2001 Mazda Protege Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 22%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Mazda Protege, 22% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 9 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.
“Got into an accident at intersection , airbags did not work , as a result I have serious chest pains . Vehicle was in motion going straight while a vehicle at intersection was turning left across my road.”
NHTSA complaint #10789026, filed 2015-11, 168,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in a front end impact of at least 45 MPH. This was almost a direct front collision, though damage was slightly greater on one side of front end that the other. Brakes were not applied so force of hit was at full speed. Available front end airbags did not deploy. My chest (sternum) impacted the steering wheel with extreme force, body was propelled forward in a twisting motion and neck and spine underwent severe trauma. I am still suffering from the injury after over 7 months. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142477, filed 2005-11, 48,000 miles“The consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. Upon impact, none of the air bags deployed. The consumer had run a stop sign and hit another vehicle head-on while passing through an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10067316, filed 2004-05, 35,011 miles“The vehicle's air bag sensor light stays on. The dealer states they are unable to duplicate the problem. The consumer is concerned that the air bag will not deploy upon impact.”
NHTSA complaint #10065514, filed 2004-04, 36,673 miles“Vehicle was involved in a 3 car frontal collision. Upon impact, frontal air bags failed to deploy. Driver head impacted the steering wheel, causing severe headaches.”
NHTSA complaint #10075535, filed 2004-06, 50,000 milesRelated 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 2001 Mazda Protege
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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