Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mazda protg dx. The contact stated that after taking his vehicle in for routine inspection, the mechanic informed him that both the front and rear brakes were rusted. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that all the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. Updated 02/11/11 *bf updated 11/30/2011
The worst 1997 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.
- Airbags12
- Brakes11
- Transmission10
- Engine9
- Acceleration8
- Electrical6
- Seat belts6
- Body5
- Fuel system5
- Suspension5
- Visibility5
- Tires3
- Seats2
- Lights1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 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
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Mazda Protege 83
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâs floor mat to avoid...
- The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing
- 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
- 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
- On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid...
- The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing
1997 Mazda Protege fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-26 | 30-33 | 25-29 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-23 | 27-29 | 23-25 |
What 1997 Mazda Protege owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After fixing the catalyst converter, it then goes out again requiring me to have it fixed again
Check engine light illuminated and acceleration is poor.*mr enclosed are copies of the receipts and service bulletin issued in reference to the defective vehicle. *cb the consumer stated the problem was finally identified as a faulty valvein cylinder #1.
After investigating "check engine light" over a period of 5 months, it was determined that a valve problem in the first cylinder was causing a lack of compression and poor engine performance. 2 oxygen sensors were replaced, as well as 8 valves and other parts, to solve the problem. We spent a total of $1791.78 before the car was fixed. We learned from our mazda dealer that a service bulletin was issued 6/10/98 that covered this problem. We complained to the dealership and the mazda area rep, and no reimbursement was issued.
Cruise control malfunctioned causing sudden acceleration. *mr
Airbag failed to deploy on both sides at 35mph while rear ending a van. Tore off bumper with airbag sensors clearly in view airbag light inside of vehicle was not on either.
Failure of the latches on both front seat allowing the seat to recline. During an accident where the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was struck in rear causing the seat back to recline. The action trapped my wife's left foot under the seat. This caused severe contusion and abrasions.
There was a severe whining noise coming from the right front wheel area, dealer found the g1 bearing was worn on the intermediate shaft to the right front axle, the noise continued to get louder and the dealer found the sway bar links to be defective, consumer is asking for reimbursement for the repairs made.
While driving at 40 MPH there was a direct frontal collision, and air bags did not deploy, causing injury to driver. *ak the seat belt failed during the accident.
Overdrive light keeps coming on, when shifting vehicle will kick.
Compare the 1997 Mazda Protege
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Questions about the 1997 Mazda Protege
Is the 1997 Mazda Protege reliable?
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 1997 Mazda Protege, fewer than a typical Protege model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Mazda Protege?
Airbags, with 12 complaints. Next is brakes (11).
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
What year does the Mazda Protege have bad airbags?
The Mazda Protege model years with the most airbags complaints are 1995 (41 complaints), 2000 (25 complaints) and 1996 (24 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Mazda Protege get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Mazda Protege range from 23 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-26 city and 30-33 highway.
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