1992 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 1992 Mazda Protege problems
The Mazda Protege, produced from 1990 to 2003, is known for several common problems across different model years. The most frequently reported issues are related to the engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Brake Issues: The 2002 Mazda Protege has the most overall complaints regarding brake problems, primarily due to caliper and brake issues. These problems can lead to decreased braking performance, posing a safety risk.
- Electrical Issues: The Mazda Protege has several electrical issues, including problems with the airbags, electrical system, and lighting. These problems can lead to malfunctioning airbags, electrical failures, and visibility issues while driving.
- Overheating: The Mazda Protege is prone to overheating, which can be caused by a failing radiator. The plastic parts of the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks and engine damage.
- Rust: The Mazda Protege is known for rust issues, particularly in the undercarriage and suspension components. This can lead to structural failure and decreased vehicle safety.
These common problems can significantly impact the reliability and safety of the Mazda Protege. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle's longevity.
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 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.
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.
1992 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
- Fuel system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Mazda Protege
The NHTSA has received 68 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Mazda Protege. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Mazda Protege vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- VIN: JM1BG2265N0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: LETTER FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 1992 MAZDA PROTEGE. *SMD THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT HE PAID FOR OUT-OF-POCKET. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-10
- VIN: JM1BG2246N0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-04
- VIN: JM1BG2262N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 1. AUTOMATIC/PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELT FOR DRIVERS SIDE HAD BEEN ACTING SLUGGISH E.G. BELT WOULD HESITATE WHEN OPENING/CLOSING DOOR BEFORE MOVING TO FULL OPEN/CLOSED POSITION. 2. BELT IS STUCK/FROZEN IN MIDWAY POSITION OF DOOR. DRIVER HAS NO ADEQUATE SHOULDER RESTRAINT IN EVENT OF COLLISION. 3. CONTACTED MAZDA MANUFACTURE BUT THEY STATE CAR VIN IS NOT IN U.S. DATABASE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V211000 THAT IDENTIFIES A PROBLEM WITH MAZDA VEHICLES 323 AND MX3 THAT USE THE IDENTICAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. MY CAR WAS BUILT IN JAPAN, SHIPPED TO EUROPE AND PURCHASED NEW IN MONTHS, BELGIUM AS U.S. SPEC VEHICLE. THIS PUTS MY CAR IN A LIMBO STATUS OF IT IS A U.S. SPEC CAR BUT WAS SOLD IN EUROPE AND ISN'T COVERED BY A U.S. ONLY RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT IF CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE SELLING VEHICLES OVERSEAS TO U.S. MILITARY MEMBERS WHO BRING THE CARS BACK TO THE STATES THEN THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED COVER THOSE VINS AS WELL FOR SAFETY RECALLS ETC. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, ROAD DEBRIS RUPTURED THE VEHICLE FUEL TANK WHICH RESULTED ON A FIRE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS SEVERELY BURNED ABOUT 30 PERCENT OF HER BODY. *LA
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-09
- VIN: JM1BG2267N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BROKE. THE CABLE HAS COME COMPLETELY OFF THE TRACK. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE. *LA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-23
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT 25 MPH VEICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2244N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BROKE, IT CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE TRACK. SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-26
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CABLE THAT MOVES SHOULDER RESTRAINT BACK AND FORTH CAME OUT OF ITS TRACK CREATING A NOOSE ACROSS THE WINDOW SHOULDER BELT IS NOW INOPERABLE
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER SHOULDER RESTRAIN IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2243N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS DISABLED IN FORWARD POSITION, LAYING ACROSS STEERING WHEEL. MAZDA CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE BELT HAS FAILED IN FORWARD POSITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-20
- VIN: JM1BG2246N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT FAILURE . *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2242N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RAIL OF AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT HAS WORN OUT SUFFICIENTLY, CAUSING CABLE, WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, TO JAM IN RAIL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MAIN BEARINGS ON CRANK BLEW, EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS ONLY 65000 MILES OIL IS CHANGED EVERY 4 MONTHS OR 3000 WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. NO WARNING THAT ANY PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. CAR IN TRAFFIC ENGINE STARTED TO WEV HIGH,WHEN THIS HAPPENED I PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD CAR OVERHEATED WAS TOWED OFF HIGHWAY IN NEW JERSEY. WAS BROGHT BACK TO CT ON FLAT BED. SAME MECHANIC ON CAR SINCE BEGINING.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-25
- VIN: JM1BG2267NO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WOULD JAM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRACK AND REMAIN IN THAT POSITION, LEAVING THE OCCUPANT WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST,. STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JM1BG2245N0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HORN SOUNDS SPONTANIOUSLY. PEDESTRIANS WERE FRIGHTENED. WHILE WE WERE AT THE MOVIES (CAST AWAY) THE HORN WENT OFF WHILE WE WERE WATCHING THE MOVIE AND WE DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL WE GOT BACK TO THE PARKING LOT, WHICH WAS ALMOST WMPTY EXCEPT FOR US, THE MOVIE WAS CLOSINF, AND THW HORN WAS BARELY BLOWING. LUCKY FOR US THE CAR STARTED BUT DIDN'T THE NEXT MORNING AND I HAD TO CATCH THE BUS IN THE SNOW.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-04
- VIN: JM1BG2262N0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FUNNY NOISE IN BRAKES, DEALER CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG, CONSUMER WAS BACKING CAR WHEN BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAUSING A CRASH. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE RECALLED 00T005 FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15), THE DEALER GAVE HIM A DATE AND SAID THAT THE TIRES COULD BE REPLACED AT THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER WENT TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED ON THE APPOINTMENT DAY AND THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE TIRES WOULD HAVE TO BE EXCHANGED AT FIRESTONE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE RECALLED TIRES BE REPLACED. *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2243N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELTS INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH WILL GO OFF AND BEEP WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION, CAUSING A DISTRACTION . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: JM1BG2241N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE MOTOR DRIVEN AND DO NOT WORK AND NEED TO BE RECALLED
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-07
- VIN: JM1BG2240N0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ANOTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. VEHICLE STARTED RACING AND LAUNCHED FORWARD WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES. CONTACTED LOCAL MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE PROBLEM. BUT, IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 7 JUNE, 2 000. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE CABLES AND THROTTLE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2265N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION SEATBELT LIGHT WILL COME ON, ALERTING DRIVER THAT SEATBELTS ARE NOT ON CORRECTLY.CONSUMER HAS REPLACED SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES TWICE WITHIN 7 YEARS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE CUTS OFF AND JERKS AND IDLES VERY LOW DUE TO THE FUEL FILTER FAILURE. MECHANIC CAN'T FIND A SOLUTION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY THE RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: JM1BG2247N0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING FROM ORIGINAL PAINT JOB IN NUMEROUS PLACES ON ROOF
1992 Mazda Protege recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 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 1992 Mazda Protege car reviews
Positive 1992 Mazda Protege car reviews
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Great car with 158,000 miles and still going strong with the original clutch! Although I have had to change both axles and rotors, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle. It does have a bad valve seal guide, which is common for its year, so it may smoke a bit on a cold start. Overall, it's a tough car that can handle anything you throw at it!
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The Mazda Protege is a reliable car that handles well and is perfect for getting around town or as a first car for teenagers. While it could benefit from a bit more power, it's easy to add a few modifications like a custom intake and a turbocharger to increase horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a dependable and practical vehicle.
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That's great to hear! It sounds like your Mazda has been a reliable and cherished part of your family. Even with 140k miles, it's still going strong! You've made some great modifications to make it even better, like adding a CD player, 15 inch rims, and a Magna Flow muffler. Your soon-to-be teens must be excited to inherit such a cool car! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that this car has been incredibly reliable for the past 12+ years. It did stall once around 60k miles, but we were able to quickly fix it by replacing the tie rods. Other than that, there haven't been any major issues. In fact, earlier this year the car passed 170k miles and it's still going strong! I really see no reason to replace it.
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This is the best car I've ever owned in terms of reliability and value. I haven't had to spend a penny on it except for a catalytic converter and regular maintenance like battery and brakes. It's been 12 years and it's still going strong. The air conditioning is getting a little weak and needs recharging, but that's to be expected from an old friend who's starting to show its age with some creaks and rattles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Mazda Protege problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 1992 Mazda Protege LX
Apr 8, 2011 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
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.
Mazda 323F 1.6, engine problem - Mazda Forum - Mazda ...
Jan 20, 2020 ... We made engine compression test, we got 12 bars on every cylinder so ~175 PSI... I know this engine is almost the same as mazda protege.. So ...
Mazda Protege Reviews and Owner Comments
... Mazda Protege owners reviewed the Mazda Protege with a ... 1992 Mazda Protege Reviews · 1993 Mazda Protege ... Common Mazda Protege problems · Mazda Protege ...
buying a high mileage protege? - Mazda3Club.com : The Original ...
Sep 22, 2005 ... ... problems taking a shot as they can go well over 200K. ... , October-22nd-2005 07:15 AM. Registered User. i've owned a 92 Protege ... mazda, milage, ...
Other years of Mazda Protege
Are you having problems with your 1992 Mazda Protege?
Quentin Anderson 2024-03-11
I bought my Protege DX over 2 years ago and have put nearly 40,000 miles on it. During that time, the car has been extremely reliable. It has never failed to start, and I've averaged between 31 and 36 mpg, to boot. It has 148000 miles on it now and shows no signs of nearing the end of its useful life. I'm very satisfied with it.
Cornelius Anderson 2024-02-03
My PLASTIC radiator blew up three summers ago (2001), and since then, I've had nothing but problems. I've had to replace the radiator, head gasket (twice, I think), timing belt (which I expected to replace only once, but I've had to replace it twice in less than two years), water pump, thermostat, A/C switch and housing, compressor, and more. I can't wait until I can afford to get another new car. I plan to never buy a Mazda again, nor an older used car, even though this one was only 6.5 years old when I bought it, with 57K miles. Currently, it's at only 107K miles.