1991 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.
Social links
Common 1991 Mazda Protege problems
The 1991 Mazda Protege is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Electrical Problems: The Protege has also had recalls related to electrical issues, such as problems with the wiring and electrical components. These issues can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty starting the car, malfunctioning dashboard instruments, and intermittent electrical failures.
- Brakes: Some owners have reported problems with the brakes, including issues with the brake pads and brake lines. These issues can affect the car's stopping power, making it more difficult to stop quickly in emergency situations.
- Engine: The Protege's engine has also been the subject of some recalls, including issues with the engine mounts and fuel system. These issues can affect the engine's performance and fuel efficiency, and can also increase the risk of engine failure.
- Air Bags: The Protege has had recalls related to air bag problems, including issues with the air bag sensors and deployment mechanisms. These issues can affect the car's safety, potentially increasing the risk of injury in a collision.
It's important to note that not all 1991 Mazda Protege owners have experienced these problems, and many have reported that the car is reliable and easy to maintain. However, these issues are common enough that prospective buyers should be aware of them and consider the cost of potential repairs when purchasing a used Protege.
Is a Mazda Protege a reliable car?
The Mazda Protege, a compact car produced between 1963 and 2003, is a hidden gem in the used car market, particularly for those on a budget. This vehicle is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall value, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious buyers.
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.
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.
1991 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
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Mazda Protege
The NHTSA has received 58 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mazda Protege. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Mazda Protege vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1BG2264M0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BG2245M0
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH DURING RAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A POTHOLE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE SPUN CRASHING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE SEAT BELT DETACHED AND THE CONTACT WAS RELEASED FROM THE REAR WINDOW. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED KNEE, HEAD, AND BACK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 03/15/16*LJ *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-29
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR STRUT TOWERS RUST RIGHT THROUGH. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-15
- VIN: JM1BG2245M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WOULD RETRACT SLOWER AND SLOWER UNTIL IT FINALLY STOPPED RETRACTING. THE CONSEQUENCES WERE: ON APRIL 18, 2005 I WAS GIVEN A FIX-IT TICKET FOR NOT WEARING MY SHOULDER HARNESS.*AK THE AUTOMATIC HARNESS NO LONGER FULLY RETRACTS, SO IT IS USELESS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-02
- VIN: JM1BG2264M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT CORD ON MY 1991 MAZDA PROTEGE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE AND THEREFORE I HAVE NO TOP SEAT BELT ON MY CARS DRIVER SIDE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-29
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD DETACHED RESULTING IN THE HOOD HITTING THE WINDSHIELD.*MR *CB *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-05
- VIN: JM1BG2243M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETURN TO THE RETACTOR, LEAVING THE OCCUPANT UNRESTRAINED. DEALER NOTIFED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-07
- VIN: JM1BG226XM0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMITION LOCKED UP GOING 65 MPH. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-20
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: JM1BG224XM0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK LID WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND TRUNK CAME DOWN AND HIT CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER ON HEAD. *AK CONSUMER STATES NOTHING TO KEEP THE TRUNK LID IN UPRIGHT POSITION. A SLIGHT WIND OR ELEVATION COULD BLOW THE OPEN LID DOWN AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. *YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-30
- VIN: JM1BG2248M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND BEEP GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WEARING THROUGH IN THE DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE. REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. PART IS NEARLY $300. SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-05-10
- VIN: JM1BG2264M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND BEEP GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WEARING THROUGH IN THE DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE. REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. PART IS NEARLY $300. SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BG2268M0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIRD TIRE OF SET OF 4 THAT TREAD HAD SEPARATED - THIS ONE TOTALED THE CAR AND INJURED ONE PERSON. TIRE HAD 18,000 MILES WEAR. *AK (TIRESIZE: P185/60R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185/60R14 )
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-05
- VIN: JM1BG226XM0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CURRENT RECALL ON MAZDA 323 MOTORIZED SAFETY BELT DOES NOT COVER THE MAZDA PROTEGE WHICH HAS THE IDENTICAL PART NUMBER. MY CAR'S BELT HAS FAILED DUE TO THIS DEFECT AND MAZDA REFUSES TOCOVER IT.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: JM1BG2245MO
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DATES ARE APPROXIMATE. HEADLIGHTS: BOTH LENS'S WERE FOGGED/YELLOWING LATER WHEN I WENT TO DEALER IN LEESBURG, VA (PATEROS); SERVICE MANAGE TRIED TO CLEAN.. MADE WORSE. THEN I REALIZED THAT LENS'S WERE PLASTIC! -- HIS CLEANING SOLUTION MELTED THAT PART OF THE LENS. I BELIEVE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD LAST THE DURATION OF THE CAR'S LIFE. --THAT I SHOULD GET REPLACEMENTS AS THEY ARE A SAFETY FEATURE. ENGINE: A YEAR AND A HALF AGO ENGINE WILL EMIT BLACK SMOKE WHEN ON TREADMILL FOR EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND SMOKES WHITE WHEN I SIT FOR LENGTH OF TIME IDLING. THREE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY YEARS AGO -- I THINK THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS AT THIS POINT AND EITHER THE NOW DEFUNCT SERVICE DEPT DID IMPROPER JOB OR HAVE A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. I HAVE FOLLOWED REGULAR SCHEDULE FOR OIL CHANGES. PASSENGER SEAT: THE SPRINGS HAVE FALLEN APART COMPLETELY, I THOUGHT PERHAPS ONE OF MY KIDS DID IT YEARS AGO BUT WENT TO SEE ABOUT REPAIR AND WAS POINTED OUT THAT THE WHOLE SEAT FRAME/SPRINGS IS FALLING APART!
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: ON THREE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE REAR SEAT BELT FELL APART WHILE MAKING A TURN. REPLACMENT COULD NOT BE DONE DUE TO NO WARRANTY. *YC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
- VIN: JM1BG2248M0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: REAR DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK.THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS ON OR OFF ,AND THESE ARE MANUAL DOORS.DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-22
- VIN: JM1BG2246M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SAFETY BELT HAS LOCKED UP IN THE RELEASE POSITION. IT APPEARS THE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR THE SAFETY BELT HAS JUMPED OFF TRACK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE HORN GOES OFF RANDOMLY WITHOUT APPLYING IT DUE TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-05
- VIN: JM1BG2241M0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AT GAS STATION TO FUEL VEHICLE. REACHED FOR FUEL LID & A BURST OF FLAMES SHOT OUT. DRIVER'S ARM & HAIR WERE BURNED. FLAMES OVER GAS LID. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT FLAMES OUT. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT CAUSE OF FIRE WAS STATIC ELECTRICITY. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BG226XM0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WENT TO STOP AT STOP LIGHT, ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, UNABLE TO STOP. REARENDED STATIONARY VEHICLE AT LIGHT. OUR VEHICLE TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-15
- VIN: JM1BG2263M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM ACTIVATE AT RANDOM TIMES, CAUSING OWNER TO QUESTION WHETHER SEAT BELT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY IN A CRASH. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-22
- VIN: JM1BG226XM0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 65 MPH THE SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT, LEAVING CONSUMER LOOSE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2249M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC LAP AND SHOULDER BELT IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE MOTOR. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL STINKS, DEALER HAS BLED THEM AND REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL STINKS, DEALER HAS BLED THEM AND REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. NLM
1991 Mazda Protege recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Negative 1991 Mazda Protege car reviews
Positive 1991 Mazda Protege car reviews
-
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought my Protege when I moved away to school and it has been a great car for me over the past 6 years. I haven't had to replace too much on it and I only paid $2800 for it in 1997. So after 60,000 miles, I'd say I've gotten my money's worth out of it.
-
You made a great choice with your 1991 Mazda Protege Dx! Even after all these years, it still runs like a dream. This car is a joy to drive, with great fuel efficiency, impressive torque, and a smooth ride. It's also incredibly reliable and low-maintenance. You really can't go wrong with a car like this!
-
This car has a great, well-built 1.8L DOHC engine. I replaced the thermostat myself at 170000 miles, and it was so easy that anyone can do it. The part is also easy to find and cheap, costing less than $9. The cruise control works great, and everything is powered. I did have to replace the rear brake caliper due to a rusty component, which was likely caused by the previous owner not using the car for a long period with the handbrake pulled. However, I was able to replace both calipers myself. I've been using this car for 3 years now, and it still has a powerful engine. You can have confidence in Interstate.
-
This Protege really helped me out when I needed it and lasted me for an impressive 3 years and 40,000 miles. The car ran (and still runs) great. Although I've had some recent suspension and clutch problems, I'm still grateful for the time I've had with it. With only 400 bucks spent on it and 200 bucks in repairs (passenger side front axle), it's still going strong. Just be aware that some electrical problems can spring up, such as my horn button going out and needing replacement (which only cost me 8 bucks and an hour of work) and my interior lights being on the fritz. Overall, it's a 15 year old car, but it's still a GOOD 15 year old car.
-
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share with you our experience with this car. We were lucky enough to find it at a great price when it was already five years old and had 99,000 miles on it. It's a top-of-the-line model, fully loaded with power everything (windows, locks, steering, brakes), a 2-way power sunroof, and factory alloy rims. It runs like a dream and we've only needed to do routine maintenance on it. It's also pretty fast thanks to the dual overhead cam engine. We've only had to change the tires and the radiator, and that's about it. Currently, it has 143,000 miles and it's still running great!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Mazda Protege problems:
1991 Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1991 Mazda Protege Problems · Engine Cranks and Doesn't Start. 104 people have reported this · Squealing In Timing Cover Area When Cold · Idles Rough, ...
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 ...
Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top Mazda Protege Problems · Engine Cranks and Doesn't Start · Squealing In Timing Cover Area When Cold · Idles Rough, Misfires, and Possible Check Engine Light.
Common Mazda Protege5 Problems: Q&A for 2002 Mazda Protege5
Aug 26, 2012 ... This problem is related to a 2002 Mazda Protege5. When accelerating from a stop, the car sputters and does not supply - 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 ... 1991 Mazda Protege ...
Other years of Mazda Protege
Are you having problems with your 1991 Mazda Protege?
Clinton Funk 2025-01-06
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.