VehicleVerdict

1999 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1999 Mazda Protege sits mid-pack among Protege years: 102 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (22), airbags (21), and tires & wheels (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

102

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mazda Protege problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2222%
Airbags2121%
Tires & Wheels1414%
Engine99%
Electrical System66%
Brakes66%
Other55%
Seats44%
Steering33%
Suspension33%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting22%
Fuel System22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Body & Structure11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 1999 Mazda Protege have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

00V301000Electrical SystemOctober 5, 2000 · 23,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PARTICULAR FACTORY INSTALLED AUDIO UNIT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT LOW SPEED IN A HOT AND HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN, AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, AND AUDIO ON, CONDENSED WATER ON THE A/C DUCT SURFACE COULD DROP AND ENTER INTO THE AUDIO UNIT, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

IF THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AT ONE SPECIFIC SET OF TERMINALS, THE REAR RIGHT LOUDSPEAKER CAN OVERHEAT AND, IN SOME CASES, CATCH FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL AFFIX ALUMINUM TAPE OVER THE AUDIO UNIT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS THE FIRST TIME THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPAIRED. NOW AT 47,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT AGAIN. JOEY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 15, 2001 · crash

“BRAKES FAILED WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A STEEL BEAM POLE. THERE THERE WERE NO BRAKE INDICATORS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, AFTER THE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. *TT CONSUMER HASN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE FRON MAZDA NORTH AMERICA. SCC. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 1, 2002 · crash

“DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AT 35MPH, WHEEL SLIGHTLLY BENT, DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL. FIRESTONE DEALER REPLACED TIRES AND GAVE ADJUSTED CREDIT. I SEE THAT OTHERS OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES. PLEASE CONSIDER DANGER WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHER RATE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“WHILE DRIVING RADIATOR FAN RELAY BECAME INOPERABLE. CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD, DEALER WILL REPLACE FAN RELAY, BUT IT WILL COST $350.00. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 2002

“BRAKES FAILED WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A STEEL BEAM POLE. THERE THERE WERE NO BRAKE INDICATORS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, AFTER THE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. *TT CONSUMER HASN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE FRON MAZDA NORTH AMERICA. SCC. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2002 · crash

1999 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 1999 Mazda Protege reliable?

It is close to typical for the Protege: 102 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1999 Protege problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (22 complaints), airbags (21 complaints), tires & wheels (14 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.