Mazda Protege recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Mazda Protege, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Mazda Protege. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Mazda Protege, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1989–2003 with 15 recall campaigns and 1377 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1995 (4), 2001 (1), and 2000 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1995 (232), 2003 (145), and 2002 (133).
- Top recall themes: Electrical, Airbags, and Brakes.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Air bags:frontal, Seat belts, Power train:automatic transmission.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Electrical
2 campaigns · Years: 1990–1999These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Airbags
1 campaign · Years: 1995These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
- 95V184000 · Air bags
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 2000–2001These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 01V024000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Engine and cooling
1 campaign · Years: 1995These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
- 95V033000 · Engine and engine cooling
Visibility and lighting
1 campaign · Years: 1995These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
- 00V118000 · Exterior lighting: Switch
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Mazda Protege in NHTSA complaint data are Air bags:frontal, Seat belts, Power train:automatic transmission.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 0 | 145 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 2002 | 0 | 133 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Power train:automatic transmission, Tires. |
| 2001 | 1 | 68 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2000 | 1 | 126 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal, Air bags. |
| 1999 | 1 | 102 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal, Air bags. |
| 1998 | 1 | 53 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Power train:clutch assembly. |
| 1997 | 1 | 103 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1996 | 1 | 91 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner, Air bags. |
| 1995 | 4 | 232 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Exterior lighting:headlights, Air bags. |
| 1994 | 1 | 89 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:retractor, Seat belts:front:webbing. |
| 1993 | 1 | 56 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Seat belts:front:retractor. |
| 1992 | 1 | 72 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:warning light/devices, Seat belts:front:retractor. |
| 1991 | 1 | 60 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:retractor, Seat belts, Seat belts:front:anchorage. |
| 1990 | 1 | 45 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:retractor, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly. |
| 1989 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Electrical system , Service brakes and Equipment
Other Mazda Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Mazda models.
- 323 1986–1994
- 626 1981–2002
- 929 1988–1996
- B-Series 1981–2010
- CX-3 2016–2022
- CX-30 2020–2027
- CX-5 2013–2027
- CX-50 2023–2027
- CX-7 2007–2012
- CX-70 2025–2027
- CX-9 2007–2027
- CX-90 2024–2027
- GLC 1981–1986
- Mazda2 2011–2021
- Mazda3 2004–2027
- Mazda5 2006–2015
- Mazda6 2003–2021
- Millenia 1995–2002
- MPV 1989–2006
- MX-3 1989–1996
- MX-5 1990–2027
- MX-6 1988–1997
- Navajo 1991–1994
- RX-7 1981–1996
- RX-8 2004–2012
- Tribute 2001–2011
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.