1998 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 →
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.
Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
16,270 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Air Bags · Oct 17, 2021 · PA · crash
Straight-on, front-end collision occurred, that destroyed radiator and folded hood. Air bag did not deploy.
Electrical System · Jun 7, 2017 · 200,000 miles · NC
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mazda protege. While driving various speeds, the ignition switch along with the keys became hot to the touch without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the diagnosis was unknown. The contact stated that the independent mechanic ordered unknown parts to repair the vehicle. The contact called skyland mazda at (828)…
Steering · Nov 18, 2008 · 99,000 miles · NJ
When turning in either direction steering produces a grinding noise. As a result, the steering rack and pinion has malfunctioned. Midas asking for $1400 and says this is common mazda protege 1998 problem. I found similar already existing complaint by someone else (reference number: 10083656). *tr
Tires · Jun 4, 2008 · 120,000 miles · MA · crash
I was driving alone my 1998 mazda protege along a local route in tewksbury ma in light rain at about 30-35 MPH when a car a few cars ahead of me made a quick stop for a left turn. Several car behind stopped without problem, but I was not able to stop and skid all the way into the car at front which was a 2002 camry. At the time the car at front of me hit the brake I tapped on…
Power Train · Feb 17, 2005 · 65,800 miles · VA
Transmission failure in vehicle with only 65,800 miles. *jb
Engine and Engine Cooling · Feb 11, 2005 · 64,737 miles · VA
Vehicle failed emissions inspection due to a crack in the front exhaust pipe and mid-pipe. Dealer replaced both at my expense. *jb
Seat Belts · Nov 23, 2004 · PA
The front seat belts were loose and will not retract back in to normal position. *jb
Power Train · Oct 26, 2004 · TN
Transmission problems. *bf the vehicle is on its 4TH transmission. *tc
Engine and Engine Cooling · Jul 19, 2004 · TX
Numerous problems with 1999 mazda protege lx.*mr days after the vehicle was purchased the check engine light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was told that they were not very knowledgeable about mazda because they were primarily a honda dealer. The vehicle was taken to a service station where they suggested the problem had something…
Power Train · Feb 28, 2004 · 98,401 miles · CA
Automatic transmission problems. Vehicle downshifts for no reason. Intermittent times car will downshift to lower gear when foot removed from accelerator pedal whether on streets or freeway. Car is renderd unusable by wife.*ak
Unknown or Other · Dec 4, 2003 · TX
While driving, an object appeared on the highway, the consumer ran over the object which caused damage to the bumber and under the vehicle. *la *sc *jb
Engine and Engine Cooling · Apr 29, 2003 · 60,000 miles · MO
The vehicle's exhaust manifold developed a cracked which greatly reduced the engines performance and power. *nlm
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1998 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1998 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 1998 Mazda Protege?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are power train (16), engine and engine cooling (10), service brakes, hydraulic (6).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1998 Mazda Protege?
Owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.