1997 Mazda Protege Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 17%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Mazda Protege, 17% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 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.
“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“The contact owns a 1997 Mazda protg dx. The contact stated that after taking his vehicle in for routine inspection, the mechanic informed him that both the front and rear brakes were rusted. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that all the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. Updated 02/11/11 updated 11/30/2011”
NHTSA complaint #10367075, filed 2010-11, 99,000 miles“Brake caliper pins rusted out due to moisture coming into contact with the pins, and causing the calipers to work erratically. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer was aware of problem. Consumer added that calipers were exhibiting a click and popping noise, dealer replaced calipers. Customer states dome light failed.”
NHTSA complaint #8000869, filed 2001-12“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“Braking system malfunctioned. Had to replace brake rotors and pads several times. This could have resulted in extended stopping distance. Please provide further information and VIN#.”
NHTSA complaint #844334, filed 1999-08Related service bulletins
- 10148003Oct 10, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the…
- 10142515May 11, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO…
Brakes: 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 1997 Mazda Protege
12 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 29, 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