MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mazda Protege

▲ Better than typical
1998 Mazda Protege
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:11.485Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
46
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 48 complaints 1994: 75 complaints 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1998: 46 complaints 1998 46 1999: 88 complaints 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 50 complaints 2001 2002: 98 complaints 2003: 120 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 75 complaints 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1998: 46 complaints 1998 46 1999: 88 complaints 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 50 complaints 2001 2002: 98 complaints 2003: 120 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 75 complaints 1994 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1996 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 46 complaints 1998 46 1999: 88 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 50 complaints 2001 2002: 98 complaints 2002 2003: 120 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006

1998: 46 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19892
199038
199151
199263
199348
199475
1995165
199670
199766
199846
199988
2000102
200150
200298
2003120
20040
20050
20060

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

33% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle stalls when pushing in the clutch. When pushing in the clutch, the idle drops to 0 and the car shakes before returning to it's normal idle speed, approx. 500 RPM, or it just stalls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-05

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While pulling into parking space with foot on brakes vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle jumped the parking bump & hit a brick wall. No physical injuries. Prior to acceleration, had venicle at dealer & the timing belt was adjusted.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-05-06

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Service brakes

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Tires

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving alone my 1998 Mazda Protege along a local route in tewksbury ma in light rain at about 30-35 MPH when a car a few cars ahead of me made a quick stop for a left turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-04

Seat belts

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mazda Protege is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mazda Protege have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.