1994 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.
51% of complaints: seat belts — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FRONT SEAT SHOULDER LATCH HARNESS IS RIGIDLY MOUNTED AND DOES NOT YIELD PRESSURE, WIFE FORCIBLY STRUCK HEAD AGAINST LATCH, RESULTING IN HEADACHES/NAUSEA. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950117
THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM HAS FAILED. HAD TO UNPLUG BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT MOTORS, BECAUSE THE SEATBELT LOCK WOULDN'T STOP TRYING TO MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170828
SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN CLOSING DOOR. APPEARS THAT SOME SORT OF CABLE IS JAMMED SO THAT SEAT BELT NO LONGER WORKS CORRECTLY. OPENED AND CLOSED DOOR SEVERAL TIMES TO TRY AND REMEDY ISSUE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121014
13% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing constant velocity joint and axle assembly.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
STOPPED TO GET GAS TURNED THE GAS CAP AND FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM TANK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950208
7% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1994 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 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 1994 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Mazda Protege is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.