1998 Mazda Protege

▲ Better than typical

1998 Mazda Protege
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:12:02.327Z

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 PER YEAR

1998: 46 complaints

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

POWER TRAIN 26%

26% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4%

4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990506

TIRES 4%

4% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

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, 20080604

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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

R 20151217 — electrical system

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

1998 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 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

▲ 1990 ▲ 1993 ● 2001

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 2003 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

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:automatic transmission, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.