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
- 75
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
1994: 75 complaints
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.
Seat belts
51% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing webbing and retractor.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-17
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, 2017-08-28
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, 2012-10-14
Power train
13% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing constant velocity joint and axle assembly.
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
Fuel system, gasoline
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Stopped to get gas turned the gas cap and flames shot out from tank. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-08
Electrical system
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1994-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-11-26 Auto restraint system fail
-
R
2015-12-17Electrical system15V674000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.