The 1997 Mazda Protege has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 1,368,500 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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…
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
11
9crashes8injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
5
2crashes1injuries
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
4
2crashes2injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4
1crashes
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
4
1crashes
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
3
1fires1injuries
SUSPENSION:REAR
3
TIRES
3
Total complaints103
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“After fixing the catalyst converter, it then goes out again requiring me to have it fixed again”
“After fixing the catalyst converter, it then goes out again requiring me to have it fixed again”
“After fixing the catalyst converter, it then goes out again requiring me to have it fixed again”
“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…”
“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. *jb”
“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. *ak”
“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.*ak”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Mazda Protege as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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