Seat belt track jammed, dealer will not cover, although there appears to be a recall for this issue already.
The worst 1990 Mazda Protege problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts21
- Engine4
- Steering3
- Visibility3
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Mazda Protege
Recalls 1
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Recall number 15V674000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Mazda Protege
Defect investigations
Auto restraint system fail
There is no summary currently available
EA94039
Auto restraint system fail
There is no summary currently available
PE94059
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Mazda Protege 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak...
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a...
- Battery test procedure requirements. tt
- Speedometer replacement procedure. tt
- Experiencing popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking. tt
- Subject on passive seat belt retractor switch. yc
- Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center. yc
What 1990 Mazda Protege owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The front automatic passive restraint seat belts system is inoperative because the rail is bad. The dealership refused to replace the rail as stated in the automatic shoulder belt rail recall 97v211000. There is conflict between the dealership and manufacture concerning what part in the passive restraint system should be replaced under the recall. *nm the passenger side shoulder belt is stuck in the middle of the rail thus making it inoperative. The driver's shoulder belt is stuck in the rear of the rail and is also inoperative.
When backing out of driveway placed car in drive and depressed gas, and vehicle lurched forward and crashed. Gas pedal was stuck to the floor.
This part is designed with no retainer as on previous parts which would have prevented this failure. Most compact mazda and ford models have this type tie rod end. I have talked to several ford escort owners that have experienced the same failure. The parts were as new as five months old and failed causing complete loss of control.
While driving windshield becomes extremely fogged, causing poor visbility due a malfunction within heater core which has been replaced, but did not correct the problem. Please give any further details.
While driving can smell anti-freeze, and windshield becomes absolutely foggy. Also, heater core has problems. Please provide any further information.
Driver's side motor belt failed to operate, leaving driver without any restraint. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall, and repairs would only be made at consumer's cost.
Car was purchased used in 1997. Car has always had some vibration when it idles. In november of 1998 car began overheating. Radiator was replaced but did not solve the problem. Took back to have repaired. Thermostat was replaced and while replacing the thermistat a cracked sensor was also found and replaced. This corrected the problem. In december of 1998 front driverside shoulder seat belt froze. It would not retract all the way back. It would make a constant clicking nose. The wires were also off the track. Had to disconnect the fuse to shut off the clicking noise. Had an estimite to have it repaired which was approx. 900.00.
The vehicle experiences excessive vibration from the steering wheel, car windows and back rear doors. Nlm
Motor mounts failed causing excessive vibration. Mjs
Compare the 1990 Mazda Protege
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 Mazda Protege
Is the 1990 Mazda Protege reliable?
Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 1990 Mazda Protege, fewer than a typical Protege model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Mazda Protege?
Seat belts, with 21 complaints. Next is engine (4).
How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
What year does the Mazda Protege have the most seat belts problems?
The Mazda Protege model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1994 (37 complaints), 1992 (34 complaints) and 1991 (27 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1990 Mazda Protege?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history