Three problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 1998 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I bought Mazda 626 lx 1998 and two months after transmission failed. Car started making clinging noise,slow performance and abrupt shifts, slow start ups. Took it to aamoco and they diagnosed failing transmission and charged me $2200,didn't have money so end up getting loan to pay of,plus interest. Just paid of loan and my rebuilt transmission (original one but fixed it by aamoco) is failing again,abrupt shifts,very slow starts and I actually got ticket from police. Found place to get car repaired second time for $1500. So far in 3 1/2 years transmission failed 2 and around $4300 in repairs costs and loans. Luckily I did not drive car on highway while it have transmission problems,otherwise would be in danger of accident. Car takes slow shift,around 30-40 mph makes moves like it will stall,it takes from 0-60 minutes not seconds. . . Very dangerous to operate on highway during failure.
Consumer purchased vehicle two weeks ago, and noticed that when shifting from drive to reverse there was a loud thumping noise.
626 taken to Mazda to have transmission checked for rough shifting and clunking noise. Mazda said the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. Once replaced, new transmission acted in the same manner. Mazda then decided to replace all 4 motor mounts. That did not correct the problem either. The service department then told me that rough shifting and clunking sounds are normal for the 98'626. I found that explaination very hard to believe to say the least, so I am meeting with the regional sales rep for Mazda in an effort to have the problem rectified.