Two problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1997 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
December 2004-January 2005- 1. Car overheats constantly 2. The transmission overheated the car and caused complications with the water pump, computer 3. Replaced all items; transmission rebuilt cost to fix $3200. 00 couldn't afford to just junk the car, as I had purchased it for $5200 the summer before. So I had to fix it. Within a week of getting the car back, it blew a radiator hose.
While driving water pump busted, causing the vehicle to stall out and die without warning. Dealer has been notified.