Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Headlight switch was recalled and replaced. Replacement switch failed: headlights went off when turn signal was used. Replaced again. Now taillights and dash lights are shorting out. May be due to switch again. Dealer unable to fix.
This is a repeat of NHTSA campaign id number : 00V118000. I had the car repaired at the Mazda dealership in year 2000 under the previous recall. 1 month ago the headlights stop working due to a broken wire in the headlight switch assembly. The ground wire broke its solder connection at the base of the switch. I have dissaembled the switch and connect a temporary ground wire to the base of the switch. There is something wrong with the engineering of this switch assembly if it happens again!
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs, 00V118, however after repairs the headlights would go out when the directionals were used, consumer took vehicle back, in which the dealer replaced the combo switch, however charged consumer for repairs, consumer is waiting for reimbursement.
Consumer replaced the recall (00v-118) component prior to recall notification, consumer is having trouble obtaining confirmation of recall work from dealership that previously performed the work, the dealership is no longer an authorized dealership.
Head lights turn off automatically and at random if a bump is hit or when turning left. The lights will come back on only if turning on the high beams. I consider this a serious safety hazard and have found this in other complaints in the NHTSA files
00 v 118 000/headlight: after recall repairs done at howard auto group; rocky mountain, nc; phone# 252/937-2222 headlight/ high beam lights would come on every time turn signal was used. Feel free to provide any further information.
Transmission is jerking when we accelerate trought the gears -engine trouble light code says clutch assembly defective as for headlights the switch went defective and the dealer says that it is not covered under the recall.
While driving headlight switch works intermittently. Consumer is still having the same problems after repair of recall 91007. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Headlights failed to come on. Consumer contacted dealership, and was informed that this vehicle was not included in recall 00V118000 for headlight failure .
The consumer recieve a recall notice #91007 for the turn signal. She took the vehicle to freeway madza no parts available. The dealership is aware of the problem. Nlm
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlight lead wire running through the turn signal lever can fail at the soldered connection to the headlight switch.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the headlight switch.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of headlights
Based on the review of Mazda's investigation and testing, examination of two failed field units (a headlight switch and a combination switch), and telephone interviews of several complainants, it appears that the headlight lead wire which is attached to and located just below the turn signal lever, can be stressed from cycling the turn signal lever and result in fatigue breakage of the wire.complaints stated that…
Headlight complaints in other Protege years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1995 Mazda Protege?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the lights of the 1995 Mazda Protege, 16% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mazda Protege headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-118 (switch, Apr 21, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Mazda Protege headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to lights 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.