Owners have filed 91 complaints
about the 1996 Mazda Protege with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Mazda Protege. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
60.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% 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.
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.
Sep 1995peak 10Mar 2010
Recalls on the 1996 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 84,000 milesVista, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. CONSUMER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL , THE SEAT BACK, AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10099934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMcalester, OKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CAR STARTED SMOKING & WITHIN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES THE FIRE THAT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD HAD HALF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WITHIN 25 MINUTES THE WHOLE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP FROM FRONT TO BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10025369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMcalester, OKFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR STARTED SMOKING & WITHIN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES THE FIRE THAT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD HAD HALF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WITHIN 25 MINUTES THE WHOLE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP FROM FRONT TO BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10025369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrisville, VTCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
IN AREAR END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TRUCK NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8014641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LACrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN, IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER AIR BAG. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #892916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hattiesburg, MSCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY TRAVELLING 45MPH, AND 2 CARS AHEAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS MAKING SUDDEN A TURN, CONSUMER SLAMMED ON BRAKES, AND REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #862392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 30,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE - THE MAZDA PROTG MENTIONED UNDER "SUBJECT" OF THIS E-MAIL - ACCELERATING WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING TOUCHED ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN THE FALL OF 1996. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED INTENSE RUMBLING WHEN IN DRIVE AND WAITING AT IDLE AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. ON ONE OF SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE LATTER PROBLEM, A YOUNG ATTENDANT AT THE DEALER (MAZDA MAPLE SHADE IN MAPLE SHADE, NEW JERSEY) MENTIONED - APPARENTLY INADVERTENTLY - THAT THE RUMBLING WAS A "FACTORY DEFECT". I NEVER MENTIONED THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM SINCE I HAD ALWAYS MANAGED TO PUT ON THE BREAKS FIRMLY WHENEVER IT OCCURRED, AND THEREBY PREVENTED MOVEMENT THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME AS WELL AS THE CAR. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS AN ELECTRONIC FEATURE THAT CAUSES IT TO AUDIBLY "REV UP" THE MOTOR BRIEFLY (APPROXIMATELY SEVERAL SECONDS, BUT LESS THAN A MINUTE) TO WARM UP. ONCE THE WARM-UP CYCLE ENDS THE CAR "REVS DOWN" TO A NORMAL IDLE SOUND. EVENTUALLY I HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE CAR THAT REQUIRED THAT A MAJOR REPAIR BE DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION - AT EXPENSE TO ME SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED HAD WORN OUT. THE REPAIR FIXED NOT ONLY THE NEW PROBLEM BUT -COINCIDENTALLY ACCORDING TO THE DEALER - THE RUMBLING. I HAVE ALSO NOT HAD THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM SINCE THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS FIXED. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO ME TO HAVE BEEN CONNECTED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OTHER PURCHASERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. FROM NHTSA WEB SITE.
NHTSA complaint #10316645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE LX (1.5 LITER ENGINE) SUFFERS FROM SUCH EXTREME ENGINE VIBRATION THAT THE CAR HAS RECENTLY BECOME PRACTICALLY UNDRIVEABLE DESPITE ITS LOW MILEAGE OF 83,000K AND A GOOD MAINTENANCE HISTORY. THE CAR SHAKES SEVERELY WHEN STARTING, JERKS SEVERELY WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND IS SURGING ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY AT VARIOUS TIMES. IT IS UNSAFE AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ALL ENGINE MOUNTS MUST BE REPLACED AT THIS TIME. IN LOOKING AT THE VECHICLE HISTORY, THERE HAS BEEN MANUFACTURER SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSES UNSAFE CONDITIONS AND UNDUE BURDEN AND EXPENSE TO CONSUMERS. THE ESTIMATE FUTURE EXPENSE TO ME IS CLOSE TO $1,000.00.
NHTSA complaint #10119894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesVista, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. CONSUMER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL , THE SEAT BACK, AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10099934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Angelo, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. AFTER BEING INSPECTED CONSUMER CONCLUDED THAT TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10046062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesOakland Gardens, NY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY AIR CONDITIONER SEIZED BREAKING BELT AND CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING
NHTSA complaint #10030975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMcalester, OKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CAR STARTED SMOKING & WITHIN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES THE FIRE THAT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD HAD HALF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WITHIN 25 MINUTES THE WHOLE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP FROM FRONT TO BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10025369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMcalester, OKFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR STARTED SMOKING & WITHIN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES THE FIRE THAT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD HAD HALF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WITHIN 25 MINUTES THE WHOLE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP FROM FRONT TO BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10025369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Braintree, MA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
I HAD DIFFICULTY MOVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT LEVER WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD. THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR ON AND OFF OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. I FINALLY HAD TO REPLACE THE PART WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STUCK WITH MY KEY STILL IN THE IGNITION ABOUT 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO. I CAN'T REMEMBER IF IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL/IGNITION OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. NOW THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN!
NHTSA complaint #10020725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesST. Paul, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
SERIOUS RUST PROBLEM DISCOVERED IN THE WINDSHIELD AREA OF CAR WHEN HAVING NEW WINDSHIELD INSTALLED. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, PROBABLY 1999, WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE MAZDA REPAIR RUST THAT WAS APPEARING ON THE FRONT PILLARS BY THE WINDSHIELD. THEIR AREA REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED, SAYING THAT THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERED RUSTING THROUGH. NOW THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD, BECAUSE THE INTEGRITY OF THE NEW WINDSHIELD'S MOUNTING IS IN DOUBT.
NHTSA complaint #10007963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrisville, VTCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
IN AREAR END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TRUCK NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8014641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL MAKE NOISE WHILE MAKING A TURN. ALSO, IT FEELS UNBALANCED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #896953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE DRIVERS AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED HEAVY DAMAGE.(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA complaint #562117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
CHILD SEAT:SHIELD ASSEMBLY
OUR PROBLEM IS WITH THE CAR SEAT WE BOUGHT. IT IS A COSCO ALPHA OMEGA WITH A OVER HEAD SHIELD ON IT. THE OVERHEAD SHIELD, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE SEAT COMES OFF OFTEN, AND PARTS HAVE FALLEN OUT. THIS PERTICULAR SEAT , WITH THE OVER HEAD SHIELD, SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM STORES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME COMPLAINT AND THE FACT THAT THE SHIELD COMES OFF SO EASILY IS A DANGER TO THE CHILD.
NHTSA complaint #750731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LACrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN, IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER AIR BAG. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #892916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews AFB, MD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ALL FOUR DOORS ON VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK OR LOCK ON THEIR OWN WHETHER VEHICLE WAS ON OR TURNED OFF. HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH DEALERSHIP ABOUT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #892625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
EVERY TEN THOUSAND MILES BRAKES HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE BRAKES BEGAN FAILING RIGHT FROM THE FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE AND LATER AT 6000 MILES AND 10000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #885036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gourney, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTER LEVER, HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEARS. *AK THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER PROBLEM OCCURED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN FOUR YEARS LATER.
NHTSA complaint #883488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE RIGHT BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY WORN, WHILE THE LEFT BRAKES WERE ONLY HALF WORN. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #784736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casper, WY
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER HAS BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO SUSPENSION POPPING NOISE THAT IS IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE NOISE IS STILL PRESENT AFTER REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS OF VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #784294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #784736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING FAN DO NOT WORK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #784736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #784736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twentynine, CA
AIR BAGS
NO DEPLOYMENT OF NEITHER DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WHEN CONSUMERS VEHICLE IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. NLM
NHTSA complaint #782810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
TIRES
LEFT REAR TIRE 'SEPARATED' WHILE GOING TO WORK ON I-95 AT 11 A.M. I TEMPORARY LOST CONTROL AND VEERED OVER 3 LANES BEFORE REGAINING CONTROL OF CAR. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.( DOT NUMBER: ???? TIRE SIZE: ????? )
NHTSA complaint #728726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #726295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.