Four problems related to overdrive light on have been reported for the 2002 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mazda 626 based on all problems reported for the 2002 626.
2002 Mazda 626 transmission burnout. Purchased used Mazda with 138000 miles, previous owner said he'd replaced the transmission once before. At around 160 k miles my transmission went out, I had a shop replace with rebuilt trans, but more problems resulted. 2000 dollars later, plus rental car fees and the "new" transmission is on the blink still, has been back in the shop three times. Symptoms are well documented in the internet, bucking, no power, high rpm's, flashing o/d light, spewing oil. If this car is ever drivable again I will sell and never buy Mazda again.
I own a 1992 4cyl automatic Mazda 626. In Aug 2005 - the transmission had to be replaced. I believe at the time the mileage was around 60k. I researched online and found that this was a common problem amongst Mazda 626's but Mazda was not owning up to the problem. Now, Nov 2006 - 15 months later, the car started to run rough, and then the o/d light started blinking. Again I researched online and found that a lot of repair shops and Mazda stated that the transmission was bad - also it was noted that it may also be a computer problem. How many transmissions does Mazda have to have break before they own up to the problem and issue a recall for all 626 transmission problems?.
My Mazda 626 has a failed transmission due to overheating at 82,000 miles. The o/d off light started flashing and the car would not accelerate pass 45 mi an hr. The mechanic at the Mazda dealership states it is normal wear and tear and that transmissions over heat and fail.
2002 4 cyl auto Mazda 626. Aug 2005 - transmission went out - $1800 repair (about 60k mileage) present - Nov 2006 - car runs rough, then o/d light starts blinking. Online research states either computer module problem (reporting speed to transmission) or transmission problem. The transmission problem in the 626's has been ongoing for many years - I believe back to around 1992 through 2002 (last year made). When is Mazda going to own up to this problem and issue a recall or fix the broken transmissions.