- The problem
- 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. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Mazda Protege Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 1990 Mazda Protege with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (21) and the engine & cooling (4). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 4 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1989 has 2 and the 1991 has 51.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Protege year, for its age
#51 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Mazda Protege problems
Share of all 38 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Mazda Protege recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
38 complaints about the 1990 Mazda Protege
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Seat belt track jammed, dealer will not cover, although there appears to be a recall for this issue already. *Tr
The front automatic passive restraint seat belts system is inoperative because the rail is bad. The dealership refused to replace the rail as stated in the automatic shoulder belt rail recall 97v211000. There is conflict between the dealership and manufacture concerning what part in the passive restraint system should be replaced under the recall. *Nm the passenger side shoulder belt is stuck in the middle of the rail thus making it inoperative. The driver's shoulder belt is stuck in the rear of the rail and is also inoperative. *Nm
When backing out of driveway placed car in drive and depressed gas, and vehicle lurched forward and crashed. Gas pedal was stuck to the floor.*Ak
This part is designed with no retainer as on previous parts which would have prevented this failure. Most compact mazda and ford models have this type tie rod end. I have talked to several ford escort owners that have experienced the same failure. The parts were as new as five months old and failed causing complete loss of control.*Ak
While driving windshield becomes extremely fogged, causing poor visbility due a malfunction within heater core which has been replaced, but did not correct the problem. Please give any further details. *Ak
While driving can smell anti-freeze, and windshield becomes absolutely foggy. Also, heater core has problems. Please provide any further information. *Ak
Driver's side motor belt failed to operate, leaving driver without any restraint. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall, and repairs would only be made at consumer's cost.*Ak
Car was purchased used in 1997. Car has always had some vibration when it idles. In november of 1998 car began overheating. Radiator was replaced but did not solve the problem. Took back to have repaired. Thermostat was replaced and while replacing the thermistat a cracked sensor was also found and replaced. This corrected the problem. In december of 1998 front driverside shoulder seat belt froze. It would not retract all the way back. It would make a constant clicking nose. The wires were also off the track. Had to disconnect the fuse to shut off the clicking noise. Had an estimite to have it repaired which was approx. 900.00.
The vehicle experiences excessive vibration from the steering wheel, car windows and back rear doors. Nlm
Motor mounts failed causing excessive vibration. Mjs
At cold temperatures the high-beam (headlights) fail to come on. Normal(low beam) lights shut off at this point resulting in no headlights. After vehicle has warmed high-beams work as expected.
Consumer was driving vehicle when the motorized shoulder restraint would not release properly. She was pulling and heard a clicking noise, and belt was stuck. Dealership (big sky auto ) mechanic called mazda manufacturer, and was told the vehicle was too old, and they would not fix. *Ak
SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED.
Any electrical functions connected to the ignition being turned on, failed to work properly, such as windshield wipers/air conditioner/heater & anything else affecting visibility of the driver. *Ak
Front inner tie rod separated at joint. Causing loss of steering.
While stopped, vehicle was rearended by moving vehicle that was traveling 35 mph. Driver fell forward/backward, seatback reclined, left side of seat broke, motorized shoulder belt did not retract. Dealer replaced seat frame. Found no problem with seat belt. *Ak consumer sustained injuries to the neck, upper back, right shoulder, arm, hand, and shoulder blade. *Slc
Motorbelts experience erratic operation intermittently. Mjs
Retractable seat belt latches on both sides are failing.
Because of design of car there was no light or signal to indicate to the driver that the rear door was not totally closed resulting in a young child falling out of the car and being struck by the vehilce.(Attorney for consumer).
Child run over by vehicle after falling out of partially opened door, possible design flaw in not having indicator for opened door. (Attorney for consumer).
The pasenger's seat belt retractor never worked, also cruise control malfunctioned, purchased used vehicle. *Ak
Driver's side automatic restraint system failed to function, to exit vehicle, driver manually pressed buckle's release button, in event of an accident, occupant could be trapped inside of vehicle. *Ak
OUTER CV BOOTS REPLACED.
Automatic seat belt release button broke from minor physical force. *Sd
Oxygen sensor replaced three times due to 'check engine' warning light coming on when vehicle is started. *Dsh
Mazda Protege: every year compared
All Protege years1990 Mazda Protege vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Mazda Protege | 38 | 1 | B | |
| 1990 Mazda MPV | 49 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 45 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 28 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 19 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda B-Series Truck | 16 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda MX-6 | 14 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda 929 | 13 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Mazda Miata | 3 | 2 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 Mazda Protege
Does the 1990 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1990 Mazda Protege: switch (October 2015). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda Protege?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (21), engine & cooling (4), steering (3).
How many complaints has the 1990 Mazda Protege had?
38 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 22, 1994 and the latest on April 27, 2012. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Mazda Protege a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 63 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mazda Protege year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda Protege years have the most complaints?
2003 (121), 2000 (102), 2002 (100). See every Mazda Protege year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Mazda Protege has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data