Is the Mazda Protege Reliable?
1993–2003 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Mazda Protege? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mazda Protege Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 62 | 7 | 3 | 57 | Fair |
| 2002 | 3 | 68 | 12 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2001 | 3 | 29 | 6 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2000 | 1 | 65 | 18 | — | 75 | Good |
| 1999 | 1 | 59 | 11 | — | 79 | Good |
| 1998 | 1 | 29 | — | — | 86 | Excellent |
| 1997 | 1 | 66 | 8 | — | 84 | Excellent |
| 1996 | 1 | 43 | 22 | — | 74 | Good |
| 1995 | 4 | 134 | 36 | 1 | 56 | Fair |
| 1994 | 0 | 57 | 3 | — | 92 | Excellent |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Protege Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Protege scores 3 points above the average sedan — a strong result.
Known Mazda Protege Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 612 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda Protege reliable?+
The Mazda Protege scores 75/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 18 recall campaigns and 612 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Protege is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2001 Protege achieved the highest reliability score of 77/100 with 3 recalls and 29 complaints.
How many miles does a Protege last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mazda Protege owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Protege will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mazda Protege Research
Check a Specific Mazda Protege VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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