One problem related to body has been reported for the 1996 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Serious rust problem discovered in the windshield area of car when having new windshield installed. Several years ago, probably 1999, while the car was still under warranty, I attempted to have Mazda repair rust that was appearing on the front pillars by the windshield. Their area representative refused, saying that the warranty only covered rusting through. Now this has become a safety hazard, because the integrity of the new windshield's mounting is in doubt.