1997 Mazda Protege problems
Owners have filed 103 complaints about the 1997 Mazda Protege with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 12.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 11.7%.
Complaints103
Crashes20
Fires2
Injuries16
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.6% · 13
Power train 11.7% · 12
Air bags 11.7% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 8.7% · 9
Vehicle speed control 7.8% · 8
Seat belts 6.8% · 7
Suspension 5.8% · 6
Fuel system, gasoline 5.8% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 16 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Mazda Protege in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 40 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 108,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Brake caliper pins rusted out due to moisture coming into contact with the pins, and causing the calipers to work erratically. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer was aware of problem. Consumer added that calipers were exhibiting a click and popping noise, dealer replaced calipers. Customer states dome light failed. Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving 30-35 mph the anti-lock brakes locked up, causing vehicle to slide into vehicle ahead. The front end of vehicle was smashed, and the there was no deployment of the driver's or passenger's side air bags. The weather was sunny and dry at the time of the crash. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. Service brakes, hydraulic
Braking system malfunctioned. Had to replace brake rotors and pads several times. This could have resulted in extended stopping distance. Please provide further information and vin#. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…