- 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
1996 Mazda Protege Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 1996 Mazda Protege with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (23) and the seats & seat belts (12). Those complaints describe 24 crashes, 1 fire and 24 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1995 has 0 and the 1997 has 68.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Protege year, for its age
#74 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 73
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 24
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 24
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 Mazda Protege problems
Share of all 73 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Mazda Protege recalls 2
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
- The problem
- 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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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73 complaints about the 1996 Mazda Protege
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
I have had a problem with my vehicle - the mazda protg mentioned under "subject" of this e-mail - accelerating without the gas pedal being touched on at least three occasions since I purchased it new in the fall of 1996. The vehicle also exhibited intense rumbling when in drive and waiting at idle at a stop sign or traffic light. On one of several occasions that I returned the vehicle to the dealer about the latter problem, a young attendant at the dealer (mazda maple shade in maple shade, new jersey) mentioned -...
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apparently inadvertently - that the rumbling was a "factory defect". I never mentioned the acceleration problem since I had always managed to put on the breaks firmly whenever it occurred, and thereby prevented movement that could have caused serious damage to anything in front of me as well as the car. The vehicle also has an electronic feature that causes it to audibly "rev up" the motor briefly (approximately several seconds, but less than a minute) to warm up. Once the warm-up cycle ends the car "revs down" to a normal idle sound. Eventually I had another problem with the car that required that a major repair be done to the transmission - at expense to me since the extended warranty I had purchased had worn out. The repair fixed not only the new problem but -coincidentally according to the dealer - the rumbling. I have also not had the acceleration problem since the transmission problem was fixed. All of these problems appear to me to have been connected. I would like to know if other purchasers of this vehicle have had similar problems. From nhtsa web site. *Tr
My 1996 mazda protege lx (1.5 Liter engine) suffers from such extreme engine vibration that the car has recently become practically undriveable despite its low mileage of 83,000k and a good maintenance history. The car shakes severely when starting, jerks severely when shifting gears and is surging almost uncontrollably at various times. It is unsafe and I have been told that all engine mounts must be replaced at this time. In looking at the vechicle history, there has been manufacturer service bulletins about...
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excessive engine vibration. I believe this to be a significant manufacturer defect that causes unsafe conditions and undue burden and expense to consumers. The estimate future expense to me is close to $1,000.00.
Consumer's vehicle was rear ended while stopping at a traffic light, which caused a chain reaction with two other vehicles. Consumer's head impacted the steering wheel , the seat back, and then the steering wheel again. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. *Ak
While driving consumer noticed that transmission failed to shift gears. After being inspected consumer concluded that transmission had failed and needed replacement. *Ak
While driving car on highway air conditioner seized breaking belt and causing me to lose power steering
Car started smoking & within less than 10 minutes the fire that started under the hood had half the car engulfed in flames, within 25 minutes the whole car was completely burned up from front to back.
I had difficulty moving the automatic transmission gear shift lever when the car was about 1 year old. The problem would occur on and off over the next few years. I finally had to replace the part when the gear shift lever was stuck with my key still in the ignition about 2 or 3 years ago. I can't remember if it was an electrical/ignition or transmission problem. Now the same problem is happening again!
Serious rust problem discovered in the windshield area of car when having new windshield installed. Several years ago, probably 1999, while the car was still under warranty, I attempted to have mazda repair rust that was appearing on the front pillars by the windshield. Their area representative refused, saying that the warranty only covered rusting through. Now this has become a safety hazard, because the integrity of the new windshield's mounting is in doubt.
In arear end collision with another truck neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*Ak
While driving at any speed vehicle will make noise while making a turn. Also, it feels unbalanced. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. *Ak
Our problem is with the car seat we bought. It is a cosco alpha omega with a over head shield on it. The overhead shield, where it attaches to the seat comes off often, and parts have fallen out. This perticular seat , with the over head shield, should be removed from stores. Many people have had this same complaint and the fact that the shield comes off so easily is a danger to the child.*Ak
The drivers air bag failed to deploy during an accident in which the vehicle sustained heavy damage.(Attorney for client) *yh
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision in which driver's air bag did not deploy, cause unknown, it has not been determined if vehicle was equipped with a passenger air bag. Please give any further details.*Ak
All four doors on vehicle would unlock or lock on their own whether vehicle was on or turned off. Had been in contact with dealership about problem.*Ak
Every ten thousand miles brakes have to be replaced. *Ak the brakes began failing right from the first day of purchase and later at 6000 miles and 10000 miles. *Yh
Problems with shifter lever, hard to shift into gears. *Ak the gear shift lever problem occured when the vehicle was less than a year old. Then it happened again four years later. *Yh
Left rear tire 'separated' while going to work on i-95 at 11 a.M. I temporary lost control and veered over 3 lanes before regaining control of car. Lucky to be alive.( Dot number: ???? Tire size: ????? )
Popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking. *Ak
Check engine light comes on, due to possible engine failure. *Slc
Consumer was locked in driver seat because seat belt would not unlatch. Consumer had to cut herself out. Notified dealer, repairs were covered under extended warranty.*Ak
While driving on a two-lane highway travelling 45mph, and 2 cars ahead, another vehicle was making sudden a turn, consumer slammed on brakes, and rear ended vehicle in front. Upon impact, neither airbag deployed. *Ak
Consumer has brought vehicle in for repairs on several occasions due to suspension popping noise that is in the front and rear of the vehicle, the noise is still present after replacements and repairs of various suspension components. *Mjs
Transmission just went out with no signs or problems, just stop and could not drive vehicle.
Ongoing problem with transmission gear not shifting out of gear. Dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing would be done because vehicle was out of warranty. Can nhtsa provide additional information. *Ak
No deployment of neither driver nor passenger side air bags when consumers vehicle impacted another vehicle in the rear. Nlm
Mazda Protege: every year compared
All Protege years1996 Mazda Protege vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mazda Protege | 73 | 2 | F | |
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 362 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda B-Series | 58 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 29 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 21 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda Millenia | 18 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-6 | 15 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda Miata | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-3 | 2 | 0 | A | 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 1996 Mazda Protege
Does the 1996 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Mazda Protege: switch (October 2015); exterior lighting (April 2009). 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 1996 Mazda Protege?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (23), seats & seat belts (12), transmission & drivetrain (9).
How many complaints has the 1996 Mazda Protege had?
73 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 18, 1995 and the latest on March 4, 2010. Of these, 24 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 24 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 Mazda Protege a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 23 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1996 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