1997 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
17% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER DRIVING AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE IS OUT OF CONTROL, FELL INTO A HOLE HEAD-ON AND ROLLED 3-4 TIMES, ALL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971113
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN THE FRONT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970815
8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND TACHOMETER WENT TO 5000 RPMS, VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AND DID NOT CHANGE GEAR. THE SECOND TIME, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A CURB WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROAD. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970910
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER INVESTIGATING "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" OVER A PERIOD OF 5 MONTHS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A VALVE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST CYLINDER WAS CAUSING A LACK OF COMPRESSION AND POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030914
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *MR *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030604
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1997 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mazda Protege is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda Protege have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.