Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mazda Protege owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The air bags exploded while I was out side the car , there was a recall on the air bags & I was never notified by either Mazda corp or the dealer & I have been the original owner , there has been numerous recalls on the 1995 Protege & at no time I was ever contacted that there was a recall period. In 1997 the engine died & I had to pay the sum of $1500.00 to replace the engine & there were recalls I received no notification of. I contacted both Mazda of north America & the dealer plaza auto mall where I purchased the car in 1995 & both refused my request to address this matter. The vehicle was inspected, and it was determined the air bags deployed, due to corrosion. Updated 08/27/14
Engine failure as described in recall number 95 v 0 3 3000. Called Mazda at [phone] on March 03, 2003, but was told that my vehicle identification number is not in their recall list. However, they were notified.
While starting vehicle air bag sensor light remained on, and within a few minutes or more while still parked, driver's side air bag deployed without reason. Driver sustained tempory loss of hearing on left ear. Dealer/ manufacturer were notified. Consumer states vehicle was driven five miles with air bag light on, as soon as the air bag blew there was white smoke from engine, later on consumer knew radiator was leaking causing white smoke vehicle was towed to dealer, air bag was replaced and the leaking radiator was repaired, air bag came back on twice and the clock spring had to be replaced.
Speedometer stays on "0" even when the tackometer goes up to "7." dealer has not been contacted, and is not aware of the problem. Cruise control failed. Engine revved at 40 MPH did not speed up. Smoke poured out of back and front and smell came inside the vehicle.
Consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and without prior warning vehicle turned off. Vehicle had to be towed. Garage mechanic told consumer that timing belt failed because it jumped time. He was able to pull over to shoulder, and vehicle was towed.
Vehicle will stalls when turning or stopping. Vehicle idles high and shakes. Because of this problem transmission was slipping. Dealership aware of problem.
When driving at any speed timing belt failed, causing the vehicle to stall and jerk.also a loud noise coming from the vehicle, and cv joints were replaced.
When using turn signal to go left or right in hot weather conditions engine will die. Took vehicle to dealer, and they will only replace turn signal.
Intermitently at various speeds vehicle will stall oout and die without warning. Dealer has beem notified. Please provide additional information.
Consumer stated having the same problem as recall#95V033000 engine. Dealer will not repair because VIN number is not included. Dealer notified. Ts
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The wire rod used in the manufacture of the engine valve springs can develop minute cracks causing breakage of the springs.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all sixteen (16) valve springs in the engine of the affected vehicles.
Engine complaints in other Protege years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Mazda Protege?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Mazda Protege, 12% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mazda Protege engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-033 (engine, Feb 21, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Mazda Protege engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 111,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.