VehicleVerdict

1992 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 Mazda Protege sits mid-pack among Protege years: 72 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 (34 of 72), far ahead of electrical system at 7.

72

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mazda Protege problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts3447%
Electrical System710%
Brakes57%
Transmission46%
Fuel System46%
Speed Control46%
Seats34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Engine23%
Other23%
Latches & Locks11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1992 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.

“AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WOULD JAM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRACK AND REMAIN IN THAT POSITION, LEAVING THE OCCUPANT WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST,. STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 25, 2000

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MAZDA PROTEGE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V674000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2015

“CYLINDER HEAD AND SEAL PREMATURELY FAILED. ENGINE SHOWED VISIBLE SIGNS OF IT GOING BAD. SIGNS INCLUDED ROUGH START AND IDLE AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF WHITE PUFFY SMOKE FROM EXHAUST.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 8, 1998

“WHILE DRIVING, ROAD DEBRIS RUPTURED THE VEHICLE FUEL TANK WHICH RESULTED ON A FIRE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS SEVERELY BURNED ABOUT 30 PERCENT OF HER BODY. *LA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 21, 1999 · fire

“WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ANOTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. VEHICLE STARTED RACING AND LAUNCHED FORWARD WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES. CONTACTED LOCAL MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE PROBLEM. BUT, IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 7 JUNE, 2 000. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE CABLES AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 7, 1999

1992 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 1992 Mazda Protege reliable?

It is close to typical for the Protege: 72 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1992 Protege problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (34 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Mazda Protege. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 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.