The plastic dip stick to check oil snapped off
The worst 1999 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.
- Transmission22
- Airbags21
- Tires12
- Engine9
- Brakes6
- Electrical6
- Seats4
- Steering3
- Suspension3
- Fuel system2
- Lights2
- Seat belts2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Mazda Protege
No deployment 12Tire blowout 11Jerking 8Transmission failure 6
Recalls 1
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a particular factory installed audio unit. If the vehicle is operated at low speed in a hot and humid environment with the window open, air conditioner running, and audio on, condensed water on the A/C duct surface could drop and enter into the audio unit, causing a short circuit.
- Risk
- If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the rear right loudspeaker can overheat and, in some cases, catch fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
Recall number 00V301000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mazda Protege 95
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources
- The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing
- Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote...
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission...
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâs floor mat to avoid...
- Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources
1999 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23-25 | 30-31 | 26-27 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 27-28 | 23-25 |
What 1999 Mazda Protege owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mazda protege. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the instrument panel lights started to flicker and failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the there was an electrical wiring failure that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Check engine light on no matter what the reading says change all parts will go off but back on and fail inspection mass air flow sensor has been change three times and cayli. Converter twice.
The headlights no longer work on low beam. The high beams still work. Upon removing the steering column cover and unplugging the wiring harness I found that the connector is literally burned and melted at the point of connection in the harness. Mazda no longer makes the part and I cannot have it fixed by a mechanic because the part is almost impossible to find in a used salvaged vehicle.
Passenger side rear seat belt automatic locking retractor does not stay locked, making it impossible to safely install a child safety seat. The seat belt was rarely if ever used until the car seat was installed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mazda protege. The contact stated he rear-ended another vehicle at 50 MPH. Upon impact the air bags failed to deploy. As a consequence he sustained moderate head injuries. The insurance company was in the process of investigating the cause of the failure. No repairs have been made. He contacted the manufacturer, but was not provided with any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 217,000.
Faulty tire valves (dill acp 123 tr 418) on a 1999 mazda protege. *nj the consumer stated the tire deflated. The consumer stated he was never notified of a recall relating to the valve stems by dill-acp model tr-418. Recall# 08t0228000. *jb see also 10496085 *sy updated 06/23/10.*jb the consumer stated he has since experienced another tire failure, due to a defective tire valve stem. The consumer stated the valve stem was cracked and the rear tire was split. The consumer was informed that both tires needed to be replaced and the reason for the split was due to heat build-up, because he continued to drive on the tire, before he realized the tire had deflated. Updated 10/24/12 updated 02/07/13
Problem mazda transmission failure .mazda protege 1999 this car had a major engine overhaul recent about a year from now. One month after overhaul transmission failed. Mazda refused to be responsible for this failure. Transmission was replaced at owner expense exactly one year after that transmission was fixed failure again . Again transmission not covered out of warranty. Estimate as to how much has been spent so far $3,500. As of now I cant drive this car because the car cant be moved due to malfunction. After research online I have found this VIN number on this mazda has had issues with transmission failure at off lamp flashing no shift condition 3rd gear shift ration set erratic shifts issues with transmission issues etc. I personally feel they should compensate or at least try and help to get this resolved and they refuse to admit they have an issue with the transmissions on this car VIN very bad practice this should be a recall or at least try and help pay for all these damages I don't think I should have to buy a car transmission every year because they don't want to admit or take any responsibility with this "known issue" I called mazda they said I have to pay all damages on transmission I don't drive alot car is driven very minimal work and back.
We own a mazda protege 1999. Both the headlights & bright lights failed. We tried replacing bulbs & a relay, neither of which worked. The car is currently at an independent automobile electrical shop. The owner stated that the internal wiring for these components burned out. This could have caused an internal fire behind the dashboard. The wires were not exposed under the hood so we could not have known that they were wearing thin. I have been in contact with mazda USA as the mechanic told me that this was a common problem with mazda. I am distressed that my daughter was driving a car known to have faulty wiring that could have caused an engine and/or interior fire. Mazda USA advised me that the car was not under warranty, and I was facing a $700 cost for repairs. I was hoping mazda will help with this, but as yet they have not, and my daughter was without a car to drive at night.
1999 mazda protege was taken to dealership for repairs and the dealership would not honor the warranty. *mr the vehicle was takne in for the timing, water pump, etc. *sc
Compare the 1999 Mazda Protege
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Questions about the 1999 Mazda Protege
Is the 1999 Mazda Protege reliable?
Owners have filed 88 complaints about the 1999 Mazda Protege, close to a typical Protege model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mazda Protege?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 22 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles. Next is airbags (21).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mazda Protege have?
1 recall, covering equipment.
What year does the Mazda Protege have bad transmission?
The Mazda Protege model years with the most transmission complaints are 2000 (29 complaints), 1999 (22 complaints) and 1995 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mazda Protege get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mazda Protege range from 23 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-25 city and 30-31 highway.
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