2006 Mazda Protege problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2006 Mazda Protege — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Protege years?

Protege NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Protege years to avoid →

Does the 2006 Mazda Protege have recalls?

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

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

2006 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 2006 Mazda Protege reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2006 compare to other Protege years?

Does the 2006 Mazda Protege have recalls?

2006 Mazda Protege — common questions

Is the 2006 Mazda Protege reliable?

Does the 2006 Mazda Protege have recalls?

Which Mazda Protege years should you avoid?

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