1997 Mazda Protege Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 18%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Mazda Protege, 18% of the 66 complaints for this model year. 10 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.
“1) airbag didnt deploy during a right angle (t bone) accident at an intersection .. The driver (me) systained head and face / chest injuries. 2) since new the right rear brake on my non ABS car lockes up very easily, and has caused a spin out in several cases, on wet surfaces. A dealer tried to do something, but it has not corrected the problem. Further, when I wrote Mazda customer service hq, they simply said to go back to a dealer for their judgement / action to correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #727784, filed 2000-08“While driving at 50 mhp another vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway. When applying the brakes, the consumer pumped the brakes and the vehicle slid into the other vehicle, rearending it. Upon impact, driver's air bag didn't deploy until the consumer hit the steering wheel and broke the biggest sternum bone in her chest. Also, the shoulder belt didn't hold the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #832154, filed 2000-02“While driving 30-35 MPH the anti-lock brakes locked up, causing vehicle to slide into vehicle ahead. The front end of vehicle was smashed, and the there was no deployment of the driver's or passenger's side air bags. The weather was sunny and dry at the time of the crash. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #828377, filed 1998-09“Consumer was involved in a head-on collision while traveling 40 MPH. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #862633, filed 2000-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #765324, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10021000Oct 4, 2006Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 11 | 22% |
| 2000 | 25 | 25% |
| 1999 | 21 | 24% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 12 | 18% |
| 1996 | 24 | 34% |
| 1995 | 41 | 25% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mazda Protege
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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