1994 Mazda Protege recalls
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.
Risk: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
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.
1,368,500 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Seat Belts · Oct 24, 2017 · 93,000 miles · TX
Automatic seat belt on driver side did not retract completely when vehicle was off and door was opened. Seat belt only retracted 1/3 of the way and stays there. Seat belt still retracts back to shoulder position when key is turned.
Seat Belts · Aug 28, 2017 · GA
The seat belt system has failed. Had to unplug both driver and passenger seat belt motors, because the seatbelt lock wouldn't stop trying to move while in drive.
Seat Belts · Oct 14, 2012 · 170,000 miles · ID
Seat belt failed to retract when closing door. Appears that some sort of cable is jammed so that seat belt no longer works correctly. Opened and closed door several times to try and remedy issue but problem persists. Replaced seat belt fuse but that failed to resolve issue. Seat belt is now stuck in the "vehicle off" position at all times. *tr
Seat Belts · Apr 10, 2012 · 171,000 miles · CA
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 mazda protege. The contact stated that the front driver's seat belt would not retract, which may cause improper restraint while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer was notified, but denied any assistance with repair of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 171,000.
Seat Belts · Mar 23, 2007 · 75,000 miles · WV
Automatic seat belt failed on 1994 mazda protege. Cost to replaced over $1000.00. Mazda recalled the same problem on 1994 323. The 323 and protege are the same in body style and design.*ak
Seat Belts · Mar 9, 2007 · 95,000 miles · ID
I have a /94 mazda protege, it has the problems described in NHTSA recall campaign # 97V211000. I contacted mazda customer service and was informed that the recall does not apply to my VIN number. It has all of the described symptoms. I had to disconnect the automatic retraction mechanism. Do I have any other recourse? *jb
Seat Belts · Mar 30, 2006 · 40,000 miles · NY
Dt*: the contact stated that there was an adjustment failure in all the seat belts in the vehicle. The seatbelts would not lock in an emergency braking situation. The vehicle was taken to both an independent repair shop and a service dealer. The service dealer determined that the seat belts needed to be replaced due to them not remaining locked during emergency braking.
Seat Belts · Mar 3, 2006 · OH
Issue with seat belts in 1994 mazda protege lx. At times, front seat belts continue to tighten when foot is lifted from brake pedal after a sudden stop. It gets so tight that belt has to be unbuckled. It is a scary situation and not very safe. *nm
Seat Belts · Oct 14, 2004 · TX
I have a 1994 mazda protege lx with the automatic seat belts. The seat belts fail to retract upon opening the door. On top of this being a very annoying development, it also creates an extreme safety hazard if I'm involved in an accident and am trying to exit the car. There is an emergency release, but if I were unable to reach it due to injury or otherwise, I could be trapped…
Seat Belts · Jan 14, 2004 · 239,000 miles · CA
Passenger side active shoulder belt seat belt mechanism works intermittenly when opening door. Drivers side has not worked when door is opened on a few occasions.*ak
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 6, 2003 · TN
Cannot unlock back doors when weather is cold. Also become stuck in warm weather. I have had this problem from day one. Took back to dealer 4 time the doors would work fine for a few day then become jammed again. I gave up.*ak
Seat Belts · Aug 26, 2003 · 95,000 miles · OR
Both front passenger restraints fail to work properly. The restraints do not retract. I have had them fixed at least 3 to 4 times during the warranty. *nlm
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1994 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1994 Mazda Protege, the most recent one (15V674000) for electrical system. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Mazda Protege?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are seat belts (38), power train (10), engine and engine cooling (6).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1994 Mazda Protege?
Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 1994 Mazda Protege?
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently EA94039: Auto restraint system fail.