Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 136 of 165 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
50 complaint records2 fire reports26 crash reports
"NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DURING A 3-CAR COLLISION, RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES. ALSO VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Lighting
29 complaint records
"PRIOR TO RECALL OOV118 CONSUMER HAD THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FIXED. CONSUMER SENT IN PROOF OF REPAIR BUT MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR. *JG..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
23 complaint records
"WHEN STARTING VEHICLE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AND THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL BURNING WHEN DRIVING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA99029 opened Sep 1999 | closed May 2000 | Visibility | HEADLIGHT WIRE BREAKAGE - led to recall 00V118000 IN ITS LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2000, MAZDA STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MODEL YEAR 1995 AND 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 1994 THROUGH JULY 1995.MAZDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLE |
| PE99038 opened May 1999 | closed Sep 1999 | Exterior Lighting | LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS BASED ON THE REVIEW OF MAZDA'S INVESTIGATION AND TESTING, EXAMINATION OF TWO FAILED FIELD UNITS (A HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND A COMBINATION SWITCH), AND TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS OF SEVERAL COMPLAINANTS, IT APPEARS THAT THE HEADLIGHT LEAD WIRE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO AND... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V674000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 00V118000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT LEAD WIRE RUNNING THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE SOLDERED CONNECTION TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. | Normally free |
| 95V184000 | Air Bags | THE TIE DOWN HOOKS CAN CAUSE UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS THAT CAN RESULT IN UNNECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS. | Normally free |
| 95V033000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE WIRE ROD USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE ENGINE VALVE SPRINGS CAN DEVELOP MINUTE CRACKS CAUSING BREAKAGE OF THE SPRINGS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015489 2015-10-19 | Electrical | 232,227 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could cause an electrical short to develop over time. This could result in smoke and/or fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. |
| 2000117 2000-05-16 | Electrical | 492 | On certain vehicles, the headlight lead wire running from the combination switch to the headlight switch that is built into the turn lever may be bent during production. |
| 1996014 1996-01-17 | Seats And Restraints | 368 | THE AIRBAGS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY INFLATE AS THE RESULT OF THE TIE DOWN HOOKS STRIKING A CURB OR PAVEMENT. UNNECESSARY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00-003-19-3583 Mar 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually. | |
| 09-009-19-3566 Jan 2019 | Electrical System | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 09-034-18-3430a Oct 2018 | Vehicle Speed Control | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 09-034-18-3430 Aug 2018 | Vehicle Speed Control | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 09-035-17-3080 Aug 2017 | Equipment | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. |
Show 49 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA287 Apr 2016 | Electrical System | DUE TO DIFFERENCES IN THE 1995-1998 PROTÉGÉ IGNITION SWITCH DESIGN, THE REPAIR PROCEDURE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR RECALL 8715J HAS BEEN UPDATED. | |
| 0900716 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | Speedometer replacement procedure | |
| 09-034-14-2956 Aug 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE LISTED BELOW WHEN REPLACING A SPEEDOMETER.NOTE:MAZDA VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED WITH TAMPER-PROOF SPEEDOMETERS.WHEN A SPEEDOMETER IS REPLACED, THE NEW SPEEDOMETER WILL READ ZERO (0) MILES.THIS PROCEDURE IS EXTREMELY... | |
| 0800306 Oct 2006 | Air Bags | NON GENUINE ACCESSORIES AFFECT AIR BAG OPERATION. *KB | |
| 0102504 Jul 2004 | Electrical System | BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 0902604 Jul 2004 | Equipment | SPEEDOMETER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 01100R Oct 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | ON SOME VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VINS, THE DOOR KEY CYLINDER FLAP MAY BREAK ALLOWING A PIECE(S) OF THE FLAP TO ENTER THE CYLINDER THEREBY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO INSERT THE KEY AND CAUSING KEY ROTATION TO STICK. *TT | |
| 00200R Jun 2000 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 00100 Feb 2000 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM INOPERATIVE WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON. *TT | |
| 01399 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH DOOR KEY WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO INSERT AND / OR ROTATE. *TT | |
| 01299 Aug 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING PAINT DAMAGE - IRON PARTICLES / INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT / ACID RAIN. *TT | |
| 00299 Jul 1999 | Service Brakes | EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. *TT | |
| 01098 Oct 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ERRATIC SHIFTING, O/D OFF INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHING WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AS A RESULT OF THE VALVE BODY HARNESS (TRANSAXLE FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT) BEING PINCHED BY A METAL CLIP WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE... | |
| 00998 Sep 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING A/T SELECTOR LEVER HARD TO OPERATE. *YC | |
| 01298 Jun 1998 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH MANUAL CONTROL DOOR MIRROR NOT ADJUSTABLE. *YC | |
| 00298 Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE. *YC | |
| 00198 Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS REGARDING THE HEARTER NOT WORKING EFFIECIENTLY OR ENGINE TAKES TOO LING TO WARM-UP. *YC | |
| 01198 May 1998 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT ON PASSIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SWITCH. *YC | |
| 00598 Apr 1998 | Seat Belts | INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT EXTENDERS. *YC | |
| 00198 Apr 1998 | Steering | CONDITIONS WITH STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. *YC | |
| 00298 Feb 1998 | Power Train | CONDITIONS WITH THE SHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT MAY BE STIFF WHEN MOVING THROUGH ALL GEAR RANGES. *YC | |
| 00198 Feb 1998 | Power Train | COMPLAINTS OF TACH NEEDLE STUCK ON WRONG SIDE OF STOPPER PIN. *YC | |
| 97102300397 Oct 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO MTX OVERHAUL INFORMATION. *YC | |
| 97102302097 Oct 1997 | Structure | PRE-PAINTING PREPARATIONS FOR FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. *YC | |
| 97083000997 Aug 1997 | Unknown Or Other | CONDITION WITH INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. *YC | |
| 97083001897 Aug 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNDER CERTAIN LOAD AND RPM RANGES EXCESSIVE NOISE MAY BE IN GENERATED IN THE EGR BOOST SENSOR CIRCUIT CAUSING DTC P0400 TO BE SET. *YC | |
| 970716007/97 Jul 1997 | Electrical System | CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF MIL LAMP ILLUMINATION. *YC | |
| 970716015/97 Jul 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS OF RATTLING OR BUZZING NOISES IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 012/97S Jun 1997 | Seats | CENTER ARMREST LATCH SUPPORT REINFORCEMENT INSTALLATION. *TW | |
| 012/97T Jun 1997 | Power Train | TACH NEEDLE STUCK ON WRONG SIDE OF STOPPER PIN. *TW | |
| 009/97T Jun 1997 | Interior Lighting | INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. *TW | |
| 007/97U May 1997 | Equipment | A/C REFRIGERANT CHARGING. *TW | |
| 008/97 May 1997 | Equipment | USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW | |
| 007/97T Apr 1997 | Air Bags | PARTS REPLACEMENT AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TW | |
| 013/97F Apr 1997 | Unknown Or Other | SUPPLEMENTAL DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR MIL ILLUMINATION. *TW | |
| 001/97G Apr 1997 | Electrical System | MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW | |
| 002/97S Mar 1997 | Structure | REAR EDGE OF ROOF MOLDING LIFTS. *TW | |
| 003/97U Mar 1997 | Equipment | A/C SWITCH MODIFICATION. *TW | |
| 004/97U Mar 1997 | Equipment | DAMP CARPET ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN OPERATING A/C. *TW | |
| 003/97G Jan 1997 | Electrical System | WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW | |
| 016/95 Dec 1995 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT. *SD | |
| 024/95 Sep 1995 | Structure | TAPPING NOISE AROUND 'B' PILLAR. *SD | |
| 030/95 Sep 1995 | Visibility | POWER OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS VIBRATION. *SD | |
| S021/95 Jun 1995 | Structure | RATTLE NOISE FROM HOOD - RUBBER HOOD STOPS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. *TW | |
| T010/95 Jun 1995 | Visibility | REAR DEFROSTER AND INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT OPERATE DUE TO SILICONE GREASE STUCK ON THE REAR DEFROSTER SWITCH CONTACT POINTS. *TW | |
| S015/95 May 1995 | Visibility | NOISE WHEN OPENING POWER WINDOW. *TW | |
| U002/95 Feb 1995 | Visibility | BLOWER MOTOR BRUSH NOISE. *TW | |
| S001/95 Jan 1995 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | CRACKING NOISE AT B AND C PILLAR CAUSED BY DOOR LOCK STRIKER BOLTS VIBRATING. *TW | |
| R003/94 Dec 1994 | Steering | CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mazda Protege →