1998 MAZDA PROTEGE

2 recalls — 53 complaints

15V674000 Oct 19, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Defect Description
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 co... Read more
Consequence
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
1,368,500 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

Complaint Statistics

53 total complaints 11 crashes 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE5
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY3
TIRES2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2
AIR BAGS Oct 17, 2021
Incident date: Oct 7, 2015
Straight-on, front-end collision occurred, that destroyed radiator and folded hood. Air bag did not deploy.
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 7, 2017
Incident date: May 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION SWITCH ALONG WITH THE KEYS BECAME HOT TO THE TOUCH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ORDERED UNKNOWN... Read more
STEERING Nov 18, 2008
Incident date: Jul 15, 2008
WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION STEERING PRODUCES A GRINDING NOISE. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAS MALFUNCTIONED. MIDAS ASKING FOR $1400 AND SAYS THIS IS COMMON MAZDA PROTEGE 1998 PROBLEM. I FOUND SIMILAR ALREADY EXISTING COMPLAINT BY SOMEONE ELSE (REFERENCE NUMBER: 10083656). *TR
TIRES Jun 4, 2008
Incident date: May 31, 2008
I WAS DRIVING ALONE MY 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE ALONG A LOCAL ROUTE IN TEWKSBURY MA IN LIGHT RAIN AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH WHEN A CAR A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME MADE A QUICK STOP FOR A LEFT TURN. SEVERAL CAR BEHIND STOPPED WITHOUT PROBLEM, BUT I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND SKID ALL THE WAY INTO THE CAR AT FRONT WHICH ... Read more
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 17, 2005
Incident date: Feb 17, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN VEHICLE WITH ONLY 65,800 MILES. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Feb 11, 2005
Incident date: May 31, 2002
VEHICLE FAILED EMISSIONS INSPECTION DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE AND MID-PIPE. DEALER REPLACED BOTH AT MY EXPENSE. *JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Nov 23, 2004
Incident date: Nov 22, 2003
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE LOOSE AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK IN TO NORMAL POSITION. *JB
POWER TRAIN Oct 26, 2004
Incident date: Oct 1, 2004
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *BF THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS 4TH TRANSMISSION. *TC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 28, 2004
Incident date: Jul 1, 2004
NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 1999 MAZDA PROTEGE LX.*MR DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT MAZDA BECAUSE THEY WERE PRIMARILY A HONDA DEALER. THE VE... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 28, 2004
Incident date: Feb 25, 2004
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS FOR NO REASON. INTERMITTENT TIMES CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT TO LOWER GEAR WHEN FOOT REMOVED FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHETHER ON STREETS OR FREEWAY. CAR IS RENDERD UNUSABLE BY WIFE.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 5, 2004
Incident date: Sep 26, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, AN OBJECT APPEARED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER RAN OVER THE OBJECT WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BUMBER AND UNDER THE VEHICLE. *LA *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Apr 29, 2003
Incident date: Jan 1, 2003
THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACKED WHICH GREATLY REDUCED THE ENGINES PERFORMANCE AND POWER. *NLM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Apr 3, 2003
Incident date: Nov 1, 1999
THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP INTO A LOWER GEAR, AN THE ENGINE ACTED AS THOUGH IT WOULD STALL AND THEN BUCKED ERRATICALLY. *TS *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Mar 6, 2003
Incident date: Feb 5, 2003
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK IN 1998 MAZADA PROTEGE. RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A BURNING SMELL IN THE CABIN. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT IT IS DUE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK AND TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 95-98 PROTEGE. HE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE IN THE BULLETIN. I TOOK HIS SUGGESTION AND CALLED THE... Read more
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE Dec 24, 2002
Incident date: Dec 23, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH , VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BY A MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE HEATING CORE HAD RUSTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Nov 5, 2002
THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH. WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH, THE IDLE DROPS TO 0 AND THE CAR SHAKES BEFORE RETURNING TO IT'S NORMAL IDLE SPEED, APPROX. 500 RPM, OR IT JUST STALLS. THIS HAS CAUSED HARROWING MOMENTS WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON EXIT RAMPS AND ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR Jul 19, 2002
Incident date: Jul 1, 2002
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED BACK IN 09/01. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE REPLACED FOR FREE! I LEFT PAYING $66.11 TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE A PORTION OF THE AC UNIT ON 05/23/02. ONE MONTH LATER APPROXIMATELY 6/25/02 I THEN HEARD A LOUD EXHUST NOISE. I HAD THE V... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Jun 11, 2002
Incident date: Jun 10, 2002
COVERINGS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE KEY LOCKS THAT PREVENT MOISTURE FROM ENTERING THE LOCK WERE MADE FROM PLASTIC. THIS PLASTIC BECOMES BRITTLE AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF EXPOSURE AND USE AND CAN BREAK. WHEN THE PART BREAKS, PIECES FROM THE BROKEN COVER CAN EASILY BE LODGED IN THE LOCK RENDERING TH... Read more
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY May 14, 2002
Incident date: Jan 1, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, IT WOULD REV HIGH AND NOT SHIFT BACK DOWN WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS, CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE GAS TO GET IT TO COME BACK DOWN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAID A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE WARRANTY HA... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Apr 9, 2002
Incident date: Jun 14, 2001
CAR WILL THRUST FORWARD, JERKING CAR & PASSENGERS - MANUFACTURER SAYS DETECTED IN 1996-1998 MODELS AS NORMAL.*AK
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Mar 7, 2002
Incident date: Jan 1, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, IT WOULD REV HIGH AND NOT SHIFT BACK DOWN WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS, CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE GAS TO GET IT TO COME BACK DOWN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAID A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE WARRANTY HA... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Jan 24, 2002
Incident date: Dec 1, 2000
CALIPER AND ROTOR FAILED WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES, DEALER SAID IT IS TYPICAL AND SAID THE PARTS USED ARE POOR. OTHER VEHICLES I OWNED EXERIENCED THIS TYPE OF FAILURE MUCH LATER IN VEHICLE LIFE (75,000 MI +). *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Nov 6, 2001
Incident date: Oct 1, 2001
CALLED MAZDA DEALER IN REGARDS TO CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I HAVE CALLED 25 DIFFERENT SALVAGE YARDS IN GEORGIA AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A HOT ITEM RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I CAN'T GET ONE. TO BUY ONE FROM THE DEALE... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Mar 23, 2001
Incident date: Sep 25, 1998
RE:MANIFOLD. A CRACK BEGINS FROM THE ENGINE SIDE.DEALER STATED THE FIRST IT HAPPENED A STONE MUST HAVE COME UP & HIT IT. THIS IS AN IMPOSIBILITY. NOW AFTER REPLACING IT IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN.CRACK IS IN THE SAME PLACE.BEGINNING FROM THE ENGINE SIDE. EVERY TIME THIS OCCURS, EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE PA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Mar 23, 2001
Incident date: Sep 25, 1998
RE:MANIFOLD. A CRACK BEGINS FROM THE ENGINE SIDE.DEALER STATED THE FIRST IT HAPPENED A STONE MUST HAVE COME UP & HIT IT. THIS IS AN IMPOSIBILITY. NOW AFTER REPLACING IT IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN.CRACK IS IN THE SAME PLACE.BEGINNING FROM THE ENGINE SIDE. EVERY TIME THIS OCCURS, EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE PA... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 13, 2001
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN IT HAS SET FOR LONG PERIODS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Jan 18, 2001
Incident date: Dec 1, 2000
PART WARRANTY 80,000, I LIVE 75 MILES FROM NEAREST DEALER. DEALER QUOTED 900.00 TO REPLACE PART AND REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS 1,000 MILES OVER BY TIME VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOP. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, MAZDA AMERICA AND THEY ENTERTAINED IDEA OF FIXING UNDER WARRANTY THEN CHANGED MIND B... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Nov 6, 2000
Incident date: Jan 12, 2000
CONSUMER HAD A REAR COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. *AK THE SEAT BELT FAILED DURING THE COLLISION *YH
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 6, 2000
Incident date: Jan 12, 2000
CONSUMER HAD A REAR COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. *AK THE SEAT BELT FAILED DURING THE COLLISION *YH
Crash 2 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Aug 22, 2000
VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN BRIDGESTONE TIRE SIZE P18565R/14, AND WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL FOR A MOMENT. BRIDGESTONE WAS CONTACTED.*AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Jul 3, 2000
Incident date: Jun 26, 2000
CONSUMER HAD STATE INSPECTION DONE. THEY FOUND THAT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED.VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER, AND EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS TO BE HONORED. DEALER FOUND NO STRESS TO THE AREA & DIDN'T KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED. DEALER CONTACTED CONSUMER STATING THAT BECAUSE NO STRESS WAS... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: Oct 1, 1998
AFTER MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ONCE TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, I CONTINUE TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EXTREMELY SOFT BRAKES. THIS IS MOST PROBLEMATIC WHEN IT RAINS. I'VE HAD THE DEALERSHIP "TIGHTEN" THEM AND REPLACE PADS THREE TIMES, BUT WITHIN A COUPLE OF
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Feb 24, 2000
THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T RESULT IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVE IS THAT MY CAR IS MAKING A VERY BAD KNOCKING NOISE EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BY TO DENNIS EAKIN MAZDA ABOUT TWO WEEK AFTER I PURCHASE IT.... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Feb 8, 2000
PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT IS STUCK, WILL NOT RETRACT OUT, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW PASSENGER TO PUT IT ON, RESULTING IN LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Jan 24, 2000
Incident date: Nov 9, 1998
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE PLASTIC DOOR LOCK COVERS BROKE, CONSUMER HAD THEM REPLACED WITH METAL ONES TO PREVENT FUTURE BREAKAGE. NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 4, 1999
Incident date: Apr 12, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE TRANSMISSION IS JUMPING AND SHIFTING VERY HARD, AND THERE IS SOME KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD. MANUFACTURER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Oct 4, 1999
Incident date: Apr 12, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE TRANSMISSION IS JUMPING AND SHIFTING VERY HARD, AND THERE IS SOME KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD. MANUFACTURER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Sep 21, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1998
TAPE DECK IS NOT WORKING. YH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Sep 13, 1999
Incident date: Sep 5, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 55MPH CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THEN WAS HIT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO THE BACK OF A EIGHTEEN WHEELER, AND NIETHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Oct 23, 1998
BRAKE PADS FAILED. *YC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Jul 7, 1999
Incident date: Jun 9, 1999
MASTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING NO BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. PREVIOUSLY, THE BRAKE PADS BEEN CHANGED. DEALER DETERMINED THAT MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Jul 7, 1999
Incident date: Jun 9, 1999
MASTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING NO BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. PREVIOUSLY, THE BRAKE PADS BEEN CHANGED. DEALER DETERMINED THAT MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION May 24, 1999
Incident date: Jan 5, 1999
I HAVE RETURNED MY CAR FOR REPAIRS A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES SINCE NEW PURCHASE IN JULY 1998. THE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE CAR STILL HAS AN EGG SMELL. IT ALSO HESITATES WHEN SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. I FILED A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT IN MAY 1999. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR May 24, 1999
Incident date: Jan 5, 1999
I HAVE RETURNED MY CAR FOR REPAIRS A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES SINCE NEW PURCHASE IN JULY 1998. THE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE CAR STILL HAS AN EGG SMELL. IT ALSO HESITATES WHEN SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. I FILED A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT IN MAY 1999. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION May 7, 1999
Incident date: Dec 2, 1998
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT COMPLETELY FAILED, CAR IS STILL BEING DRIVEN DUE TO FACT THAT DEALER IS 90 MILES AWAY. PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IS STILL COLD. WHEN VEHICLE IS SLOWED FOR AN INTERSECTION OR STOP SIGN, IF YOU DON'T COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A VERY HARD "THUMP" FELT ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE May 6, 1999
Incident date: Jan 18, 1999
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WITH FOOT ON BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE PARKING BUMP & HIT A BRICK WALL. NO PHYSICAL INJURIES. PRIOR TO ACCELERATION, HAD VENICLE AT DEALER & THE TIMING BELT WAS ADJUSTED. *AK
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 6, 1999
Incident date: Jan 18, 1999
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WITH FOOT ON BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE PARKING BUMP & HIT A BRICK WALL. NO PHYSICAL INJURIES. PRIOR TO ACCELERATION, HAD VENICLE AT DEALER & THE TIMING BELT WAS ADJUSTED. *AK
Crash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: Jan 23, 1999
DIVERS SIDE SEAT FAILED IN A MINOR REAR END COLLISON. SEAT BACK BROKE AND FELL DOWN INTO REAR SEAT . NO OCCUPANTS IN REAR SEAT. ALSO, NO INJURIES. *AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 27, 1999
Incident date: Nov 3, 1998
MAZDA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN 014/98 DATED 12/9/98 REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION "SHIFT SHOCK" PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE, MOST PRONOUNCED IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR SHIFTING. DEALER (NEIL HUFFMAN MAZDA IN LOUISVILLE, KY) ATTEMPTED REPAIR ON 12/29/98, PER BULLETIN, BUT PROBLEM AROSE AGAIN 500 MILES LATER. ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Dec 11, 1998
Incident date: Dec 1, 1998
TRANSMITION HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN SHIFTING,AND SHIFTS INTO PASSING GEAR AT ANY TIME.IT HAS SERGED AHEAD FROM STOP NEARLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL

Showing 50 of 53 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 30.0 25.0 Regular $2,400
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 26.0 33.0 29.0 Regular $2,050
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 27.0 23.0 Regular $2,600
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 23.0 29.0 25.0 Regular $2,400

CO2 Emissions: 355.5 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — MAZDA PROTEGE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA99029 Opened: Sep 30, 1999 — Closed: May 10, 2000
EA — Closed — Model Year: 1995
HEADLIGHT WIRE BREAKAGE
IN ITS LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2000, MAZDA STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MODEL YEAR 1995 AND 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 1994 THROUGH JULY 1995.MAZDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLE
PE99038 Opened: May 20, 1999 — Closed: Sep 30, 1999
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1995
LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS
BASED ON THE REVIEW OF MAZDA'S INVESTIGATION AND TESTING, EXAMINATION OF TWO FAILED FIELD UNITS (A HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND A COMBINATION SWITCH), AND TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS OF SEVERAL COMPLAINANTS, IT APPEARS THAT THE HEADLIGHT LEAD WIRE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO AND LOCATED JUST BELOW THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, ... Read more
PE94059 Opened: Jul 28, 1994 — Closed: Nov 30, 1994
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1991
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
There is no summary currently available
PE94029 Opened: Mar 24, 1994 — Closed: Jul 28, 1994
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1993
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
There is no summary currently available

MAZDA PROTEGE — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MAZDA PROTEGE across all model years (1990–2006).

38 Total Recalls
1,380 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
242 Reported Crashes
30 Reported Fires
4 Reported Deaths

MAZDA PROTEGE — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2006 1 0 View
2005 1 0 View
2004 1 0 View
2003 4 145 View
2002 4 133 View
2001 5 68 View
2000 3 126 View
1999 3 102 View
1998 (current) 2 53
1997 2 103 View
1996 2 91 View
1995 5 232 View
1994 1 89 View
1993 1 56 View
1992 1 72 View
1991 1 60 View
1990 1 45 View
1989 0 2 View

Other MAZDA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
MAZDA6 98 2,911 View
TRIBUTE 65 2,831 View
B-SERIES TRUCK 65 888 View
MAZDA3 64 3,983 View
CX-9 59 1,796 View
626 54 3,892 View
MPV 44 1,157 View
RX-8 42 1,003 View