VehicleVerdict

1998 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Mazda Protege sits mid-pack among Protege years: 53 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (30% of the total).

53

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mazda Protege problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1630%
Engine1019%
Brakes611%
Seat Belts36%
Tires & Wheels36%
Airbags36%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Electrical System24%
Latches & Locks24%
Speed Control24%
Suspension12%
Steering12%
Seats12%
Other12%

Does the 1998 Mazda Protege have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE RETURNED MY CAR FOR REPAIRS A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES SINCE NEW PURCHASE IN JULY 1998. THE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE CAR STILL HAS AN EGG SMELL. IT ALSO HESITATES WHEN SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. I FILED A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT IN MAY 1999. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 5, 1999

“WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WITH FOOT ON BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE PARKING BUMP & HIT A BRICK WALL. NO PHYSICAL INJURIES. PRIOR TO ACCELERATION, HAD VENICLE AT DEALER & THE TIMING BELT WAS ADJUSTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 18, 1999 · crash

“AFTER MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ONCE TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, I CONTINUE TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EXTREMELY SOFT BRAKES. THIS IS MOST PROBLEMATIC WHEN IT RAINS. I'VE HAD THE DEALERSHIP "TIGHTEN" THEM AND REPLACE PADS THREE TIMES, BUT WITHIN A COUPLE OF”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 1998 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 31, 2008 · crash

“CONSUMER HAD A REAR COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. *AK THE SEAT BELT FAILED DURING THE COLLISION *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 12, 2000 · crash

1998 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 1998 Mazda Protege reliable?

It is close to typical for the Protege: 53 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 Protege problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (16 complaints), engine (10 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mazda Protege. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.