1999 Mazda Protege

88 federal complaints (102 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 92 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 15 model years of the Mazda Protege →
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
23 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
88
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.

Power train
22
Air bags
21
Tires
13
Engine & cooling
9
Electrical system
6
Brakes
6
Seats
4
Other
4
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: 7 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 9 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 3 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 71 of 88 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.

Power train

22 complaint records1 crash report
"THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS THE FIRST TIME THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPAIRED. NOW AT 47,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT AGAIN. JOEY..."- 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

21 complaint records21 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED HEAD FIRST TO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *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 →

Tires

13 complaint records
"FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE VERY SHAKEN UP BUT UNHURT. *SLC..."- 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 tires 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
00V301000EquipmentVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PARTICULAR FACTORY INSTALLED AUDIO UNIT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT LOW SPEED IN A HOT AND HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN, AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, AND...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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000234
2000-10-23
Electrical4,205On certain vehicles, if operated at low speeds in a hot and humid environment with the window open, air conditioner running and audio on, condensed water on the A/C duct surface may drop and enter into the audio unit, causing a short...
2000176
2000-08-28
Other86,835Certain vehicles do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Vehicles have an incorrect National Safety Mark (NSM).

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
09-016-23
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemSpeedometer replacement procedure
02-004-22a
Nov 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
09-024-22
Jul 2022
Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
01-006-22
Jun 2022
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.
02-004-22
May 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SA-014-22
Mar 2022
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
01-003/22
Mar 2022
EquipmentThe Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
01-006-21-3779b
Dec 2021
Electrical SystemBattery Maintenance: This 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.
05-002-21-3854
Dec 2021
Power TrainAutomatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE).
01-006-21-3779a
Aug 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.
09-025-21-3824
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.
SA-041-21
Jun 2021
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected.
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.
07-001-21-3775
Jan 2021
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
09-002-21-3770
Jan 2021
Vehicle Speed ControlIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
02-002-20-3651
Jan 2020
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
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.
07-002-19-3616a
Dec 2019
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
07-002-19-3616
Jul 2019
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
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.
02-001-19-3550
Jan 2019
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
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
Service BrakesMazda 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...
07-002-18-3432
Apr 2018
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
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.
02-006-18-3449
Mar 2018
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
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.
0901216
Feb 2016
EquipmentPaint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
0900716
Feb 2016
Electrical SystemSpeedometer replacement procedure
0100516
Feb 2016
Electrical SystemBattery 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.
07-002-13-2842
Oct 2013
EquipmentA MUSTY/MILDEW TYPE ODOR MAY COME FROM THE VENTS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM IS OPERATING. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE A/C IS FIRST TURNED ON.
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.
02-001-13-2752
Jan 2013
EquipmentSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF SIGNS OF OIL ON THE STRUTS OR SHOCK ABSORBERS. IN MOST CASES THE OIL THAT IS PRESENT IS NORMAL, AND A RESULT OF THE OIL THAT REMAINS ON THE SHAFT DURING THE NORMAL SWEEPING PROCESS OF THE SHAFT SEAL.
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

Showing 60 of 92 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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  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 →