Two problems related to battery have been reported for the 1997 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
In addition to smelling gas - the radio and antenna doesn't work. Now the sunroof won't close all the way. The check engine light comes on more often than not since I had the car. The key sometimes won't fit into door lock and even though the car looks brand new and has been well taken care off - it just seems to fall apart. The glove compartment lock fell apart but the biggest thing is the sunroof won't close all the way. This is my 3rd Mazda and I will never buy another one.
The transmission went out in sept. Of 2000. The car has been servised by university Mazda front brakes wearing engine light , battery and shift console problems. The car is a lemon. ( dot number: ).