1996 Mazda Protege Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%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 4 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Mazda Protege, 6% of the 70 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Consumer has brought vehicle in for repairs on several occasions due to suspension popping noise that is in the front and rear of the vehicle, the noise is still present after replacements and repairs of various suspension components.”
NHTSA complaint #784294, filed 1999-11“While driving at any speed vehicle will make noise while making a turn. Also, it feels unbalanced. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #896953, filed 2001-09“When turning 90 degrees or more and going up hill, the non-load bearing suspension wheel, depending on direction of turn, bottoms out and a loud thump occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #528274, filed 1998-01Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1996 | 4 | 6% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mazda Protege
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
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