1997 Mazda Protege Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Mazda Protege, 8% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“Engine check light came on, and gas gauge malfunctioned. Vehicle hesitated when starting/ dealer replaced flywheel. Also, fuel tank was disconnected, and dealer replaced fuel tank. In addition, rpms increased by 500 rpms, and repaired wiring in jamme ddoor. Also, windshield wiper blades malfunctioned/ fuse shorted out , causing radio, cd, and other electrical components to fail, and replaced canister.”
NHTSA complaint #852010, filed 2000-01“While filling tank, flames came out of tank, and vehicle caught on fire. Also, consumer was injured when vehicle was turned off. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further informaton.”
NHTSA complaint #856490, filed 2000-02“Engine check light stays on while driving, creating a slight vacuum in the gas tank. Dealer replaced gas tank cap and canceled the code. Manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #842221, filed 1999-07Related service bulletins
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS…
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mazda Protege
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEquipment
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