1990 Mazda Protege Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 57%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 167,125miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the seat belts of the 1990 Mazda Protege, 57% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 167,125 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10074312, filed 2004-06, 128,000 miles“While stopped, vehicle was rearended by moving vehicle that was traveling 35 MPH. Driver fell forward/backward, seatback reclined, left side of seat broke, motorized shoulder belt did not retract. Dealer replaced seat frame. Found no problem with seat belt. Consumer sustained injuries to the neck, upper back, right shoulder, arm, hand, and shoulder blade.”
NHTSA complaint #817831, filed 1997-10“Consumer was driving vehicle when the motorized shoulder restraint would not release properly. She was pulling and heard a clicking noise, and belt was stuck. Dealership (big sky auto ) mechanic called Mazda manufacturer, and was told the vehicle was too old, and they would not fix.”
NHTSA complaint #829835, filed 1998-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #860235, filed 2000-04“Driver's side automatic restraint system failed to function, to exit vehicle, driver manually pressed buckle's release button, in event of an accident, occupant could be trapped inside of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #805243, filed 1996-11Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 17 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 20% |
| 2001 | 3 | 6% |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 9% |
| 1996 | 6 | 9% |
| 1995 | 13 | 8% |
| 1994 | 37 | 50% |
| 1993 | 23 | 52% |
| 1992 | 34 | 54% |
| 1991 | 27 | 53% |
| 1990 | 21 | 57% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mazda Protege
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Mazda Protege
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology