1994 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 1994 Mazda Protege problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mazda Protege 1994, several common problems have been reported. These include:
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have been a concern for owners of the 1994 Mazda Protege. This category can involve a range of electrical components like the battery, alternator, or wiring systems. Complaints may include issues with starting the car, dashboard lights, or electrical failures in different parts of the vehicle.
- Braking System: The braking system of the 1994 Mazda Protege has been a source of complaints. Problems with brakes can affect the safety and performance of the vehicle. Owners may have reported issues such as brake failure, squeaking brakes, or problems with the brake pedal responsiveness.
- Engine Troubles: Engine-related problems have been reported by owners of the 1994 Mazda Protege. These issues can impact the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. Complaints may include engine stalling, unusual noises, or difficulty starting the engine.
- Airbag Concerns: The airbag system in the 1994 Mazda Protege has also been a point of contention. Airbag problems can pose serious safety risks in the event of a collision. Owners may have experienced issues with airbag deployment, warning lights, or malfunctions in the airbag system.
These common problems reported by owners of the Mazda Protege 1994 highlight various areas of concern that can impact the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate potential problems and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
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 engine is in a 1994 Mazda Protege?
1.8 L 4-cylinder1994 Mazda Protege / Engine
Engine 1.8-liter, 16-valve, in-line-four developing 122 horsepower. Type Front-engine, front-drive, subcompact sedan . Performance 0-60 m.p.h., as tested, 10.1 seconds. Top speed, estimated, 120 m.p.h. Fuel consumption, EPA city and highway, 26 and 32 m.p.g.
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.
1994 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
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Mazda Protege
The NHTSA has received 88 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Mazda Protege. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Mazda Protege vehicles.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-22
- 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-23
- 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-14
- VIN: JM1BG2240R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN CLOSING DOOR. APPEARS THAT SOME SORT OF CABLE IS JAMMED SO THAT SEAT BELT NO LONGER WORKS CORRECTLY. OPENED AND CLOSED DOOR SEVERAL TIMES TO TRY AND REMEDY ISSUE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. REPLACED SEAT BELT FUSE BUT THAT FAILED TO RESOLVE ISSUE. SEAT BELT IS NOW STUCK IN THE "VEHICLE OFF" POSITION AT ALL TIMES. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-10
- VIN: JM1BG2247R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT, WHICH MAY CAUSE IMPROPER RESTRAINT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-22
- VIN: JM1BG2243R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED ON 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE. COST TO REPLACED OVER $1000.00. MAZDA RECALLED THE SAME PROBLEM ON 1994 323. THE 323 AND PROTEGE ARE THE SAME IN BODY STYLE AND DESIGN.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-14
- VIN: JM1BG2242R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAVE A /94 MAZDA PROTEGE, IT HAS THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN # 97V211000. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER. IT HAS ALL OF THE DESCRIBED SYMPTOMS. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE AUTOMATIC RETRACTION MECHANISM. DO I HAVE ANY OTHER RECOURSE? *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-12
- VIN: JM1BG2260R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ADJUSTMENT FAILURE IN ALL THE SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE SEATBELTS WOULD NOT LOCK IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND A SERVICE DEALER. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THEM NOT REMAINING LOCKED DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-17
- VIN: JM1BG2265R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ISSUE WITH SEAT BELTS IN 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE LX. AT TIMES, FRONT SEAT BELTS CONTINUE TO TIGHTEN WHEN FOOT IS LIFTED FROM BRAKE PEDAL AFTER A SUDDEN STOP. IT GETS SO TIGHT THAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED. IT IS A SCARY SITUATION AND NOT VERY SAFE. *NM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-09
- VIN: JM1BG2268R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAVE A 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE LX WITH THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS. THE SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT UPON OPENING THE DOOR. ON TOP OF THIS BEING A VERY ANNOYING DEVELOPMENT, IT ALSO CREATES AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD IF I'M INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND AM TRYING TO EXIT THE CAR. THERE IS AN EMERGENCY RELEASE, BUT IF I WERE UNABLE TO REACH IT DUE TO INJURY OR OTHERWISE, I COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR. MY CAR IS JUST ONE OF MANY OF THIS MANUFACTURE AND MODEL THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS THE DATE THAT MY BELTS BEGAN FAILING.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-27
- VIN: JM1BG2265R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE ACTIVE SHOULDER BELT SEAT BELT MECHANISM WORKS INTERMITTENLY WHEN OPENING DOOR. DRIVERS SIDE HAS NOT WORKED WHEN DOOR IS OPENED ON A FEW OCCASIONS.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-11
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: CANNOT UNLOCK BACK DOORS WHEN WEATHER IS COLD. ALSO BECOME STUCK IN WARM WEATHER. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE. TOOK BACK TO DEALER 4 TIME THE DOORS WOULD WORK FINE FOR A FEW DAY THEN BECOME JAMMED AGAIN. I GAVE UP.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-26
- VIN: JM1BG2241R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINTS FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY. THE RESTRAINTS DO NOT RETRACT. I HAVE HAD THEM FIXED AT LEAST 3 TO 4 TIMES DURING THE WARRANTY. *NLM
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-11
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION AND EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT FEEL SNUG ENOUGH AND THE FASTEN SEAT BELT INDICATOR CONSTANTLY BEEPS. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DLR WHO ADVISED THE "CENTER CONSOLE RETRACTOR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY" IS DEFECTIVE. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: JM1BG2246R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHEN OPENING DRIVER'S DOOR AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DOES NOT RELEASE.*AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: JM1BG2246R0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT COLLAPSED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED FORCEFULLY.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-18
- VIN: 1YVGE22D6R5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2241R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER STRAP IS BROKEN. IT MOVES ON A MOTORIZED TRACK AND THE MOTOR DOESN'T WORK SO THE STRAP IS STUCK MORE THAN HALF WAY TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. MAZDA WON'T FIX IT WITHOUT PAYMENT BECAUSE OF MY MILEAGE IS BEYOND EXTENDED WARRANTIES. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MILEAGE. THEY WANT $720.00 TO FIX THE SHOULDER STRAP, $590.00 JUST FOR A NEW MOTOR. I HAVE A FIX-IT TICKET ON THIS STRAP AND CANNOT AFFORED TO PAY THEIR PRICE TO HAVE A SHOULDER STRAP THAT MOVES UP AND DOWN AS I OPEN AND CLOSE MY CAR DOOR. THE LANCASTER MAZDA SERVICEMAN TOLD ME THAT THE 1993 MAZDA'S WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT MINE IS A 1994 SO DOESN'T FALL UNDER A RECALL. I COULD USE SOME HELP WITH THIS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-15
- VIN: JM1BG2265R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ACTIVE SHOULDER BELT SEAT BELT MECHANISM FAILS TO MOVE WHEN OPENING DOOR. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-15
- VIN: JM1BG2261R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS WILL ONLY ROLL BACK ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY THEN STOPS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME IN DESCRIPTION AS THAT OF A RECALL (CAMPAIGN NUMBER 97V211000 ON THE MAZDA 323 BUILT THAT SAME YEAR. THE SEAT BELT MOTOR AND TRACK ASSEMBLY COSTS $600 AT THE DEALER WHICH SEEMS TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS. I AM FILING THIS REPORT IN THE HOPE THAT MY CAR YEAR AND MODEL COULD BE ADDED TO THAT RECALL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JM1BG2260R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RETRAINT IS GETTING STUCK AND WHEN GETTING IN OR OUT I GET HIT IN THE HEAD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-12
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELTS ON THE MAZDA PROTOGE IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE MAZDA DEALER WOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM ON MY CAR. AND IF THERE WAS RECALL ON IT BEFORE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BG2262R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT LIGHT AND AUDIO SIGNAL ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING ALTHOUGH SEATBELT IS FASTENED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-21
- VIN: JMIBG2267R0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BOTH RUBBER CV B00TS WERE BROKEN, AND BOTH SIDES OF FRONT AXLE PRACTICALLY SHEARED OFF. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. DEALER/MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. *AK *ML
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-15
- VIN: JM1BG226XR0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTOR SEAT BELTS ON BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE FAILED TO OPERATE WITHIN 31,000 MILES OF WEARS. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK
1994 Mazda Protege recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 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 1994 Mazda Protege car reviews
Positive 1994 Mazda Protege car reviews
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I haven't had too many problems with my car, except for the exhaust pipe breaking a lot. I've had to replace it at least once a year from 1998 to the present. However, the transmission and engine work well and I haven't had any issues with them. I received the car as a freshman in high school and now, as a freshman in college, it's still running well. Although, the body dents very easily. I'm not sure about the person above getting 40 mpg, but mine only gets around 25 on the highway and 20 in town. Additionally, when it's windy out, the car can be difficult to control and it's loud when driving in the wind. The windows aren't sealed very well.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share with you my experience with this car. I bought it almost-new in 1994 with about 13,000 miles on it, and now it has 192,000 miles on it! It has been a reliable car, and aside from frequent brake work and multiple A/C repairs, it has not needed major repairs, just what one would expect on a car with this many miles. It still gets over 25 miles a gallon, which is amazing! However, now that my teenager is going to start driving, we really need something with airbags. It's hard to part with this car, but I know it's time to move on. Take care!
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I love this story! You got this car when you were 16 and drove it for 6 years. It had about 160k on it, but you drove it another 40k without any major issues. You only had to replace the starter once, and with regular maintenance, it was incredibly reliable. The passenger room was decent, and you even put your own speakers in. The paint never really faded, which is impressive. You paid under 1500 for it and got a solid 6 years of driving. That's an amazing deal!
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I bought this car used and have had it for over 3 years; overall it's been a good commuter car. I would recommend, however, a manual transmission. I had to rebuild/replace my automatic twice within the first two years (over $2000 in repair) and it is needing work a third time. I was told by both mechanics that these cars tend to be given very poor automatic transmissions and that the Mazdas with manuals do much better. Expected at its age, I have had other minor repairs needed, but this was the only major issue.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. It was actually my very first car and I bought it with 119,000 miles on it. Now, it has 140,000 miles and it's still running like a champ! I've had to make a few repairs along the way, including the alternator, timing belt, and clutch, but overall it's been a great car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Mazda Protege problems:
1994 Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 1994 Mazda Protege Problems · Engine Cranks and Doesn't Start · Squealing In Timing Cover Area When Cold · Idles Rough, Misfires, and Possible Check Engine ...
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Dec 16, 2012 ... I have a 1994 Mazda DX 1.8. One day while driving car was hesitating off and on from a stop. After a while quit hesitating.
Other years of Mazda Protege
Are you having problems with your 1994 Mazda Protege?
Dalton Dare 2024-10-08
Our family has had a lot of experience with Toyotas, so I may not be comparing this car fairly. However, considering that we bought it with 116,000 miles on it, I shouldn't expect too much. It has gone several months without needing repairs, but then needed several repairs in a row, ranging from exhaust problems to brakes to the radiator, and more. We have put more money into this car than we did with our 93 Plymouth Voyager. On the bright side, the body has held up very well. The engine does burn a lot of oil, and there are some mystery sounds and performance issues with the A/C, fan, and other areas. The mileage is okay for a car of this size, but not great.
Ulises Sporer 2024-09-23
I have definitely gotten excellent use out of my Mazda. While it may not be the most luxurious or flashy car, it has proven to be incredibly reliable and dependable. Thanks to my proactive maintenance, the car has always performed exceptionally well. Although there have been some minor issues, they were all expected and nothing too surprising. The only downside is that the car seats are not particularly comfortable for long drives.