Mazda Protege problems
The Mazda Familia (Japanese: マツダ ファミリア, Matsuda Famiria), also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.
It was marketed as the Familia in Japan, which means "family" in Latin. For export, earlier models were sold with nameplates including: "800", "1000", "1200", and "1300". In North America, the 1200 was replaced by the Mazda GLC, with newer models becoming "323" and "Protegé". In Europe, all Familias sold after 1977 were called "323".
The Familia was also rebranded as the Ford Laser and Ford Meteor in Asia, Oceania, Southern Africa, some Latin American countries and, from 1991, as the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North America. In addition, the Familia name was used as the Mazda Familia Wagon/Van, a badge-engineered version of the Nissan AD wagon (1994–2017) and Toyota Probox (2018–present).
Mazda Familias were manufactured in the Hiroshima Plant and also assembled from "knock-down kits" in various countries including Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Colombia, and New Zealand. Some of these plants kept manufacturing the Familia long after it was discontinued at home.
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Mazda Protege model years
Common Mazda Protege problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mazda Protege, several common problems have been reported. These issues encompass various aspects of the vehicle, including the engine, brakes, airbags, powertrain, and more. Here is a detailed list of the common problems with the Mazda Protege based on owner complaints:
- Brake and Caliper Issues:
- Common complaints involve caliper and brake issues, particularly in the 2002 Protege model, with reports of three complaints related to this problem.
- Powertrain Problems:
- The 2000 Mazda Protege has been reported to have several powertrain issues, including automatic transmission problems like the accelerator pedal sticking, transmission seizing, and non-deployment of airbags leading to accidents.
- Electrical System Concerns:
- The 2002 Protege model has been associated with electrical system issues, including problems with the transmission such as rough shifting, hesitation, gear locking, and high-pitched noises, affecting its reliability.
- Safety Issues - Airbags and Seat Belts:
- Reports highlight safety concerns with airbags and seat belts in the 2000 and 2002 Protege models. Non-deployment of airbags during collisions and seat belt latch failures have been documented, leading to serious injuries and accidents.
- Mechanical Problems:
- The 1999 Mazda Protege is flagged for severe safety and mechanical issues, with complaints and recalls related to these concerns. Specific details of these mechanical issues are not provided but are significant enough to warrant avoidance of this model year.
These common problems reported by Mazda Protege owners underscore the importance of thorough inspection and maintenance to address potential issues and ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Are Mazda Proteges reliable?
Many users say that their Mazda Protégés are fairly reliable, though they do need to take them in for maintenance more regularly than once per year in many cases. However, this isn't terribly surprising given the fact that the last Mazda Protégé was created in 2003.
How long can a Mazda Protege last?
One of the key features of the Mazda Protege is its robust and durable engine. Many owners report that these cars can run smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular maintenance and care.
What was the problem with the 2001 Mazda Protege?
Most Common 2001 Mazda Protege Problems
An electrically shorted air flow sensor can cause a crank-no start condition. diagnosis may show that ignition spark... The timing belt tensioner pulley may make a squealing noise from the timing cover area on cold startup.
What year did they stop making the Mazda Protege?
Interior room is spacious for a small sedan and includes a fairly comfortable rear seat. A four-door hatchback/wagon, called the Protegé5, joined the line. Large fog lights, wide tires, and exaggerated bodywork lend it a sportier appearance. It was discontinued after the 2003 model year, replaced by the Mazda 3.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Protege years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Protege cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Protege model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Protege model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Protege years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Protege car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Protege , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Protege model years
A total of 199 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Protege model years
There were a total of 27 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Protege model years
There were a total of 223 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Protege model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1198 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Protege . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Protege vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda Protege 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BC1411W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Straight-on, front-end collision occurred, that destroyed radiator and folded hood. Air bag did not deploy.
Mazda Protege 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-16
- VIN: JM1BJ222710
- Components: SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: EVERY TIME I GO TO FASTEN MY SEAT BELT INTO THE BUCKLE, IT'S ALWAYS UNBUCKLING IT SELF. THIS HAPPENS IN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. MY RADIOS SCREEN CANT BE SEEN OR READ. THE VISOR ON THE CAR BROKE OFF AND NOTHING WAS PULLING IT.
Mazda Protege 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-22
- Date Complaint: 2020-03-16
- VIN: JM1BJ246231
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE AND TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS TAKEN APART AND THE MECHANIC FOUND A SCREW INSIDE OF THE INTAKE VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Mazda Protege 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2020-03-02
- VIN: JM1BJ246731
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ROUGH IDLE CAUSING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR CYLINDER MISFIRE, FOUND CYLINDER 4 WITH A BENT SPARK PLUG WITH THE GAP CLOSED. REPLACED ALL 4 PLUGS CAR RAN FINE FOR A FEW MONTHS ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE CYLINDER MISFIRE WITH CYLINDER 4 WITH ANOTHER BENT PLUG GAP CLOSED. POSSIBLE SOMETHING LOOSE INSIDE CYLINDER 4 CAUSING THE MISFIRE ISSUES TO THE PLUG. MILEAGE 130,280
Mazda Protege 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-27
- Date Complaint: 2019-11-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BJ2221Y0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TODAY WE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DIDN'T COME OUT UNTIL AFTER MY GRANDAUGHTER'S FACE HIT THE WINDSHEILD.
Mazda Protege 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-08-30
- VIN: JM1BJ226631
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2003 MAZDA PROTEGE WOULD NOT PASS 2019 VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. DEALER CANNOT REPLACE BECAUSE MAZDA HAS DISCONTINUED THAT PART. UNDER VIRGINIA LAW, CAR CANNOT BE OPERATED WITHOUT VALID INSPECTION CERTIFICATE. INSPECTION DISCLOSED NO OTHER DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS.
Mazda Protege 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-07
- Date Complaint: 2019-05-12
- VIN: JM1BJ225721
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: BULGES ON SIDEWALLS OF BOTH PASSENGER TIRES. TIRES ARE 6 MONTHS OLD AND ONLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 3,000 MILES.
Mazda Protege 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-14
- VIN: JM1BJ2223Y0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR GOES IN AND OUT OF OD BY ITS SELF AND THE OD BUTTON DOES NOT WORK WHILE IM DRIVING AND THE OD LIGHT FLASHES WHEN IT GOES ON AAND STOP WHEN IT DEACTIVATES IT SELF
Mazda Protege 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-18
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1BJ2213Y0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I DROVE THE CAR FOR 2 MILES AND THE LEFT UNDERSIDE OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, NOW THE ENGINE IS DEAD AND IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE?
Mazda Protege 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-19
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1BJ2213Y0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: AFTER DRIVING 2 MILES OR LESS THE RIGHT UNDERSIDE OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND NOW THE ENGINE IS BLOWN.
Mazda Protege 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-02-13
- VIN: JM1BJ2229X0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE PLASTIC DIP STICK TO CHECK OIL SNAPPED OFF
Mazda Protege 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2017-12-05
- VIN: JM1BJ225031
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE AREA INSIDE AND OUTSIDE IN TIRES ... MANY SEVERAL WORKSHOPS CAN NOT CORRECT THE ALIGNMENT FAULT ... THE STEERING WHEEL GO TO THE RIGHT AND I HAVE TO FORCE TO THE LEFT ... ALL THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION PART ARE NEW , INCLUDING THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS NEW AND CONTROL ARM AND LINK ROD AND BUSHING ...THE CENTRIC BOLT NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE ...I SEE OVER ETHERNET MANY PEOPLE HAS THE SAME FAIL IN THIS CAR ..I BUY THIS CAR NEW AND NEVER CRASHED OR OR MISTREATED ..I REPORT THIS IN THIS YEAR BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME IT'S A MANUFACTURING FAULT..AND I HAVE HAD TOO MUCH EXPENSES AND I CAN NOT SOLVE ... RIGHT NOW I NEED TO BUY OTHER TIRES...PLEASE I NEED A SOLUTION ...I SEND A ETHERNET PHOTO AND THE CAR AND COLOR IS SAME ...TO REMEMBER THE MILLEAGE VALOR AND YEAR PRESENTED IN THE NEXT QUESTION IN THIS FORM IS APPROXIMATED ...THANK YOU I WAIT YOU RESPONSE
Mazda Protege 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2017-10-24
- VIN: JM1BG226XR0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ON DRIVER SIDE DID NOT RETRACT COMPLETELY WHEN VEHICLE WAS OFF AND DOOR WAS OPENED. SEAT BELT ONLY RETRACTED 1/3 OF THE WAY AND STAYS THERE. SEAT BELT STILL RETRACTS BACK TO SHOULDER POSITION WHEN KEY IS TURNED.
Mazda Protege 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2017-09-10
- VIN: JM1BJ246921
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE SECURITY ALARM FEATURE BECOMES ACTIVATED AND WILL NOT DEACTIVATE WITH EITHER THE KEY FOB, THE IGNITION KEY, DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, OR PULLING THE INTERNAL IGNITION/ALARM FUSE. THIS PREVENTS THE CAR FROM BEING STARTED AND DRIVEN FOR INDETERMINATE PERIODS OF TIME. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, AND ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED, NO MATTER BY WHAT METHOD. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE CAUSED THE CAR'S ALARM SYSTEM TO BECOME ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING GREAT CONCERN THAT SOMETHING MAY SHORT OUT IN THE ENGINE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.
Mazda Protege 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-28
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM HAS FAILED. HAD TO UNPLUG BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT MOTORS, BECAUSE THE SEATBELT LOCK WOULDN'T STOP TRYING TO MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE.
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Protege
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 35 recalls for different components of the Mazda Protege.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Protege 1996
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Protege 1990
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Protege 1997
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Protege 1992
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Protege 1998
- Report Received Date: 2015-10-19
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
Latest negative Mazda Protege car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Protege car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1994
Hey there! I just wanted to share with you that I bought my car from my dad for $400 when it had about 112K miles on it. I've had a few minor issues with it, like the automatic seatbelt on the driver's side not working due to a bad wiring connection in the door jam, and it won't pass MD emissions because of a bad catalytic converter. However, overall it's been a very reliable car that runs like a top! It has the 1.8 SOHC with the 5-speed transmission, and I've even made a couple of modifications like a custom cold air intake, free-flowing exhaust, and a short shifter. With a little tweaking of the fuel pressure regulator, I was even able to get 40mpg, although it did affect the performance a bit. Usually, it gets around 30-35mpg. I just love this car and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it!
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Vehicle year: 1993
Bought in '95 with 19K, now has 131,000 miles and runs great! The 5-speed has better pickup than my wife's 94 Geo Prism, even at higher speeds. It's fun to drive and gets 30 mpg. Although the A/C went out 3 years ago and one front speaker 2 years ago, it has had no major problems. The original clutch still works great.
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Vehicle year: 1998
As long as you follow the recommended severe service maintenance procedures and perform needed repairs before they become a problem, this little throw-away car can probably last for 150-200 K miles before an expensive repair makes it uneconomical to repair. Although it has not been maintenance-free, it has shown good reliability for its price when compared to most other makes. My wife drives this car all over the Dallas area and I don't worry about her being stranded with this Protege.
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Vehicle year: 1993
We purchased this used car 'as is' on July 3rd. However, we have noticed oil on the ground every time we park the car. Based on our expertise, we suspect that there may be an issue with the car's oil system. We recommend taking the car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection and repair, if necessary.
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Vehicle year: 1990
The design of this car may not be noteworthy, but the performance and amenities are certainly admirable. It's impressive that a 13-year-old car has such luxurious features and kick-butt performance. And let's not forget the incredible 5-speed manual!
Are you having problems with your Mazda Protege?
Delaney Roberts 2025-02-15
Vehicle year: 1997
Hi there! While this car may not have all the bells and whistles, it's still a reliable and cost-effective option. After 15 years, it's still going strong and gets great gas mileage. Although it may not be the most comfortable for long trips, it's perfect for short, around town drives. Plus, the paint and upholstery are still in great condition! The only major repair it has needed is a water pump replacement. Overall, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and low-maintenance vehicle.
Simeon Purdy 2025-02-05
Vehicle year: 1996
I regretted my purchase of this car due to the high cost of engine maintenance. Despite its attractive appearance at the time of purchase, I spent $2000 on maintenance for a car that cost me $3500 and had 95k mileage. Therefore, I would recommend considering other brands of cars before purchasing this one, or taking extra time to carefully weigh your options. This is an honest suggestion based on my experience.
Zachary Willms 2025-01-29
Vehicle year: 1994
I bought this car in 1994 and have performed every maintenance possible on it. Everything was fine until it hit 65,000 miles when the fuel pump and fuel sensor blew, and now the radiator needs replacing. I also had to get the axles rebuilt and all new wheel bearings. Unfortunately, it seems like this car has reached the end of its life. However, I am excited to say that I have now purchased a 2002 Nissan Sentra! Nissan is known for building reliable cars, and I am confident that this car will last me a long time.
Sigmund Abshire 2025-01-16
Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 93 Protege. I actually bought it from a lovely little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays. She assured me that she never had any problems with it, and I have to say, she was right! I've had it for almost 4 years now and the only things I've had to replace are the tires, brakes, and battery. It always starts up without fail, even after sitting outside in the elements for months. My mechanic even told me that I should be able to get up to 200k miles before I need to do anything major to it. So, if you're looking for a reliable car, I highly recommend the 93 Protege!
Clinton Funk 2025-01-06
Vehicle year: 1991
This vehicle is great on dry roads. However, I noticed that it tends to hydro-plane on wet roads. It's perfect for driving around town, but it may not be the best option for out of town trips.