The 1998 Mazda 626 is a midsize car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 6-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 18–23 city / 24–30 highway / 20–26 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,600–$4,100 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 342–444 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1998 Mazda 626. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break.
Risk: The broken spring may get caught in the timing belt, resulting possible engine stalling.
Vehicle description: if the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation to enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit.
Risk: If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the speaker can overheat and in some cases, catch fire.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to a programming error, the powertrain control module (PCM) installed can, under certain driving conditions, trigger a shift in air-fuel ratio to an overlean condition.
Risk: This condition can result in an engine stall, which could lead to loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash.
Owners have filed 434 complaints about the 1998 Mazda 626 with NHTSA. 12 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 15 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 102 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Mazda 626. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. Th
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and t
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1998 Mazda 626.
Speedometer inoperative
See resume for details.
‹ Sell a 1997 626 · Sell a 1999 626 › · All Mazda 626 years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1998 626s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1998 Mazda 626; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.