Owners have filed 232 complaints
about the 1995 Mazda Protege with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mazda Protege. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
41.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
3637.1%
Headlights
1414.4%
Gasoline
1010.3%
Automatic Transmission
1010.3%
Switch
88.2%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
77.2%
Engine
77.2%
Constant Velocity Joint
55.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
17.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
323.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
215.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
430.8%
150,000+ miles
17.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1995 Mazda Protege 4-DR
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 13May 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Mazda Protege
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA99029Opened 30 Sep 1999Closed 10 May 2000VISIBILITY
HEADLIGHT WIRE BREAKAGE
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
PE99038Opened 20 May 1999Closed 30 Sep 1999EXTERIOR 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 LOCATED JUST BELOW THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, CAN BE STRESSED FROM CYCLING THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AND RESULT IN FATIGUE BREAKAGE OF THE WIRE.COMPLAINTS STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF DURINGOPERATION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 PROTEGE VEHICLES WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL AND/OR WHILE JUST DRIVING (E.G., GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP).SEVERAL COMPLAINA...
Recalls on the 1995 Mazda Protege
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2015489232,227 units in Canada
Electrical
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. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall 2000117492 units in Canada
Electrical
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. In these vehicles, the wire can be subject to bending fatigue, and over time may break. Should this occur, there might be a gradual loss of headlights, potentially resulting in a total loss of headlights. Correction: Headlight switch will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Recall 1996014368 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
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. CORRECTION: TIE DOWN HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED VERSION WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF UNNECESSARY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 12,546 milesRaleigh, NCCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL* - THE CONTACT HAD A 1995 MAZDA PROTEGE WHICH WAS IN A HEAD ON CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH UNDER DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER HEAD ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND AS A RESULT THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. THAT CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY SKID MARKS IN THE ROAD TO INDICATE THAT EITHER VEHICLE TRIED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS A POLICE REPORT FROM THE CRASH. THE CONTACT HAS THE STEERING SECTION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE AIR BAG. *NM THE DECEDENTS GRANDMOTHER WROTE IN. UPDATED 02/26/07.
NHTSA complaint #10178813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION ,THEN PUSHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. LEFT FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10113499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWestfield, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS
1995 MAZDA PROTEGE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN MY DAUGHTER HIT A CURB. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS EVIDENT. TIRES AND RIMS HAD NO DAMAGE. THE BAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. RECALL 95V184000 DESCRIBES PROBLEM WITH INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ON THIS VEHICLE. MAZDA CLAIMS THAT MY DAUGHTERS VEHICLE WAS FIXED IN 1995. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACT CAUSED THE BAGS TO DEPLOY HURTING MY DAUGHTER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BAG DOOR CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. VERY EXPENSIVE ITEMS TO FIX FOR NO REASON.
NHTSA complaint #10039296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesLoma Linda, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL(3 TIMES), BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE AS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MOTOR. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10033870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BEEN INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A TRUCK AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8016446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedartown, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BYPASS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN DASHBOARD. VEHICLE CURRENTLY BEING CHECKED BY DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8016387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 49,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED WHILE I WAS OUT SIDE THE CAR , THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS & I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY EITHER MAZDA CORP OR THE DEALER & I HAVE BEEN THE ORIGINAL OWNER , THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THE 1995 PROTEGE & AT NO TIME I WAS EVER CONTACTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PERIOD. IN 1997 THE ENGINE DIED & I HAD TO PAY THE SUM OF $1500.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE & THERE WERE RECALLS I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION OF. I CONTACTED BOTH MAZDA OF NORTH AMERICA & THE DEALER PLAZA AUTO MALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 1995 & BOTH REFUSED MY REQUEST TO ADDRESS THIS MATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DUE TO CORROSION. UPDATED 08/27/14
NHTSA complaint #10587776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ENGINE
THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED WHILE I WAS OUT SIDE THE CAR , THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS & I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY EITHER MAZDA CORP OR THE DEALER & I HAVE BEEN THE ORIGINAL OWNER , THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THE 1995 PROTEGE & AT NO TIME I WAS EVER CONTACTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PERIOD. IN 1997 THE ENGINE DIED & I HAD TO PAY THE SUM OF $1500.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE & THERE WERE RECALLS I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION OF. I CONTACTED BOTH MAZDA OF NORTH AMERICA & THE DEALER PLAZA AUTO MALL WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 1995 & BOTH REFUSED MY REQUEST TO ADDRESS THIS MATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DUE TO CORROSION. UPDATED 08/27/14
NHTSA complaint #10587776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
I WAS OUT OF THE CAR & BOTH AIR BAGS EXPLODED , THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS , BUT I WAS NEVER INFORMED BY MAZDA CORP ,I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL AFTER THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED.
NHTSA complaint #10585596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10230884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,546 milesRaleigh, NCCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL* - THE CONTACT HAD A 1995 MAZDA PROTEGE WHICH WAS IN A HEAD ON CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH UNDER DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER HEAD ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND AS A RESULT THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. THAT CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY SKID MARKS IN THE ROAD TO INDICATE THAT EITHER VEHICLE TRIED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS A POLICE REPORT FROM THE CRASH. THE CONTACT HAS THE STEERING SECTION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE AIR BAG. *NM THE DECEDENTS GRANDMOTHER WROTE IN. UPDATED 02/26/07.
NHTSA complaint #10178813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbertville, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
MY 1995 MAZDA PROTEGE HAS THE GAS AND BRAKE PETALS SO CLOSE IN HEIGHT AND LITTLE SEPARATION THAT IT IS VERY EASY TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND STILL BE APPLYING THE GAS. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET BUT HAVE HAD SOME VERY NEAR MISSES.
NHTSA complaint #10143712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbertville, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
MY 1995 MAZDA PROTEGE HAS THE GAS AND BRAKE PETALS SO CLOSE IN HEIGHT AND LITTLE SEPARATION THAT IT IS VERY EASY TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND STILL BE APPLYING THE GAS. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET BUT HAVE HAD SOME VERY NEAR MISSES.
NHTSA complaint #10143712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT 5000 MILES THE REAR DEFROST DID NOT WORK. IN THE WINTER IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE BACK WINDOW. IT WAS NOT FIXED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND MAZDA WOULD NOT REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10143714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,066 milesVirginia Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHT SWITCH WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AFTER REPAIR OF RECALL 91007. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10115143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION ,THEN PUSHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. LEFT FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10113499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
THIS IS A REPEAT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V118000. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AT THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP IN YEAR 2000 UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALL. 1 MONTH AGO THE HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING DUE TO A BROKEN WIRE IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE GROUND WIRE BROKE ITS SOLDER CONNECTION AT THE BASE OF THE SWITCH. I HAVE DISSAEMBLED THE SWITCH AND CONNECT A TEMPORARY GROUND WIRE TO THE BASE OF THE SWITCH. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THIS SWITCH ASSEMBLY IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN!
NHTSA complaint #10102823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWestfield, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS
1995 MAZDA PROTEGE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN MY DAUGHTER HIT A CURB. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS EVIDENT. TIRES AND RIMS HAD NO DAMAGE. THE BAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. RECALL 95V184000 DESCRIBES PROBLEM WITH INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ON THIS VEHICLE. MAZDA CLAIMS THAT MY DAUGHTERS VEHICLE WAS FIXED IN 1995. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACT CAUSED THE BAGS TO DEPLOY HURTING MY DAUGHTER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BAG DOOR CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. VERY EXPENSIVE ITEMS TO FIX FOR NO REASON.
NHTSA complaint #10039296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesLoma Linda, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL(3 TIMES), BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE AS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MOTOR. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10033870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schenectady, NY
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
REAR DEFROST SWITCH FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. PER MY KNOWLEDGE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1995 MAZDA PROTEGE AND IS A PART OF TSB. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY AND MIGHT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10030932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,128 milesCougar, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 60128 MILES. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH MADE IT A SAFETY ISSUE. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE THAT I WAS PASSING DECIDED TO SPEED UP SO THAT I COULD GET BACK INTO MY LANE BEFORE ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME ALONG WHICH WOULD HAVE ENDED UP IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesJasper, AL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1995 MAZDA PROTEGE >180000 MI. >DURING THIS TIME THE DEALER HAS INSTALLED (3) AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSORS APPROXIMATELY ONE FOR EVERY 60000 MI. AT OVER $1000 APIECE> IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP WITH AN EXPECTED BILL OF $1200.00. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10014485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,123 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NUMBER 95 V 0 3 3000. CALLED MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500 ON MARCH 03, 2003, BUT WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS NOT IN THEIR RECALL LIST. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10008450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOLD Tappan, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED. REPLACEMENT SWITCH FAILED: HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF WHEN TURN SIGNAL WAS USED. REPLACED AGAIN. NOW TAILLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS ARE SHORTING OUT. MAY BE DUE TO SWITCH AGAIN. DEALER UNABLE TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10002643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL#95V033000 ENGINE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA complaint #10002388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
PRIOR TO RECALL OOV118 CONSUMER HAD THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FIXED. CONSUMER SENT IN PROOF OF REPAIR BUT MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR.
NHTSA complaint #564817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Brunswick, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS, 00V118, HOWEVER AFTER REPAIRS THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHEN THE DIRECTIONALS WERE USED, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE BACK, IN WHICH THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMBO SWITCH, HOWEVER CHARGED CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS, CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BEEN INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A TRUCK AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8016446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedartown, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BYPASS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN DASHBOARD. VEHICLE CURRENTLY BEING CHECKED BY DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8016387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER FIRE RELATED PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #765408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chester, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN USING TURN SIGNAL TO GO LEFT OR RIGHT IN HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS ENGINE WILL DIE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE TURN SIGNAL.
NHTSA complaint #8013004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.