1990 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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Common 1990 Mazda Protege problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mazda Protege 1990, several common problems have been reported. These include electrical issues, lighting problems, and engine troubles. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:
- Electrical Issues:
- Total Cars Affected: 1,368,500
- NHTSA Campaign: 15V674000
- Date of Problem: 19/10/2015
- Description: The Mazda Protege 1990 faced significant electrical problems, affecting a large number of vehicles. These issues could lead to various electrical malfunctions, impacting the car's performance and safety.
- Lighting Problems:
- Total Cars Affected: 76,000
- NHTSA Campaign: 00V118000
- Date of Problem: 21/04/2000
- Description: Lighting issues were prevalent in the Mazda Protege 1990, with a substantial number of cars experiencing problems related to their lighting systems. This could pose risks for nighttime driving and overall visibility.
- Engine Troubles:
- Total Cars Affected: Not specified
- NHTSA Campaign: Not specified
- Date of Problem: Not specified
- Description: Engine problems were also reported by owners of the Mazda Protege 1990. These issues could range from starting problems to more severe engine malfunctions, impacting the car's reliability and performance.
These common problems with the Mazda Protege 1990, as reported by owners, highlight significant concerns related to electrical, lighting, and engine issues. Addressing these issues promptly and through proper maintenance can help ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.
What kind of engine does a Mazda Protege have?
The DX I-4 model is powered by a 130-horsepower, DOHC, 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
What car replaced the Mazda Protege?
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.
Why is my 1999 Mazda Protege idling rough?
The most common reasons a Mazda Protege has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil.
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.
1990 Mazda Protege car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Protege problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Mazda Protege
The NHTSA has received 41 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Mazda Protege. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Mazda Protege vehicles.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-27
- VIN: JM1BG2268L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT TRACK JAMMED, DEALER WILL NOT COVER, ALTHOUGH THERE APPEARS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ALREADY. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: JM1BG2262L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SEAT BELTS SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE RAIL IS BAD. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE THE RAIL AS STATED IN THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RAIL RECALL 97V211000. THERE IS CONFLICT BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURE CONCERNING WHAT PART IN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. *NM THE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RAIL THUS MAKING IT INOPERATIVE. THE DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN THE REAR OF THE RAIL AND IS ALSO INOPERATIVE. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-25
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY PLACED CAR IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSED GAS, AND VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED. GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOOR.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- VIN: JM1BG2247L0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THIS PART IS DESIGNED WITH NO RETAINER AS ON PREVIOUS PARTS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS FAILURE. MOST COMPACT MAZDA AND FORD MODELS HAVE THIS TYPE TIE ROD END. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL FORD ESCORT OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE PARTS WERE AS NEW AS FIVE MONTHS OLD AND FAILED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG224XL0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD BECOMES EXTREMELY FOGGED, CAUSING POOR VISBILITY DUE A MALFUNCTION WITHIN HEATER CORE WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG224XL0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CAN SMELL ANTI-FREEZE, AND WINDSHIELD BECOMES ABSOLUTELY FOGGY. ALSO, HEATER CORE HAS PROBLEMS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- VIN: JM1BG2243L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED TO OPERATE, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-15
- VIN: JM1BG2244L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CAR WAS PURCHASED USED IN 1997. CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD SOME VIBRATION WHEN IT IDLES. IN NOVEMBER OF 1998 CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. RADIATOR WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. TOOK BACK TO HAVE REPAIRED. THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED AND WHILE REPLACING THE THERMISTAT A CRACKED SENSOR WAS ALSO FOUND AND REPLACED. THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. IN DECEMBER OF 1998 FRONT DRIVERSIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT FROZE. IT WOULD NOT RETRACT ALL THE WAY BACK. IT WOULD MAKE A CONSTANT CLICKING NOSE. THE WIRES WERE ALSO OFF THE TRACK. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE FUSE TO SHUT OFF THE CLICKING NOISE. HAD AN ESTIMITE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WHICH WAS APPROX. 900.00.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-17
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCESSIVE VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, CAR WINDOWS AND BACK REAR DOORS. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-17
- VIN: JM1BG224XL0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED CAUSING EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. MJS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-07
- VIN: JM1BG2244L0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: AT COLD TEMPERATURES THE HIGH-BEAM (HEADLIGHTS) FAIL TO COME ON. NORMAL(LOW BEAM) LIGHTS SHUT OFF AT THIS POINT RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS. AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED HIGH-BEAMS WORK AS EXPECTED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-24
- VIN: JM1BG2245L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER RESTRAINT WOULD NOT RELEASE PROPERLY. SHE WAS PULLING AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE, AND BELT WAS STUCK. DEALERSHIP (BIG SKY AUTO ) MECHANIC CALLED MAZDA MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, AND THEY WOULD NOT FIX. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2268LO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-18
- VIN: JM1BG224XL0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ANY ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS CONNECTED TO THE IGNITION BEING TURNED ON, FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS/AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER & ANYTHING ELSE AFFECTING VISIBILITY OF THE DRIVER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-21
- VIN: JM1BG2282LO
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FRONT INNER TIE ROD SEPARATED AT JOINT. CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING.
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BG2245L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: WHILE STOPPED, VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY MOVING VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH. DRIVER FELL FORWARD/BACKWARD, SEATBACK RECLINED, LEFT SIDE OF SEAT BROKE, MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DEALER REPLACED SEAT FRAME. FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT. *AK CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, UPPER BACK, RIGHT SHOULDER, ARM, HAND, AND SHOULDER BLADE. *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
- VIN: JM1BG2264LO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORBELTS EXPERIENCE ERRATIC OPERATION INTERMITTENTLY. MJS
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2264LO
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: LUG WRENCH COULD NOT REMOVE NUTS ON WHEELS WHEN CHANGNG FLAT TIRE. MJS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2244LO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RETRACTABLE SEAT BELT LATCHES ON BOTH SIDES ARE FAILING.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BECAUSE OF DESIGN OF CAR THERE WAS NO LIGHT OR SIGNAL TO INDICATE TO THE DRIVER THAT THE REAR DOOR WAS NOT TOTALLY CLOSED RESULTING IN A YOUNG CHILD FALLING OUT OF THE CAR AND BEING STRUCK BY THE VEHILCE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CHILD RUN OVER BY VEHICLE AFTER FALLING OUT OF PARTIALLY OPENED DOOR, POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW IN NOT HAVING INDICATOR FOR OPENED DOOR. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
STEERING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2269L0
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEVER WORKED, ALSO CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, PURCHASED USED VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-15
- VIN: JM1BG2263L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION, TO EXIT VEHICLE, DRIVER MANUALLY PRESSED BUCKLE'S RELEASE BUTTON, IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, OCCUPANT COULD BE TRAPPED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-19
- VIN: JM1BG2242L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: OUTER CV BOOTS REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-15
- VIN: JM1BG2243L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON BROKE FROM MINOR PHYSICAL FORCE. *SD
1990 Mazda Protege recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Mazda Protege.
- 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.
Positive 1990 Mazda Protege car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Mazda Protege problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 1992 Mazda Protege LX
Apr 8, 2011 ... hello, i have a 1992 mazda protege LX 1.8L DOHC. i have a problem going on for about a week now. the car started surging at idle and while ...
2000 Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2000 Mazda Protege ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1990 Mazda Protege ...
Common Mazda Protege Map Sensor Problems - Q&A for 2000 ...
Jun 23, 2009 ... 2 problems with my '00 Protege 1.6l First, got a MAP sensor pressure code. replaced the MAP no fix. Think the vacuum - Answered by a ...
1999 Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1999 Mazda Protege ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1990 Mazda Protege ...
2000 MPV starting problems - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast ...
Jan 2, 2008 ... Tags 1990, 2000, 91, common, forum, fuel, ignition, issues, mazda, motorcraft, mpv, plug, problem, problems, spark, starting · Subscribe ...
Other years of Mazda Protege
Are you having problems with your 1990 Mazda Protege?
Benton VonRueden 2024-09-20
This is truly one of the best handling front drive cars that were built around this time. I bought it brand new and it has now clocked 208k miles. It has been incredibly reliable, with only one unscheduled trip to the dealer in 14 years for a transmission inhibitor switch. While the automatic transmission is not as strong as when it was new, it still feels pretty healthy. The plastic radiator tanks can be a bit of a problem, but overall, this car is a great choice. It gets fantastic gas mileage, has lots of features and convenience for a compact car, adequate power, responsive brakes, and outstanding handling capability for its class.
Tyler Rippin 2024-05-22
While the 1.8L DOHC is rated by Mazda at 125 horses, I am convinced that the output on this outstanding engine was at least 10 HP higher. With its aggressive tires, this car could easily compete with other more expensive sporty cars. The fit and finish were superb both inside and out, and the trunk was able to accommodate enormous amounts of luggage without compromising the rear seating. The acceleration was very peppy.
Garfield Denesik 2024-01-22
This car has not only been my family's car, but now belongs to me. We have kept up with the maintenance and it has lasted us this long and keeps on going! I will be selling it only because I want to buy a brand new car. I would highly recommend it to any parents looking for a first car for their teens!