1996 Mazda Protege: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Mazda Protege: 1 recall, 70 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #15V674000 · 2015 · 1,368,500 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch May become conductive and overheat.
Why it matters: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (24): the most common themes are fails to deploy (13).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (9): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5).
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Mazda Protege has 70 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 14 Protege model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 77). Complaints peaked in 1997 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (165 complaints, 4 recalls), 1997 (66 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Mazda Protege.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Mazda Protege, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Mazda Protege problems?
Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (24), brakes (hydraulic) (9), transmission & drivetrain (8).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mazda Protege get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Mazda Protege repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.