AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1998 Mazda Protege
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $3,500–$6,000
The 1998 Mazda Protege has below-average reliability due to ignition switch issues potentially causing overheating and notable complaints about the power train and engine cooling systems.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ignition switch | 40,000–80,000 miles | $150–$300 | very common |
| engine cooling system | 60,000–100,000 miles | $200–$500 | common |
| power train | 70,000–110,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | common |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Change oil every 5,000 miles
- Replace brake fluid every 2 years
- Inspect timing belt every 60,000 miles
- Check suspension annually
- Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Overheating issues
- Grinding noise from transmission
- Sluggish acceleration
- Ignition difficulties
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/20/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.