The Lemon Index
2002Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 329 in the U.S. in 2003 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 6 complaints in its first 3 years.
Better years to buy
6 owner complaints, first 3 years — combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Honda Insight2003 Hyundai Tiburon 5372003 Nissan 350Z 462
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Mazda sent dealers 22 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mazda's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 6 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
Consumer noticed while traveling vehicle would sway to right. Vehicle was serviced, technician alleged vehicle's problem would return.
2003 Mazda 626 owner · NHTSA complaint 10040475
More owner reports
The engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled.
NHTSA complaint 10011162
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 22 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mazda 626 year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2003 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda-626/?y=2003" title="Mazda 626 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="261" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mazda-626/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Mazda 626 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Mazda 626 reliable?
We can't score it: only 329 were sold in the U.S. in 2003 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2003 Mazda 626 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (17%), suspension (17%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda 626 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
Does the 2003 Mazda 626 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
What Mazda 626 year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2000 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about average).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works