1992 Mazda Protege: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (52% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2016
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2015
“Cable that moves shoulder restraint back and forth came out of its track creating a noose across the window shoulder belt is now inoperable”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driver's side automatic seat belt retractor broke. The cable has come completely off the track. The driver side seat belt is inoperable. *la”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2003
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2000
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2000
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1999
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Protege by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Mazda Protege reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Mazda Protege. The most complained-about area is seat belts (52% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Mazda Protege problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Mazda Protege have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.