VehicleVerdict

1991 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1991 Mazda Protege sits mid-pack among Protege years: 60 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 47% of all reports (28 of 60), far ahead of body & structure at 7.

60

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted232 complaints1989: 2 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 60 complaints1992: 72 complaints1993: 56 complaints1994: 89 complaints1995: 232 complaints1996: 91 complaints1997: 103 complaints1998: 53 complaints1999: 102 complaints2000: 126 complaints2001: 68 complaints2002: 133 complaints2003: 145 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Mazda Protege problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2847%
Body & Structure712%
Electrical System58%
Transmission47%
Brakes47%
Engine23%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Speed Control23%
Airbags12%
Latches & Locks12%
Seats12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1991 Mazda Protege have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V674000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING VEHICLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE OUT OF PARKING LOT & ORIGINAL VEHICLE HIT THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 29, 1996 · crash

“TRUNK LID WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND TRUNK CAME DOWN AND HIT CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER ON HEAD. *AK CONSUMER STATES NOTHING TO KEEP THE TRUNK LID IN UPRIGHT POSITION. A SLIGHT WIND OR ELEVATION COULD BLOW THE OPEN LID DOWN AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 20, 2002

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 11, 2010 · fire

1991 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 1991 Mazda Protege reliable?

It is close to typical for the Protege: 60 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1991 Protege problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (28 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Mazda Protege. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Mazda Protege under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda Protege years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Protege years to avoid are 1995, 2003, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Protege years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.