1999 Mazda Protege
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
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
18% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. MAZDA WAS NOTIFIED. *MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20020930
WHILE DRIVING AT APRROXIMATELY 50 MPH ,DRIVER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON ,AND DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES. NO WARNING OF AIRBAGS BEING INOPERATIVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991216
WHILE TRAVELING AND AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURY TO CONSUMER. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991110
8% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKES FAILED WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A STEEL BEAM POLE. THERE THERE WERE NO BRAKE INDICATORS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, AFTER THE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030102
6% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PARTICULAR FACTORY INSTALLED AUDIO UNIT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT LOW SPEED IN A HOT AND HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN, AIR COND
Remedy: DEALERS WILL AFFIX ALUMINUM TAPE OVER THE AUDIO UNIT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING.
Campaign 00V301000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V301000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Mazda Protege is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda Protege have?
3 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.