1996 Mazda Protege: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (33% of complaints).
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 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer's vehicle was rear ended while stopping at a traffic light, which caused a chain reaction with two other vehicles. Consumer's head impacted the steering wheel , the seat back, and then the steering wheel again. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2004
“Car started smoking & within less than 10 minutes the fire that started under the hood had half the car engulfed in flames, within 25 minutes the whole car was completely burned up from front to back.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2003
“I had difficulty moving the automatic transmission gear shift lever when the car was about 1 year old. The problem would occur on and off over the next few years. I finally had to replace the part when the gear shift lever was stuck with my key still in the ignition about 2 or 3 years ago. I can't remember if it was an electrical/ignition or transmission problem. Now the same problem is happening again!”Owner report · Power Train · May 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Serious rust problem discovered in the windshield area of car when having new windshield installed. Several years ago, probably 1999, while the car was still under warranty, I attempted to have mazda repair rust that was appearing on the front pillars by the windshield. Their area representative refused, saying that the warranty only covered rusting through. Now this has become a safety hazard, because the integrity of the new windshield's mounting is in doubt.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2003
“In arear end collision with another truck neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2002
“While driving at any speed vehicle will make noise while making a turn. Also, it feels unbalanced. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2001
“The drivers air bag failed to deploy during an accident in which the vehicle sustained heavy damage.(attorney for client) *yh”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2001
“Left rear tire 'separated' while going to work on I-95 at 11 a.m. I temporary lost control and veered over 3 lanes before regaining control of car. Lucky to be alive.( dot number: ???? Tire size: ????? )”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2000
“While driving on a two-lane highway travelling 45mph, and 2 cars ahead, another vehicle was making sudden a turn, consumer slammed on brakes, and rear ended vehicle in front. Upon impact, neither airbag deployed. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2000
“Consumer was locked in driver seat because seat belt would not unlatch. Consumer had to cut herself out. Notified dealer, repairs were covered under extended warranty.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 24 of these complaints and injuries in 24 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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 1996 Mazda Protege reliable?
NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mazda Protege. The most complained-about area is air bags (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mazda Protege problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mazda Protege have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have 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.