1993 Mazda Protege
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
23% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file.
INJURY11% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
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
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURY7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
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
WHILE FILLING VEHICLE UP WITH FUEL, AFTER TURN THE FUEL CAP, FLAMES COMING FROM THE TANK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950403
SAFETY 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 (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 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 "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 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.