Summary
The Mazda Protege has 10 recalls spanning the 1992 to 2000 model years, with the most serious being a fire risk on 1999 models where condensation from the air conditioning duct can drip into the factory audio unit, cause a short circuit, and ignite the rear right speaker.
The 2000 model year has a brake hose that was damaged during vehicle assembly on some units, allowing brake fluid to leak from the left rear and reducing braking performance. On 1995 models, the tie-down hooks positioned under the vehicle can strike a curb or pavement and trigger airbag deployment without warning, potentially injuring occupants. Also on 1995 models, engine valve springs can develop small cracks and break, which can cause engine noise, piston damage, and sudden stalling. There is also a headlight wiring issue on 1995 vehicles where the lead wire running through the turn signal lever can fatigue and break over time, causing a gradual or total loss of headlights while driving. Going back to the earliest production, 1992 models have a compliance issue where the owner's manual contains incorrect installation instructions for child seat tether anchors.
