VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1993 Mazda Protege sits mid-pack among Protege years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 46% of all reports (26 of 56), far ahead of fuel system at 6.

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda Protege problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2646%
Fuel System611%
Brakes59%
Engine47%
Electrical System47%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Transmission24%
Driver Assistance12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Latches & Locks12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1993 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND REMAINED STUCK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND INQUIRED AS TO WHY OTHER MAZDA VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR THE SEAT BELTS BUT NOT THE PROTEGE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 2, 2011

“STRONG GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM THE BACK SEATS AND COULD BE RELATED TO THE FUEL FILLER NECK PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 12, 1995

“VERY FIRST TIME BRAKES ARE APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE AND THE WEATHER IS COLD, BRAKES FAIL TO ENGAGE, AND CONSUMER HAS TO PUMP BRAKES FOR THEM TO WORK. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS CONDENSATION IN "CHECK BALL" THAT WOULD FREEZE, PREVENTING PROPER FUNCTION OF BRAKE SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 29, 2001

“WINDOWS-DRIVER SIDE POWER ASSISTED WINDOW FAILURE TO GO UP/DOWN, CONTROL WOULD NOT FUNCTION, HAD TO REASSEMBLE WINDOW AND REPLACE MASTER POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE @ 155,000MI. ALL COMPONENTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WAS NOT ACTIVLY DRIVING WHEN FAILURE NOTICES. NO ACCIDENT OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2001

1993 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda Protege reliable?

It is close to typical for the Protege: 56 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1993 Protege problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (26 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Mazda Protege. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Mazda Protege under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.