2003 Mazda Protege Mazda Protege 2003

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2003 Mazda Protege repairs by problem area

Engine (39%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (25%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (17%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (1%)

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Chart based on 454 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Mazda Protege.

2003 Mazda Protege transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (40%)

$500 - $999 (33%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (27%)

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Chart based on 15 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

181000 mi

US $60
drivers CV axle bad 
90644 mi

C $800
Car making clicking sound for a few days. Then screeching metal sound. Lifted car up and wheel not spinning. Took to repair shop and driver side bearing, hub, and lower control had to be replaced. Hit a bad pothole... 
125000 mi

US $1900
Clutch was slipping, grinding gears when shifting. New clutch kit, master slave cylinder, flywheel and rear main seal. New gear oil. 
176000 mi

US $20
Replaced rubber clutch hose that had cracked and was leaking brake fluid, resulting in no clutch and the brake light came on as well as the clutch and brake use the same fluid reservoir. The hose is about $17, and took about 30 min to replace, then topped up the fluid again and good to go. 
109368 mi

R 2150
Replaced clutch kit,slave cylinder and gearbox seal 
48000 mi Finish flaking off wheels. New wheels ordered. 

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2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

95700 mi

US $905
Solenoid inside transmission replaced. 
67040 mi

C $1100
centre bearing on passenger side driveshaft 

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2003 Mazda Protege

Engine not specified

94240 mi

C $500
cardan bose (universal joint) 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

74300 mi

US $1000
LSD Welds broke. Replaced LSD. 
72000 mi

US $1800
differential repair 
65000 mi

US $2000
Transmission LSD failed, replaced with aftermarket transmission and LSD to prevent this issue again in the future. Could have been repaired for 500 dollars. 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

75000 mi

US $600
Replace CV joints/axle shafts, replace front brake pads 
62000 mi

C $700
Transmission oil leak, needed to lift slightly to replace gasket 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

69000 mi Driving to work, car went into first gear and wouldn't shift. Had it towed to used car dealer; they installed (used/junkyard) tranny. Paid by them because it was under warranty that was offered when purchased car. 

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2003 Mazda Protege Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Mazda Protege problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.