NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 73 owner complaints for the 1996 Mazda Protege. Most complaints involve air bags (24) and power train (9). The EPA rates it 23–30 mpg combined.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. CONSUMER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL , THE SEAT BACK, AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. AFTER BEING INSPECTED CONSUMER CONCLUDED THAT TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK”
“EVERY TEN THOUSAND MILES BRAKES HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE BRAKES BEGAN FAILING RIGHT FROM THE FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE AND LATER AT 6000 MILES AND 10000 MILES. *YH”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protege Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Protege Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| Protege Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Protege Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (24), power train (9), service brakes, hydraulic (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Mazda Protege at 23–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).