1996 Mazda Protege
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › Protege › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mazda Protege. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Mazda Protege. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Owner complaints
70 complaints24 involved a crash1 involved a fire24 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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 - 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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 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.
- Air bags
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving consumer noticed that transmission failed to shift gears. After being inspected consumer concluded that transmission had failed and needed replacement. *Ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving car on highway air conditioner seized breaking belt and causing me to lose power steering
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Unknown or other
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
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!
- Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Suspension › Front
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
- Air bags › Frontal
The drivers air bag failed to deploy during an accident in which the vehicle sustained heavy damage.(attorney for client) *yh
- Child seat › Shield assembly
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
- Air bags › Side/window
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
The right brakes were completely worn, while the left brakes were only half worn. *slc
- Suspension
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
- Air bags
No deployment of neither driver nor passenger side air bags when consumers vehicle impacted another vehicle in the rear. nlm
- Tires
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: ????? )
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
During installation of a/c unit o-ring was punctured causing leakage, replacement unit IS noisy. yh
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10170661In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10154879In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
- 10153339In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10148072In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10144333In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10118467In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
- 10086521Due to differences in the 1995-1998 protg ignition switch design, the repair procedure and warranty information for recall 8715j has been updated.
- 10021000Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
- 10010540Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters.
- 10009427Battery test procedure requirements.
- 10009424Speedometer replacement procedure.
- 6092410Some vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting, o/d off indicator light flashing with malfunction indicator lamp on as a result of the valve body harness (transaxle fluid temperature sensor circuit) being pinched by a metal clip which IS attached to the transmission control valve body, causing a short / open circuit.
- 614908On some vehicles within certain vins, the door key cylinder flap may break allowing a piece(s) of the flap to enter the cylinder thereby making it difficult to insert the key and causing key rotation to stick.
- 614902This bulletin explains camber adjustment procedures.
- 609953Some vehicles may exhibit the air conditioning (a/c) system inoperative with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
- 608126Subject regarding paint damage - iron particles / industrial fallout / acid rain.
- 607902Concerns with door key which IS difficult to insert and / or rotate.
- 605988Experiencing popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking.
- 603992Automatic transaxle selector lever IS difficult to operate.
- 603909Concerns regarding the hearter not working effieciently or engine takes too ling to warm-up.
- 603908Experiencing poor engine performance.
- 603898Conditions with the shift lever movement may be stiff when moving through all gear ranges.
- 603891Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center.
- 603890Information regarding a/t selector lever hard to operate.
- 603883Concerns with manual control door mirror not adjustable.
- 603875Subject pertaining to tach needle which IS stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 603854Information regarding seat belt extenders.
- 603122Some vehicles may experience noise from drive shaft.
- 600334Complaints of tach needle stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 54218Under certain load and rpm ranges excessive noise may be in generated in the egr boost sensor circuit causing dtc p0400 to be set.
- 54213Condition with interior light does not illuminate.
- 52994Concerns of rattling or buzzing noises in the front of vehicles.
- 52993Customers complaining of mil lamp illumination.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52514Interior light does not illuminate.
- 52509Tach needle stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 52506Center armrest latch support reinforcement installation.
Every Mazda Protege model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.