1997 Mazda Protege

66 federal complaints (103 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 81 service bulletins
See all 15 model years of the Mazda Protege →
Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
22 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
66
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Brakes
13
Power train
12
Air bags
12
Engine & cooling
9
Speed control
8
Seat belts
7
Suspension
6
Fuel system
6
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

0 years old: 13 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 2 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 4 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 49 of 66 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.

Brakes

13 complaint records2 crash reports
"AT 18,000 MILES THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE COMPLETELY WARPED AND CANNOT BE TURNED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *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 brakes parts in the directory →

Power train

12 complaint records2 crash reports
"LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON, OVERDRIVE SENSOR. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT IT FUSE WAS BLOWN, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *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 power train parts in the directory →

Air bags

12 complaint records10 crash reports
"CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, ON A 15 MPH IMPACT, BOTH HOOD HINGES SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE AND HIT WINDSHIELD. *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 →

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
15V674000Electrical SystemMazda 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

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
01-006-21-3779a
Aug 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
09-025-21-3824
Aug 2021
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver’s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
01-005-21-3778
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThe Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
01-006-21-3779
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
09-002-21-3770
Jan 2021
Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
09-003-20-3671
Jan 2020
EquipmentIn 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.
00-003-19-3583
Mar 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingIn 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 SystemIn 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.
01-004-19-3558
Jan 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingOn some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration.
09-002-19-3554
Jan 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage.
01-001-19-3551
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
01-002-19-3552
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemThe Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
00-001-18-3446a
Oct 2018
EquipmentMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
00-003-18-3480a
Oct 2018
EquipmentMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program.
09-014-18-3443a
Oct 2018
StructureWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
09-034-18-3430a
Oct 2018
EquipmentIn 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.
01-016-18-3522
Sep 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingOn some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration.
09-034-18-3430
Aug 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlIn 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.
00-003-18-3480
May 2018
Service BrakesMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer...
09-019-18-3450
Mar 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
01-008-18-3451
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
01-009-18-3452
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThe Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
00-001-18-3446
Mar 2018
EquipmentMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
09-014-18-3443
Mar 2018
StructureWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
09-035-17-3080
Aug 2017
EquipmentIn 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.
SA287
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemDUE TO DIFFERENCES IN THE 1995-1998 PROTÉGÉ IGNITION SWITCH DESIGN, THE REPAIR PROCEDURE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR RECALL 8715J HAS BEEN UPDATED.
0901216
Feb 2016
EquipmentPaint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
0900716
Feb 2016
Electrical SystemSpeedometer replacement procedure
0100516
Feb 2016
EquipmentBattery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
09-034-14-2956
Aug 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityIN 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...
00-002-14-2936
Jun 2014
EquipmentMAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS RECEIVED MANY REQUESTS FROM OUR DEALERS ASKING US TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL ON-CAR BRAKE LATHES AS AN OPTION FOR MNAO AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT.
09-027-14-2935
Jun 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTHIS SERVICE BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPER USE OF THE DRIVER’S FLOOR MAT TO AVOID ANY POTENTIAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE FOOT PEDALS. THE FOLLOWING ARE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE, WHICH CAN BE AVOIDED WITH PROPER USAGE.
00-001-13-2748A
Apr 2013
EquipmentMAZDA HAS DEVELOPED FACTORY RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES THAT SUPPORT ALL MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS. MAZDA RECOMMENDS DEALERS FOLLOW THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TABLES AS CITED IN THE VEHICLE-SPECIFIC WORKSHOP MANUAL OR OWNER’S MANUAL.
SB-09-005-13
Mar 2013
EquipmentMAZDA: ON SOME VEHICLES, TO AVOID POTENTIAL INTERFERENCE OF FOOT PLACED ON PEDALS, INFORMATION IS PROVIDED REGARDING PROPER USE, AND PLACEMENT, OF DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. VARIOUS MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. *PE
09-005-13-2781
Mar 2013
EquipmentTHIS SERVICE BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPER USE OF THE DRIVER’S FLOOR MAT TO AVOID ANY POTEN-TIAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE FOOT PEDALS.
00-001-13-2748
Jan 2013
EquipmentMAZDA HAS DEVELOPED FACTORY RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES THAT SUPPORT ALL MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS. MAZDA RECOMMENDS DEALERS FOLLOW THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TABLES AS CITED IN THE VEHICLE-SPECIFIC WORKSHOP MANUAL OR OWNER’S MANUAL.
00-004/12
Dec 2012
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
00-004-12-2741
Dec 2012
EquipmentMAZDA HAS DEVELOPED FACTORY RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES THAT SUPPORT ALL MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS. MAZDA RECOMMENDS DEALERS FOLLOW THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TABLES AS CITED IN THE VEHICLE-SPECIFIC WORKSHOP MANUAL OR OWNER’S MANUAL.
00307
Apr 2007
Unknown Or OtherAVAILABILITY OF NON-REQUIRED TOOLS. *KB
0800306
Oct 2006
Air BagsNON GENUINE ACCESSORIES AFFECT AIR BAG OPERATION. *KB
00204
Oct 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEVAPORATIVE EMMISSIONS AND RECIVER ADAPTERS. *EH
0102504
Jul 2004
Electrical SystemBATTERY TEST PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS. *TT
0902604
Jul 2004
EquipmentSPEEDOMETER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT
01100R
Oct 2000
Latches/Locks/LinkagesON 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
00700
Jul 2000
EquipmentCIGARETTE LIGHTER DOES NOT WORK OR STAY IN POSITION. *TT
00200R
Jun 2000
SuspensionTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES. *TT
00100
Feb 2000
EquipmentSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM INOPERATIVE WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON. *TT
01399
Sep 1999
Unknown Or OtherCONCERNS WITH DOOR KEY WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO INSERT AND / OR ROTATE. *TT
01299
Aug 1999
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING PAINT DAMAGE - IRON PARTICLES / INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT / ACID RAIN. *TT
00299
Jul 1999
Service BrakesEXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. *TT
00198
Oct 1998
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE FROM DRIVE SHAFT. *YC
01098
Oct 1998
Power TrainSOME 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 TrainINFORMATION REGARDING A/T SELECTOR LEVER HARD TO OPERATE. *YC
02098
Aug 1998
StructureEXHIBITING A RUBBING NOISE HEARD FROM THE FRONT CONSOLE WHEN DRIVING. *YC
00898
Jul 1998
EquipmentCONCERNS WITH THE AUDIO SOUND CUTS OUT WHEN BLOWER MOTOR OPERATES. *YC
00298
Jul 1998
SuspensionEXPERIENCING A THUMPING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION TOWER. *YC
01498
Jun 1998
Unknown Or OtherCONCERNS WITH WATER LEAKAGE ONTO FRONT FLOOR MAT. *YC
01298
Jun 1998
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH MANUAL CONTROL DOOR MIRROR NOT ADJUSTABLE. *YC
00298
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE. *YC
00198
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS REGARDING THE HEARTER NOT WORKING EFFIECIENTLY OR ENGINE TAKES TOO LING TO WARM-UP. *YC

Showing 60 of 81 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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.
  5. 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 →