1996 Mazda Protege Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 11%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 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Mazda Protege, 11% of the 70 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“I had difficulty moving the automatic transmission gear shift lever when the car was about 1 year old. The problem would occur on and off over the next few years. I finally had to replace the part when the gear shift lever was stuck with my key still in the ignition about 2 or 3 years ago. I can't remember if it was an electrical/ignition or transmission problem. Now the same problem is happening again!”
NHTSA complaint #10020725, filed 2003-05“While driving experienced suddenly cv joint failure when it broke in steering column, causing loss of steering control, hit telephone pole; also, upon impact dual airbags failed to deploy, 2:00 on front bumper, driver's seat shoulder harness failed to retract enough.”
NHTSA complaint #809121, filed 1997-02“While driving consumer noticed that transmission failed to shift gears. After being inspected consumer concluded that transmission had failed and needed replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10046062, filed 2003-10“Problems with shifter lever, hard to shift into gears. The gear shift lever problem occured when the vehicle was less than a year old. Then it happened again four years later.”
NHTSA complaint #883488, filed 2001-03“Ongoing problem with transmission gear not shifting out of gear. Dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing would be done because vehicle was out of warranty. Can NHTSA provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #850759, filed 1999-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 | 10% |
| 2002 | 17 | 17% |
| 2001 | 6 | 12% |
| 2000 | 29 | 28% |
| 1999 | 22 | 25% |
| 1998 | 15 | 33% |
| 1997 | 10 | 15% |
| 1996 | 8 | 11% |
| 1995 | 19 | 12% |
| 1994 | 7 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 6% |
| 1991 | 4 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mazda Protege
24 complaintsBrakes
9 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