1992 Mazda Protege
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 37 |
| 1991 | 51 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 44 |
| 1994 | 74 |
| 1995 | 165 |
| 1996 | 70 |
| 1997 | 66 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1999 | 88 |
| 2000 | 102 |
| 2001 | 50 |
| 2002 | 98 |
| 2003 | 120 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SHOULDER STRAP DID NOT CATCH UPON IMPACT; BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING THRU RED LIGHT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950210
11% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CABLE THAT MOVES SHOULDER RESTRAINT BACK AND FORTH CAME OUT OF ITS TRACK CREATING A NOOSE ACROSS THE WINDOW SHOULDER BELT IS NOW INOPERABLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20030529
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1992 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Mazda Protege is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.