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2003 Mazda Protege Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mazda Protege, most often about the engine (33% of complaints, typically around 70,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Protege model year since 2000.

Complaints120
Recalls0
Crashes reported16
Fires reported2
Injuries reported111 death reported

Most common 2003 Mazda Protege problems

  1. Engine

    40 complaints · 33%

    Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.

    One of the butterfly valves on the intake manifold fell off completely. This happened when the last of the two screws holding it on came loose and fell-off and was sucked into the engine. When the part was dismantled, there were only five of the original eight screws remaining. Only one of the four valves was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 69,800 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2003 Mazda speed Protege. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to shake severely when the contact released the accelerator pedal. He experienced difficulty steering and controlling the vehicle. He took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the variable tumble control system shutter valve…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 72,000 miles

  2. Seat belts

    17 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    Front driver seat belt suddenly was incapable of being buckled. Drivers seat belt could not click in receptacle and was not usable. Dealer said it was not covered b/c it was out of warranty and I was responsible for repair which was about $100.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 90,000 miles
    While my son was driving to work on a hill curve turn he lost control on icy wet road and hit a tree he died on 01/29/2013 he was 18 years old he was going to school and working.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 90,000 miles

  3. Transmission

    12 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 27,500 miles. Parts named most often: clutch assembly, automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission.

    2003 Mazda Protege (manual transmission); have trouble going into reverse and sometimes into first gear; also, unable to take key out of ignition; driver window feels like it is rolling off track when rolled down. Problems with vehicle first began some time in march 2005.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 23,000 miles
    On the 2003 and 2003.5 Mazda mazdaspeed Protege, of which only 4750 cars were produced. There have been at least 46 web documented failures of the differential breaking on these cars. The 47th known failure was recently my nephew. See link for a list of failures.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 32,000 miles

  4. Wheels and tires

    11 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 16,500 miles. Parts named most often: sidewall, tread/belt.

    While driving at about 40 MPH back right tire went flat instantly without warning. Tire make: bridgestone potenza p195/55r15. The tire showed no signs of wear or damage and was only driven on for 25,000 miles. I took it to a repair shop (pepboys) and they found that the inside steel belt had broke and caused the tire…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 25,000 miles
    Excessive wear in the area inside and outside in tires ... Many several workshops can not correct the alignment fault ... The steering wheel go to the right and I have to force to the left ... All the front and rear suspension part are new , including the shock absorber is new and control arm and link rod and bushing…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 8,000 miles

  5. Suspension

    11 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 98,500 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    I bought the car from a smaller cheap dealership, I had no idea that the front end would be as bad as it got. My lower control arm / ball joint was so corroded every time I made a left turn it would make a loud noise in the left front wheel then would continue to happen over and over each time. This would happen often…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 99,000 miles
    Passenger side strut tower has rusted to the point that failure of the suspension is imminent. The rust inhibitor that was applied from Mazda motor corp. During manufacturing, on the passenger front wheel well has failed and is allowing water, road salt etc to enter the engine bay and cause severe rusting on the top…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 134,000 miles

  6. Air bags

    10 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 18,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.

    Air bag light illuminated while driving. Vehicle had been to the dealer on three separate occasions. On each occasion, within three weeks or less , the air bag light illuminated while driving.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 20,000 miles
    I have a 2003 Mazda Protege. When I purchased the car, I paid extra for a side airbags and anti-lock brake package. On monday, december 20th of 2004, I was broad sided by a 1990 huge chevy work pick up. I was going 40 MPH, I estimate the truck at the same. My side airbags failed to deploy. If I had not seen the truck…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 15,500 miles

  7. Steering

    7 complaints · 6%

    Parts named most often: gear box (other than rack and pinion).

    While my son was driving to work on a hill curve turn he lost control on icy wet road and hit a tree he died on 01/29/2013 he was 18 years old he was going to school and working.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 90,000 miles
    I bought the car from a smaller cheap dealership, I had no idea that the front end would be as bad as it got. My lower control arm / ball joint was so corroded every time I made a left turn it would make a loud noise in the left front wheel then would continue to happen over and over each time. This would happen often…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 99,000 miles

  8. Brakes

    7 complaints · 6%

    Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, conventional.

    Premature rear brake wear, both sides. Both rear rotors (and their pads, of course) had to be replaced at 20,240 miles. I was charged $378.45 for repair. Internet discussion groups report this problem due to caliper slides sticking. Some dealers perform this repair free; mine refused.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 20,240 miles
    Emergency brake fails on inclines--this happened to me and a woman with the same make, model and year car sitting next to me at an insurance hearing! It caused significant damage to both our cars and her friend's property.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 42,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2003 Mazda Protege recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2003 Mazda Protege

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda Protege?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (40 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); seat belts (17 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles); transmission (12 complaints, typically around 27,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda Protege have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mazda Protege. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the Mazda Protege?
It is the most complained-about Protege model year since 2000, with 120 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Mazda Protege years

Mazda Protege problems by year