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1999 Mazda ProtegeProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 88 owner complaints about the 1999 Mazda Protege, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

40
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.5× the Protege median · #4 of 14 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints8837 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage57kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 13, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Mazda Protege has problems

88 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train221
Air bags2121
Tires120
Engine and engine cooling80
Electrical system60
Service brakes, hydraulic64
Seats41
Suspension30
Steering30
9 other systems121

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Mazda Protege recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Recall 00V-301 · Oct 5, 2000 · 23,000 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other Protege year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Protege median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1999 Mazda Protege safety ratings

1999 Mazda Protege 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

1999 Mazda Protege frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Protege owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

PROBLEM MAZDA TRANSMISSION FAILURE.MAZDA PROTEGE 1999 THIS CAR HAD A MAJOR ENGINE OVERHAUL RECENT ABOUT A YEAR FROM NOW. ONE MONTH AFTER OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION FAILED. MAZDA REFUSED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS FAILURE. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT OWNER EXPENSE EXACTLY ONE YEAR AFTER THAT…
Complaint 10249753 · Nov 25, 2008 · 75,000 miles
I AM NOW HAVING TO PUT THE 3RD TRANSMISSION IN MY 99 MAZDA PROTEGE, THE FIRST TWO WERE AT MAZDA EXPENSE AND I FEEL THE 3RD SHOULD BE AS WELL SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THIS MODEL.*AK
Complaint 10105936 · Jan 7, 2005 · 33,818 miles
MY CAR STARTED WITH UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION LAST FEB. 2003. THEN IT STARTED TO FELL LIKE THE GEARS WERE SLIPPING. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. NOW, IT IS OCT. 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. LAST NIGHT THE CAR GOT STUCK IN LOW GEAR…
Complaint 10070987 · Jan 15, 2004 · 68,000 miles

Own a 1999 Protege?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.