2003 Mazda Protege problems
Owners have filed 145 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Protege with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 24.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of seat belts at 11.7%.
Complaints145
Crashes18
Fires3
Injuries11
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 24.1% · 35
Seat belts 11.7% · 17
Power train 9.0% · 13
Suspension 8.3% · 12
Tires 6.9% · 10
Air bags 6.9% · 10
Steering 4.8% · 7
Engine 4.1% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 11 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Mazda Protege in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,800 miles.
In owners' own words
The tightening torque of the screws used for mounting the intake manifold shutter valve loosened and fell out (1 into the spark plugs and caused damage to plugs and coils).Caused misfiring, affecting the exhaust emissions. There was a recall in 2006 but not for my car's vin - but my car had the exact problem from that recall. Waiting to see if Mazda will honor this recall and pay for repairs/parts. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 56,197 miles
Vehicle went backwards even after consumer put the gear into park.*Mr when the consumer got back in the car after leaving it running she noticed the engine oil pressure light was on, but thought nothing of it. The consumer was unable to stop the vehicle until it came to rest on its own after rolling in a ditch. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Engine and engine cooling
2003 Mazda Protege 5 stalled when trying to accelarate from a stop light. This has happened twice already. Both times I was able to restart the car without problems. The dealer can't duplicate problem, and can't figure out what is causing the the problem. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 3,400 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…