| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Mazda Protege repairs by problem area
Engine (41%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)
Brakes and Traction Control (8%)
Suspension and Steering (22%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (16%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)
Other (2%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 882 repairs.
Mazda Protege electrical repair cost distribution
$2500+ (0%)
$1000 - $2499 (1%)
$500 - $999 (10%)
$100 - $499 (43%)
< $100 (46%)
Chart based on 136 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
| 148000 mi US $550 |
Alternator bad, replaced. |
| 80000 mi US $75 |
1 headlight bulb replaced. |
| 75500 mi US $10 |
Both headlight bulbs blew. Replaced with new. |
| 93500 mi | Car would cut off intermittently - Replaced Fuel Pump Relay myself.Agents too expensive,so I made my own. |
| 179000 mi US $552 |
Alternator stopped working, shredded belt, needed to be towed |
| 116000 mi US $130 |
battery replacement |
| 155800 mi US $200 |
replacement of door lock relay |
| 184000 mi US $200 |
Replaced window regulator |
| 189000 mi US $600 |
Starter needed replacement |
| 164000 mi US $250 |
starter went bad, bought starter that ended up being for an automatic, had to return it for manual trans starter. 3.5 hours repair. |
| 182300 mi US $200 |
alternator went bad, replaced alternator and belt. |
| 185000 mi US $200 |
long story short, aftermarket amp wire protective coating rubbed through to bare wire, killed old alt, replaced too late to save battery (less than 1 yr old new) and blew several fuses at the same time. cascade effect failure, started at amp, killed amp and alternator, which in turn killed battery. bad alt meant more draw on batt, once alt was replaced, bad batt overtaxed new alt... now working on a non start issue dealing with either ignition (known to go bad) or alarm wiring. |
| 122000 mi US $15 |
Passenger rear door lock actuator died. Swapped in replacement part. |
| 169000 mi US $15 |
Replaced rear passenger power lock actuator. |
| 145000 mi US $300 |
Alternator failed. Bolt hiding it was rusted on |
| 75500 mi US $220 |
Replaced alternator. Car only ran once every 1-2 weeks, draining battery. Noticed alternator died after jump starting -- not sure if it was due to a drained battery, jumping procedure, or failed alternator. |
| 65000 mi US $30 |
Both low beam halogen headlight bulbs burned out. Metal spring clip broke while changing bulb, replacement only available from dealer. |
| 169000 mi US $10 |
Replace low-beam head light. Seems to be a problem area with these cars; I've replaced the head lights three times, and have heard of other owners having similar problems. |
| 150000 mi US $340 |
Alternator failure |
| 223681 mi US $679 |
Replace A/C compressor |
| 221000 mi US $70 |
Electronic driver's side door latch no longer operable. Latch replaced. |
| 197000 mi US $50 |
One headlight bulb was out, replaced both bulbs |
| 90000 mi US $70 |
Driver's door lock actuator broke, so actuator made buzzing sound and would not lock/unlock. Bought part at parts store and replaced it myself. |
| 38000 mi | Headlight out, replaced bulb. |
| 49000 mi | Wheels finally replaced. Extra trip required so Mazda could approve use of polished wheels like those that originally came on the car. I had these swapped for regular painted alloys at time of purchase. |
| 58000 mi US $80 |
One low-beam headlight went out, then a few days later the other one went out. Very difficult to access and remove the bulbs, which no parts shop seems to stock. So I had the dealer do it. |
| 83000 mi US $80 |
Both headlights replaced, second time they've both failed within days of each other. Both headlights replaced, second time they've both failed within days of each other. |
| 86000 mi US $410 |
Alternator bearing seized up, snapping the accessory belt. Replaced alternator and belts. Alternator bearing seized up, snapping the accessory belt. Replaced alternator and belts. |
| 108000 mi US $93 |
Pulled over by police because one headlight was out. They were last replaced about 20 months ago, and then 20 months before that. Originals lasted five years. What gives? And why now $30 a bulb? |
| 111200 mi US $15 |
Right rear power door lock hasn't worked in months. With the weather warmer, removed door panel, opened up lock actuator, and found broken plastic gear and travel slide. Purchased this piece on eBay for $14. |
| 49000 mi US $144 |
Also had an oil change, a headlight bulb replaced. |
| 70000 mi US $250 |
The A/C fan switch was malfunctioning. |
| 72000 mi US $200 |
lighter outlet did not work |
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 80400 mi US $150 |
Alternator replaced. |
| 125000 mi US $50 |
HVAC fan replacement, Old one got noisy. Blissfully quiet now. Won't miss the wheel of fortune sound of the old one. |
| 33336 mi US $21 |
Headlight bulb: right. |
| 46332 mi US $26 |
Headlight bulb; right |
| 66029 mi US $26 |
Headlight bulb: left |
| 66950 mi US $24 |
Headlight bulb: right |
| 157000 mi US $175 |
Vehicle overheating and A/C not cooling. Replace thermostat fixed the problems. |
| 192000 mi US $50 |
Corroded battery terminal |
| 201000 mi US $350 |
Horn switch replaced |
| 62000 mi C $400 |
alternator went kaput |
| 63860 mi C $300 |
alternator died. |
| 66700 mi US $80 |
Battery replaced |
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 44795 mi C $65 |
Change headlight that was blown out. Had both changed at the same time to keep track of the life of the bulbs, since this vehicle was bought used. |
| 59520 mi C $1600 |
Required new battery and alternator. Car would not start. Taken to Garage x2 to have problems figured out. Required tow x2. Also had routine maintenace done: Alternator belt, serpentine belt, tire rotation. |
2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 170hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 120200 mi US $61 |
Doors stopped locking and alarm stopped arming when key was turned in driver's door lock cyl. Checked resistance of keyswitch, and it didn’t meet specs in the “lock” direction. Cleaned w/elec. contact cleaner; didn't help. Replaced switch. |
| 26000 mi | Drivers side door lock actuator broken and was making a grinding noise whenever locks were used. New lock actuator part installed. Problem resolved. |
| 32000 mi US $50 |
R/Front passenger door actuator went out and would make grinding noises. Dealer ordered & replaced with new part. |
| 47000 mi US $153 |
R/rear door lock actuator was shot. Grinding noise whenever the electronic door locks opened or closed. |
| 52000 mi US $150 |
Battery was seven years old; noted car would not start after sitting for > a week; starter & alternator passed diagnostic testing performed but load test of battery failed. R/R of battery with new unit. |
| 56000 mi | Battery was dead and trickle charger was not restoring battery to full charge. Battery was in final month of 36 month warranty and replacement issued for free by store. |
2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 90000 mi US $30 |
Recharge A/C system Tighten recently replaced accessory belts |
| 30000 mi US $120 |
Door lock actuator had internal break |
2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 9500 mi US $75 |
Dead Battery, Battery replaced under warranty |
| 14290 mi US $38 |
Battery Dead, Battery replaced |
| 14739 mi | Battery dead. Replaced Alarm module, under warranty |
| 14802 mi | Battery dead. Replaced audio unit. Under warranty Battery dead. Towed in at dealers expense. Loose solenoid Wire repaired. |
| 20866 mi | Battery dead. Battery replaced under warranty. Charges not shown on invoice. |
| 185000 mi US $200 |
Battery needed to be replaced |
2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 125500 mi US $130 |
Drivers side window motor went out and had to be replaced. |
| 53940 mi C $350 |
Had to replace faulty alternator after the battery light came on. |
| 56420 mi C $102 |
Alternator replaced for second time in 4 months. Dealer thinks it is an isolated problem, only paid for labour plus applicable taxes. |
| 133300 mi US $15 |
Headlight |
| 93000 mi C $400 |
Replace Alternator, both belts were replaced and Oil Lead was treated |
| 111160 mi | Battery light comes on and off but the alternator checks out fine |
| 125240 mi C $300 |
Alternator stopped working |
| 103540 mi C $80 |
During a cold snap (around -20) the alternator was not charging enough to keep the battery charged and the battery needed to be charged. Tests of the battery and charging system indicated no problems. Mechanic said too much power drawn idling in traffic. |
| 106640 mi C $480 |
Alternator was replaced |
| 78740 mi C $90 |
Windshield washer pump had to be replaced. |
| 111000 mi US $71 |
Replaced both RH door lock actuators (inoperable). |
| 114409 mi US $96 |
Replaced broken driver's door window regulator |
| 154000 mi US $30 |
New blower motor resistor |
2002.5 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 133700 mi US $10 |
Positive battery terminal corroded the electrical connection (not uncommon on an 11+ yo car). I cut the terminal connector off and replaced it with a new generic terminal from an auto parts store. 'Mechanic questions' below unnecessary. |
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 176300 mi US $200 |
A/C valve went bad |
| 192000 mi US $500 |
alternator died |
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 44680 mi US $123 |
Air conditioning recharged, dye added to find what I assume must be a pinhole leak somewhere. |
| 51503 mi US $50 |
A/C recharge kit |
| 81300 mi US $15 |
A/C recharge kit. |
| 88000 mi US $1939 |
A/C system failed. Parts replaced: A/C Compressor, receiver dryer, expansion block, evaporator. Also replaced driver's window motor and regulator (regulator broke) and both drive belts. |
| 82020 mi C $100 |
Car occasionally wouldn't start - see earlier report for this car. Replaced battery. |
| 99500 mi US $450 |
Alternator seized after sitting for a few months. Burnt the drive belt. Replaced Alternator ($350) and belts ($15) plus labor. |
| 116000 mi US $35 |
Had to replace fan control switch for AC system. |
| 141000 mi | Air bag light was flashing, on two separate occasions, giving a code 32. I never took it in to a shop and nothing was repaired, but it hasn't flashed in about two weeks now. Based on web/forum search it looks like this may have been the clockspring. |
| 65720 mi C $500 |
alternator seized. Also broke alternator belt. |
| 114700 mi | Alternator that was replaced in October 07 went faulty and was replaced under warranty along with battery. |
| 97960 mi C $500 |
Alternator changed |
| 66500 mi US $15 |
Replace horn |
| 39350 mi | Instrument cluster malfunctioned - replaced under warranty. |
| 124600 mi C $12 |
Headlight bulb. |
| 135000 mi | Alternator |
| 141000 mi | Headlight bulbs (often) |
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 160000 mi US $300 |
Starter replaced |
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 110000 mi US $600 |
Car died in traffic. Replaced alternator. |
| 118000 mi US $89 |
AC not cooling, recharge performed |
| 118000 mi US $279 |
Replace evaporator core and dryer, recharge A/C. |
| 119200 mi US $300 |
Blower motor switch failed (known problem where compressor shuts off on speeds 2/3), replaced corroded refrigerant line, evac/recharge AC system. |
| 123000 mi US $500 |
AC not cold; recharged |
| 123000 mi US $100 |
AC not cold, held vacuum and partial charge, recharged. Lost charge again within a week. |
| 123000 mi | AC was never fixed with previous repair. Blower motor developed rattle/noise after sitting for ~1mo prior to sale. |
| 138000 mi US $300 |
Alternator was no longer charging the battery. Alternator replaced. |
2002 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 107300 mi US $800 |
Alternator replaced 8/1/15 and battery replaced 10/1/15 |
2002 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 125000 mi US $200 |
Alternator stopped charging, replaced alternator and belt. |
| 80000 mi US $100 |
a short in the wiper wiring |
2002 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 227000 mi | Rear signal light needed to be replaced to pass inspectuon. |
2002 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 77000 mi | A/C switch broke from normal use due to extreme GA heat, was repaired with a bit of glue and elbow grease |
| 65000 mi US $450 |
Alternator diode failure. Alternator replaced. |
| 96000 mi US $220 |
Driver's window motor inoperable, replaced. Oil change, tire rotation, air filter cleaned. |
| 131 mi US $50 |
Replaced passanger side door lock actuator Replaced passanger side door lock actuator |
| 157000 mi | Fan switch. |
| 161000 mi US $260 |
A/C would not work in fan position 2 and was intermediate on fan position 3. Climate control unit and blower motor resistor pack replaced. Problem Fixed. |
2002 Mazda Protege 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 64000 mi US $400 |
Alternator died |
2001 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 111000 mi US $550 |
Alternator seized. Alternator & serpentine belts replaced. |
| 142600 mi C $450 |
Alternator replacement. |
2001 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 77000 mi US $130 |
Air conditioning hose leaking; AC was rattling at idle. The hose had to be repaired. |
| 78000 mi US $900 |
AC had a freon leak. Shop attempted to fix it, but after few months the leak reoccurred. They changed the compressor; the new compressor did not work well, and it had to be replaced again. Now the AC works fine. |
| 95000 mi US $500 |
Evaporator leaked freon and had to be replaced. |
| 98000 mi US $40 |
Replaced blower motor resistor. |
| 102000 mi | Replaced blower motor dashboard switch. |
| 103000 mi US $40 |
Fan would work on settings 3 and 4 only. Replaced blower motor resistor card. |
| 102300 mi C $400 |
Alternator failed and was replaced. |
| 106640 mi C $50 |
Blower motor resistor failure. Replaced with after-market resistor, which failed 3 days later. |
| 109220 mi C $60 |
Blower motor resistor failure. Replaced with aftermarket part, which now works. |
| 143000 mi US $399 |
The high pressure AC hose was leaking freon. A replacement was not available locally. The high pressure hose was replaced and the system recharged. |
2001 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
103-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 121000 mi US $150 |
replaced a/c compressor |
2001 Mazda Protege 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 138000 mi US $250 |
Windshield Wiper motor stopped working (burned out) and had to be replaced. |
2000 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan
105-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 90145 mi US $147 |
AC Blower resistor |
2000 Mazda Protege 4-door
Engine not specified
| 91140 mi C $375 |
Headlight bulb. |
2000 Mazda Protege 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 139500 mi C $300 |
replaced starter |
| 143840 mi C $200 |
the signal light does not work properly replaced signal light handle/switch; a/c fan blower does not work on low speed replaced rheostat sensor |
| 151900 mi C $30 |
the foglight power socket were rusted and one wire was cut due to rust, replaced socket and bulb |
| 134540 mi C $230 |
Left front door lock failed under electric actuating |
1999 Mazda Protege
Engine not specified
| 168020 mi C $180 |
Alternator went. Replaced! |
1999 Mazda Protege 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 176700 mi C $310 |
worn stator in alternator, replaced alternator with an after market unit. |
1999 Mazda Protege 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 156860 mi C $380 |
alternator went bad at around 254,000 km |
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.
