1998 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 1998 Mazda Protege problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Mazda Protege, several common problems have been reported:
- Caliper and Brake Issues: Complaints about caliper and brake issues have been raised, indicating potential safety concerns related to the braking system.
- Terrible Rusting: Rusting problems have been reported, particularly in the 2002 Protege model. Rust can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and lead to aesthetic issues.
- Voltage Regulator Damages Alternator and Battery: Complaints suggest that the voltage regulator can cause damage to the alternator and battery, affecting the electrical system of the car.
- AC Not Working: Some owners have experienced issues with the air conditioning system not functioning properly. This can lead to discomfort while driving, especially in hot weather conditions.
These common problems with the 1998 Mazda Protege highlight a range of issues that owners have faced, from engine performance concerns to safety and comfort-related issues. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability 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.
Does a 1998 Mazda Protege have a timing belt or chain?
The 98 mazda protege 1.5L i own is a Dual over head cam with a belt not a chain. both of the cams on this car are belt driven.
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.
1998 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:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mazda Protege vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Mazda Protege
The NHTSA has received 47 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mazda Protege. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Mazda Protege vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-07
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-24
- VIN: JM1BC141XW0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION SWITCH ALONG WITH THE KEYS BECAME HOT TO THE TOUCH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ORDERED UNKNOWN PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SKYLAND MAZDA AT (828) 667-52132 AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-15
- VIN: JM1BC1411W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION STEERING PRODUCES A GRINDING NOISE. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAS MALFUNCTIONED. MIDAS ASKING FOR $1400 AND SAYS THIS IS COMMON MAZDA PROTEGE 1998 PROBLEM. I FOUND SIMILAR ALREADY EXISTING COMPLAINT BY SOMEONE ELSE (REFERENCE NUMBER: 10083656). *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-31
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BC1414W0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ALONE MY 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE ALONG A LOCAL ROUTE IN TEWKSBURY MA IN LIGHT RAIN AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH WHEN A CAR A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME MADE A QUICK STOP FOR A LEFT TURN. SEVERAL CAR BEHIND STOPPED WITHOUT PROBLEM, BUT I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND SKID ALL THE WAY INTO THE CAR AT FRONT WHICH WAS A 2002 CAMRY. AT THE TIME THE CAR AT FRONT OF ME HIT THE BRAKE I TAPPED ON MY BRAKE ALMOST AT THE SAME TIME AND THERE WERE ABOUT 10 CAR LENGTH DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE 2002 CAMRY THAT I HIT EVENTUALLY. THE TRACTION PROVIDED BY MY TIRES ARE EXTREMELY LOW ESPECIALLY IN WET. THE TIRES I WAS RIDING ON ARE 4 GOODYEAR INTEGRITY P175/70R13 THAT I INSTALLED IN MAY 2005 IN ALLIED TIRES AND SERVICE IN GAINESVILLE, FL 32607. I HAD ABOUT 40K MILES ON THEM AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT. MY CAR PASSED THE MA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION IN JAN 2008, AND MY MOST RECENT VISUAL CHECK ON THE TIRES SHOWED THERE WERE ENOUGH TREAD LEFT. FROM DAY ONE I NOTICED THESE TIRES WERE EXTREMELY SLIPPERY COMPARED TO OTHER TIRES, A LITTLE BIT MORE ON THROTTLE OR BRAKE COULD CAUSE TIRE SPIN IN EVEN DRY CONDITION, IN WET IT'S MUCH WORSE. AS A SAFETY DRIVER I CONSIDERED MYSELF, I ALWAYS DROVE WELL UNDER SPEED LIMIT WITH EXTREME CAUTION, AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T CONSIDER THESE TIRES AN IMMINENT HAZARD SO I TOOK NO ACTION AND CONTINUED USING THEM UNTIL THIS ACCIDENT. I DEEPLY REGRETTED THIS. I SINCERELY REQUEST YOUR FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE GRIP PERFORMANCE ON THIS LINE OF TIRES. I AM A SAFE DRIVER WITH 7 YEAR OF CLEAN RECORD BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT. BEFORE I MADE THIS COMPLAINT I FOUND MANY PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE ALSO ADDRESSED THE GRIP ISSUE. AND THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS LINE OF TIRES ON THE GRIP PERFORMANCE ON INTERNET. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT 1:30 PM, MAY 31, 2008, AT MAIN ST RT. 38 IN TEWKSBURY, MA 01876. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE MORE DETAILS YOU COULD CONTACT ME OR THE TEWKSBURY MA POLICE. I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR EFFORT ON THIS. THANK YOU, WING-HIN WONG *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-17
- VIN: JM1BC1410W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN VEHICLE WITH ONLY 65,800 MILES. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-31
- VIN: JM1BC1424W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FAILED EMISSIONS INSPECTION DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE AND MID-PIPE. DEALER REPLACED BOTH AT MY EXPENSE. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-22
- VIN: JM1BC1414W0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE LOOSE AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK IN TO NORMAL POSITION. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *BF THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS 4TH TRANSMISSION. *TC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 1999 MAZDA PROTEGE LX.*MR DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT MAZDA BECAUSE THEY WERE PRIMARILY A HONDA DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE THEY SUGGESTED THE PROBLEM HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GAS. THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE COMPUTER AND TOLD THE CONSUMER IF THE PROBLEM RECURRED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A MAZDA DEALER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT EVERY TIME THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. OVER THE COARSE OF A FEW MONTHS THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS THAT THEY THOUGHT WOULD ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY DIDN'T. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE DRAIN PLUG WAS NOT PUT BACK PROPERLY AND FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-25
- VIN: JM1BC1415W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS FOR NO REASON. INTERMITTENT TIMES CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT TO LOWER GEAR WHEN FOOT REMOVED FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHETHER ON STREETS OR FREEWAY. CAR IS RENDERD UNUSABLE BY WIFE.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-26
- VIN: JM1BC1416W0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, AN OBJECT APPEARED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER RAN OVER THE OBJECT WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BUMBER AND UNDER THE VEHICLE. *LA *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- VIN: JM1BC1410W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACKED WHICH GREATLY REDUCED THE ENGINES PERFORMANCE AND POWER. *NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: JM1BC14228W
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP INTO A LOWER GEAR, AN THE ENGINE ACTED AS THOUGH IT WOULD STALL AND THEN BUCKED ERRATICALLY. *TS *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-05
- VIN: JM1BC141XW0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK IN 1998 MAZADA PROTEGE. RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A BURNING SMELL IN THE CABIN. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT IT IS DUE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK AND TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 95-98 PROTEGE. HE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE IN THE BULLETIN. I TOOK HIS SUGGESTION AND CALLED THE DEALER, BUT THE ANSWER WAS NEGATIVE. I AM VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE MONOXIDE FROM THE EXHAUST COULD POTENTIALLY KILL A PERSON IN SILENCE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE WINDOW OPEN MOST TIME, JUST TO BE SAFE. I HOPE THAT MAZDA WILL PLACE A RECALL ON IT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-23
- VIN: JM1BC1413W0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH , VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BY A MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE HEATING CORE HAD RUSTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH. WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH, THE IDLE DROPS TO 0 AND THE CAR SHAKES BEFORE RETURNING TO IT'S NORMAL IDLE SPEED, APPROX. 500 RPM, OR IT JUST STALLS. THIS HAS CAUSED HARROWING MOMENTS WHEN PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON EXIT RAMPS AND PULLING INTO PARKING SPOTS. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO (2) MAZDA DEALERS 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME I AM TOLD THAT IT IS THE GAS I USE, BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 40,000 MILES NOW AND IS GETTING WORSE. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
- VIN: JM1BC1414W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED BACK IN 09/01. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE REPLACED FOR FREE! I LEFT PAYING $66.11 TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE A PORTION OF THE AC UNIT ON 05/23/02. ONE MONTH LATER APPROXIMATELY 6/25/02 I THEN HEARD A LOUD EXHUST NOISE. I HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY A FRIEND WHO FOUND THAT THE MANIFOLD HAD A SIGINIFICANTLY LARGE CRACK. MOREOVER, THE SMELL WITHIN THE PASSENGER CAMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE IS EXTREME TO THE POINT WHEN WE GET OUT OF THE CAR WE HAVE THE SMELL OF EXHUST FUMES IN OUR HAIR AND CLOTHES. THE SMELL IN THE CAR IS VERY OVERWHELMING, THAT WE MUST RIDE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN FOR FRESH AIR AND LETS JUST SAY WE ONLY GET RELIEF FOR JUST A SHORT WHILE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN BECAUSE WE LIVE IN FLORIDA AND IT IS USUALLY TOO HOT & HUMID TO HAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN DURING THE DAYTIME. ON LONGER DRIVES IT TENDS TO MAKE ME SLEEPY ALSO MY 5 YEAR OLD RIDES IN THIS VEHICLE AND HAS A HISTORY OF ASTHMA. THIS TO ME IS A GREAT HADZARD TO ALL OF OUR HEALTH ESPECIALLY TO HIS. I WONDER IF THIS IS ALL RELATED TO EACH OTHER. OR IS IT SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH? SINCERELY, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-10
- VIN: JM1BC1413W0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: COVERINGS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE KEY LOCKS THAT PREVENT MOISTURE FROM ENTERING THE LOCK WERE MADE FROM PLASTIC. THIS PLASTIC BECOMES BRITTLE AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF EXPOSURE AND USE AND CAN BREAK. WHEN THE PART BREAKS, PIECES FROM THE BROKEN COVER CAN EASILY BE LODGED IN THE LOCK RENDERING THE LOCK UNUSABLE (AS HAPPENED TO ME).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-14
- VIN: JM1BC1417W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR WILL THRUST FORWARD, JERKING CAR & PASSENGERS - MANUFACTURER SAYS DETECTED IN 1996-1998 MODELS AS NORMAL.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, IT WOULD REV HIGH AND NOT SHIFT BACK DOWN WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS, CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE GAS TO GET IT TO COME BACK DOWN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAID A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. VEHICLE WASTHEN TAKEN TO A NATIONALLY KNOWN SERVICE SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH HAD COME APART, CONSUMER LETTING THEM DO THE REPAIRS BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH INITIAL SERVICE FROM DEALER. *YD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, IT WOULD REV HIGH AND NOT SHIFT BACK DOWN WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS, CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE GAS TO GET IT TO COME BACK DOWN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAID A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. VEHICLE WASTHEN TAKEN TO A NATIONALLY KNOWN SERVICE SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH HAD COME APART, CONSUMER LETTING THEM DO THE REPAIRS BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH INITIAL SERVICE FROM DEALER. *YD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: JM1BC1413W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CALIPER AND ROTOR FAILED WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES, DEALER SAID IT IS TYPICAL AND SAID THE PARTS USED ARE POOR. OTHER VEHICLES I OWNED EXERIENCED THIS TYPE OF FAILURE MUCH LATER IN VEHICLE LIFE (75,000 MI +). *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-01
- VIN: JM1BC1410W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CALLED MAZDA DEALER IN REGARDS TO CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT SINCE IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I HAVE CALLED 25 DIFFERENT SALVAGE YARDS IN GEORGIA AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A HOT ITEM RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I CAN'T GET ONE. TO BUY ONE FROM THE DEALER WILL COST ME OVER $300.00 . I KNOW THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-25
- VIN: JM1BC1417W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: RE:MANIFOLD. A CRACK BEGINS FROM THE ENGINE SIDE.DEALER STATED THE FIRST IT HAPPENED A STONE MUST HAVE COME UP & HIT IT. THIS IS AN IMPOSIBILITY. NOW AFTER REPLACING IT IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN.CRACK IS IN THE SAME PLACE.BEGINNING FROM THE ENGINE SIDE. EVERY TIME THIS OCCURS, EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.RE: WINDSHIELD.WIPERS DO NOT CLEAN THE DRIVER SIDE & HAVE NEVER DONE SO SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.WIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED & DOES NOT HELP.IN A DRIVING RAIN I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO 50 MPH TO WIPE CLEAN.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1BC1419W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN IT HAS SET FOR LONG PERIODS. *AK
1998 Mazda Protege recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 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.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Negative 1998 Mazda Protege car reviews
Positive 1998 Mazda Protege car reviews
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Mazda. I've been the proud owner of this car for 8 years now and it's been amazing! With only 82,000 miles, it still runs like a dream. Despite being a compact vehicle, it has plenty of leg and head room, making it super comfortable to drive. Plus, the gas mileage is fantastic! I've had very few issues with it, just the normal wear and tear. This is actually my third Mazda and I have to say, it's definitely the best vehicle I've ever purchased!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my Mazda. When I bought it brand new, it only had 10 miles on it! It's definitely one of the best cars I've ever owned. It gets great gas mileage, is super fun to drive, and requires very little maintenance - just the normal wear and tear. The only downside is that it could use a bit more power, especially with the automatic 1.5 liter engine. But overall, I still own the car and it has only 82,000 miles on it!
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My wife drives this car and absolutely loves it! She's been a fan since day one and everything has been running smoothly so far. Although, as a passenger (sometimes), I have noticed some discomfort. I'm not sure if it's due to the car's design or my wife's driving habits, but overall it's been a great purchase. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up buying a Mazda too!
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This is my first car (used). I bought it at 53,300 miles, and currently at 65k miles, I haven't had too many troubles with it. I drive the car off road as well, most often without any problems. The fuel economy is good at 30 MPG city/highway mix. Overall, I am pretty impressed with this car. After spending over $1k in the past year on scheduled maintenance and/or parts replacements (including 60K scheduled service), my mechanic says that my car is as good as new :).
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it new and have put 180k miles on it (yes, miles!). Despite sometimes forgetting to change the oil, it has been an excellent and reliable small car. I've only had to replace the clutch plate twice (it's a manual shift) and the brake pads twice as well. The engine light tends to go on in wet weather, but nobody seems to know why. On the bright side, my two teenagers were able to master stick-shift on it! Overall, I highly recommend this car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Mazda Protege problems:
1998 Mazda Protege Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 1998 Mazda Protege Problems · Engine Cranks and Doesn't Start · Squealing In Timing Cover Area When Cold · Idles Rough, Misfires, and Possible Check Engine ...
The Unofficial User's Guide to the '95 to '98 Mazda Protégé - Mazda ...
Feb 25, 2013 ... Other items and repairs: Common issues are a failing catalytic converter and rough idling. Sometimes the idle speed drops way low before ...
1998 Mazda Protege Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 1998 Mazda Protege Problems ... An electrically shorted air flow sensor can cause a crank-no start condition. diagnosis may show that ignition spark..
Mazda Protege5 2003: Common Problems & Solutions
Jul 11, 2011 ... What causes some kind of electrical problem in my 2003 Mazda protege 5? - Answered by a verified Mazda Mechanic.
1998 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
Comfort 3.7; Interior 4.0; Performance 3.6; Value 5.0; Exterior 4.3; Reliability 5.0.
Other years of Mazda Protege
Are you having problems with your 1998 Mazda Protege?
Kaleb Franecki 2024-08-20
During the warranty period, I experienced some issues with my hardware and accessories. For instance, the front brakes were poorly built and made noises when backing up. Additionally, my door locks were made of plastic components and caused trouble, which is why I had to replace both of them.
Damien Adams 2024-07-23
It's alright for a small car, but the transmission may start to slow down after 98000 miles.