1996 Mazda Protege Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 13%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Mazda Protege, 13% of the 70 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Every ten thousand miles brakes have to be replaced. The brakes began failing right from the first day of purchase and later at 6000 miles and 10000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #885036, filed 2001-04“Consumer was driving about 30 MPH, trying to stop, brakes resisted . The brakes went to the floor of the vehicle. The steering wheel locked up, causing the vehicle to collide . The manufacturer has been contacted .”
NHTSA complaint #816860, filed 1997-11“The summer of 97 the air conditioner had to have an o-ring replaced and it had to be recharged for it to cool properly. On july 7, 1998 the same thing happened again(same type of repair)”
NHTSA complaint #540923, filed 1998-09“Abs: when applied, brake pedal went to floor, vehicle rearended another vehicle, airbags did not deploy. Dealer replaced rotors/pads. Also, shoulder/lap belts did not hold occupants. Please provide VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #817495, filed 1997-10“The brake pedal goes all the way down to the floor and the vehicle does not come to a complete stop. At dealership (7) within the last year. Problem has not been located.”
NHTSA complaint #807151, filed 1997-01Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 6% |
| 2002 | 11 | 11% |
| 2001 | 5 | 10% |
| 2000 | 10 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 11% |
| 1997 | 11 | 17% |
| 1996 | 9 | 13% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 11% |
| 1992 | 5 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mazda Protege
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mazda Protege
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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