One problem related to transmission sensor has been reported for the 2001 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Mazda 626 based on all problems reported for the 2001 626.
I have a 2001 Mazda 626 that had a transmission failure at less than 60k miles. My problems began when I started noticing a jerking motion when I accelerated out of a full stop. Then, the transmission would sometimes delay engaging in reverse or drive. I had multiple mechanics look at the car, all of whom recommended a replacement transmission. I spoke with even more mechanics about the situation, including three at Mazda dealerships, and all fully and openly acknowledged widespread problems with Mazda transmissions. One service manager at a Mazda dealership recommended I get rid of the car altogether. Another independent mechanic, a transmission specialist, refused to work on Mazdas at all. To add insult to injury, Mazda is also charging exorbitant prices for replacement transmissions (perhaps because they're in such demand?): just under $3000 for the part itself, not to mention labor. I paid over $3700 for the transmission to be replaced at a Mazda dealership. Even then, I had to return the car twice to the mechanic because the transmission wasn't engaging properly when I shifted gears from park to drive, for example. Finally, the dealership determined that the transmission range sensor on my brand-new transmission needed to be replaced. I strongly urge NHTSA to take action to begin a recall of Mazda transmissions. On this site, the 2001 Mazda 626 has 10 times the transmission complaints than 2001 Honda and nearly 12 times more than the 2001 camry.