it meant that my particular type car was ok. I interpreted it to mean that this was a warning to dealerships not to do any "free work" on my Mazda. These Ford transmissions (cd4e) really do need a recall. I believe the fix is a better pump (sonnax) and have seen many, many complaints regarding this particular transmission over the years. I just want to add my own complaint and dissatisfaction with this particular dealerships treatment of a customer. They never diagnosed the original p0441 complaint and charged me $88 for the advice on replacing my transmission. How was this transmission treated? fluid change annually or even more often; driven extremely gently, and failed like clockwork.

Everytime I drive the overdrive light comes on and while driving it hesitste on freeyway I check to the mechenic he say its transmission problem and it is the problem with mazada 626 and never been corrected and they didnt buil t it correctly so I think mazada should bring them back.

1996 Mazda 2. 0 626 lx. Overdrive flashes from 4th to 3rd. Multiple attempts to fix/find problem to no satisfaction. Mazda dealer advised new transmission needed-sight unseen. Seems to be a more than prevelant situation.

My 1996 Mazda 626 had been experiencing trouble shifting and the o/d off light kept flashing so I took it in to the dealership. I was told that the transmission was about to go. I found this really strange since the car only has 81k miles on it and I thought Mazda was supposed to be really reliable. . Read more...

'96 Mazda 626 (bought new) . Transmission failed at 83,000+/_ mi. Initially took car to a dealer for oil leak (replaced oil pressure switch). They brought car to me, it started & died repeatedly. The speedometer needle jumped all around the dial and odometer would spin, adding mileage. Service writer said the service tech. Noticed the problem when working on it/they could check it out for additional $75 fee. I told her I hadn't had that problem before. She said they didn't repair anything in the area of transmission or speedometer that they might have damaged to cause this. I spoke to the tech. & he had no idea what the problem might be. He opened the hood and checked something as I talked to the service writer and started the car and it ran okay. While driving home, speedometer needle intermittently did the same thing, adding extra mileage, but drove ok. On another day, after driving approx. 15 - 25 mi. & return home, car won't run after stop and restart try. Turned the ignition/speedometer needle jumped all around the dial/the odometer spun/added mileage/car not moving. It starts and dies repeatedly. After sitting a few hours, it starts & drives ok. Drove to another dealer; they say problem won't manifest while they had it. Report: moisture in sensor contacts/dried them & car ok. Drove car home. The next time that I drove the car; same thing happened. Towed it back to the dealer. Their report report: transmission shot/torque converter falling apart & that caused all the problems. $2,900 for madza re-built trans. While researching this, I find that madza 626 (& other models) is notorious for transmission failures. I feel madza is aware of inferior and apparently defective transmissions in their cars. It seems that their replacement transmissions develop same or additional problems and have to be replaced repeatedly. Madza should recall and repair/replace them.

Check engine light came on - dealer says that if car is running okay that no service needed?????? finally get it checked out and turns out that cat converter is going bad. Barely get that repaired under warranty limit. Same day, driving home from dealer, engine light comes back on. Bring it back to dealer, they say air flow meter is also bad and needs to be replaced, but not covered under warranty. At least engine light stays off now. Then, at only 78k, o/d light starts blinking along with check engine light. Shop says that it's transmission (torque converter). Why are so many of these units failing so early? only 78k on car, more than half of them are from pure hwy trips of 45 miles?????? why isn't Mazda doing anything for consumers about this?.