1997 Mazda Protege: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 66 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (17% 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 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mazda protg dx. The contact stated that after taking his vehicle in for routine inspection, the mechanic informed him that both the front and rear brakes were rusted. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that all the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. Updated 02/11/11 *bf updated 11/30/2011 *ln”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2010
“After investigating "check engine light" over a period of 5 months, it was determined that a valve problem in the first cylinder was causing a lack of compression and poor engine performance. 2 oxygen sensors were replaced, as well as 8 valves and other parts, to solve the problem. We spent a total of $1791.78 before the car was fixed. We learned from our mazda dealer that a service bulletin was issued 6/10/98 that covered this problem. We complained to the dealership and the mazda area rep, and no reimbursement was issued. *ph”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
“Check engine light illuminated and acceleration is poor.*mr enclosed are copies of the receipts and service bulletin issued in reference to the defective vehicle. *cb the consumer stated the problem was finally identified as a faulty valvein cylinder #1. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Airbag failed to deploy on both sides at 35mph while rear ending a van. Tore off bumper with airbag sensors clearly in view airbag light inside of vehicle was not on either. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2002
“Failure of the latches on both front seat allowing the seat to recline. During an accident where the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was struck in rear causing the seat back to recline. The action trapped my wife's left foot under the seat. This caused severe contusion and abrasions.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Jul 2002
“While driving at 40 mph there was a direct frontal collision, and air bags did not deploy, causing injury to driver. *ak the seat belt failed during the accident. *yh”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2002
“Lights kept coming on, overdrive sensor. Consumer was told by mechanic that it fuse was blown, it happened again. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2002
“There was a severe whining noise coming from the right front wheel area, dealer found the g1 bearing was worn on the intermediate shaft to the right front axle, the noise continued to get louder and the dealer found the sway bar links to be defective, consumer is asking for reimbursement for the repairs made. *slc”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2001
“Power locks were replaced twice by covington pike mazda (tn) and once by cascade mazda dealer(oh, 44221). This is the fourth time, my locks have deteriorated.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2001
“Windshield wiper linkage failed, causing inoperative windshield wipers. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer it was not cover under a manufacturer's recall. *ak the consumer purchased replacement parts and the problem was solved. *yh”Owner report · Visibility · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - 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 1997 Mazda Protege reliable?
NHTSA has 66 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Mazda Protege. The most complained-about area is air bags (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Mazda Protege problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 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.