1993 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 | 38 |
| 1991 | 51 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 48 |
| 1994 | 75 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
50% of complaints: seat belts — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE WAS IN FRONT END ACCIDENT, PASSIVE RESTRAINTS FAILED.PLEASE DESRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960621
10% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
8% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19940926
TRANSMISSION NOISY AND DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE POSITION. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19940926
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TURNING GAS CAP, THE GAS TANK OPENING IGNITED, SENDING 2 FEET TO 3 FEET FLAMES FROM GAS TANK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950403
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing radiator assembly and exhaust system.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
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
1993 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 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 1993 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Mazda Protege is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.