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%)

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

2003 Mazda Protege repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (38%)

< $100 (43%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 356 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

Mazda Protege5 in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

98580 mi
CEL, replaced O2 sensor. 
Jun 2010

102300 mi

C $4500
ABS sensor warning 
Mazda Protege5 in Kentucky, United States
Oct 2013 - Jun 2016
Aug 2015

144000 mi

US $100
Sputtering at low rpm. Replaces ignition coils, wires and plugs, problem solved 
Mar 2016

148000 mi

US $550
Alternator bad, replaced. 
Mazda Protege5 in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

87000 mi

US $17
License plate light housing plastic broken, so that bulb (which still lit) dangled down by license plate. 
Mazda Protege5 in Utah, United States
Jun 2013 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

181000 mi
Nut welded to subframe above control arm snapped off, control arm had excessive play 
Mazda Protege5 in Manitoba, Canada
Jan 2011 - Sep 2014
Feb 2011

90334 mi

C $50
Replaced air intake boot, it snapped. Fresh air intake boot snapped; was giving off p0171 code. Ordered the part off autopartsway.ca and installed. Supposedly is a common problem with these cars. 
Mar 2011

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... 
Jul 2011

92380 mi

C $40
Car was rattling over bumps. Someone suggested checking the sway bar endlinks for play. Both rear ones had play so I replaced them. Rattles went away! 
Aug 2011

92880 mi

C $130
Took car in for an alignment since I replaced suspension parts. Could not align because of bad pass. control arm/ball joint. Replaced balljoint/control arm; the boot was gone and the joint was freely wiggling around. All good now, aligned. 
Mar 2012

97960 mi

C $30
Car turned out a P0303 code; cylinder 3 misfire. Tried the easiest repair first, replacing ignition wires. It worked and fuel economy shows its back to normal. 
Jul 2013

105400 mi

C $180
Drove down a dirt road getting to cabin, bearing went. Same trip also destroyed the passenger side sway bar end link. 
Jun 2014

108500 mi

C $56
Took car to bodyshop to assess extreme rust. Told body of car probably has 1.5 years before unsafe to drive.... 
Sep 2014

108500 mi
Extreme rust on body. Hole in floor of car so just decided to give up. 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2007 - Aug 2011
Nov 2008

83700 mi

C $10
Some rust in the back wheel well. 
Sep 2009

88040 mi
only loose heat shield causing slight rattle. car drives like new! 
Dec 2010

93620 mi

C $200
a small section of the exhaust pipe was replaced due to a rattling noise issue. the car is as reliable as ever! :) great car. 
Apr 2011

97340 mi

C $320
rear sway links made creaking sound, dealership replaced. 
Aug 2011

101060 mi
need new rear brakes, bad front wheel bearings, bent front rim, alternator belt needs replacing some rust 
Mazda Protege5 in Georgia, United States
Jun 2007 - Dec 2014
Jan 2010

36000 mi

US $112
Rubber intake snorkel cracked with age, needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2013

56000 mi

US $200
Driver's window regulator broken- was replaced. 
Feb 2014

56600 mi

US $150
Leaky head gasket. Replaced gasket. 
Mazda Protege5 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2007 - Jul 2013
Nov 2008

57000 mi

US $300
Left wheel bearing shot, replaced with new one. $300 including labor and parts. 
Nov 2010

88000 mi

US $450
Right wheel bearing failed with loud grinding noise. Replaced just under 2 years since left side wheel bearing needed replacement. 
Jan 2013

92000 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. 
Apr 2013

107200 mi

US $150
Can't remember, something about the sway bar end links being worn/broken. Made squeaking noise over larger bumps. 
Mazda Protege5 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2007 - Apr 2010
Feb 2009

80000 mi

US $75
1 headlight bulb replaced. 1 front wheel bearing, 2 rear sway bar bushings replaced. 
Mar 2009

82000 mi

US $100
Driver side front wheel bearing replaced. 
Aug 2009

86000 mi
Ignition Coils needed replacing 
Jan 2010

89200 mi

US $10
Both headlight bulbs blew. Replaced with new. 
Mazda Protege5 in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2004 - Jun 2018
Jan 2004

15000 mi
Front suspension bushing replaced under warranty 
Nov 2004

25000 mi
Crankshaft angle sensor replaced under warranty 
Apr 2012

116000 mi

US $130
battery replacement 
Jul 2012

118300 mi

US $250
Engine mount replaced 
Apr 2015

155800 mi

US $200
replacement of door lock relay 
Jan 2017

155300 mi

US $1200
Radiator was replaced after leak was detected 
Jun 2017

184000 mi

US $200
Replaced window regulator 
Aug 2017

186000 mi

US $800
Broken brake line (fluid leak). Caliper also replaced. 
Jun 2018

189000 mi

US $600
Starter needed replacement 
Mazda Protege5 in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2012 - Sep 2017
Jan 2016

164780 mi

C $100
Air intake tube cracked 
Mazda Protege5 in Arizona, United States
Sep 2012 - Jul 2015
Aug 2012

113500 mi

US $400
Engine would temporarily cut out while driving. Took to shop where it was diagnosed as a bad cam positioning sensor. The faulty part was replaced. 
Sep 2012

114000 mi

US $1800
Car overheated on road trip to CA, had it towed to local repair shop. Diagnosed blown head gasket and radiator. Upon replacing head gasket they discovered that head was warped. Replaced head with a refurbished one. 
Oct 2012

114700 mi

US $738
Horrible engine noise, removed timing cover to investigate, tensioner pulley and springs were shot and cover was broken. Mechanic to replace pulley, springs and belt. 
Jul 2014

136700 mi

US $75
Latch inside driver's seat-belt broke so that seatbelt would no longer fasten. Had to remove driver's seat & replace entire latch assembly. 
Jul 2015

149000 mi

US $250
Car began idling low, near-stalling at stops, overheating. Shop performed diagnostics & determined that both engine head & block had severe wear related to poor workmanship on prior head replacement, not fixable, must replace engine. 
Mazda Protege5 in Maryland, United States
Mar 2011 - Jan 2014
Apr 2011

157000 mi

US $600
Rear brake (left) caliper was leaking. Replaced both calipers. Valve cover gasket was replaced. It was leaking a lot of oil. 
Sep 2011

167000 mi

US $700
Front left caliper seized. Rotor started to warp. Replaced both calipers and rotors. Prevented overheating of wheel bearings. 
Oct 2013

212300 mi

US $70
Oil leak in Cylinder 3. From compression test, believed to be from oil ring on the piston, not from the valve stem seals. 
Mazda Protege5 in Illinois, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2015
Jun 2011

65000 mi

US $875
stabilizer bar 
Jul 2014

72200 mi

US $975
Control arm two front engine mounts 
May 2015

75600 mi

US $150
stuttering; replaced plugs, wires, coils 
Aug 2015

76300 mi

US $600
Two front control arms 
Mazda Protege5 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2016
Dec 2012

109000 mi

US $40
Fresh air intake hose replaced - had split. Air box retaining snaps cracking, fixed with zip ties. O2 sensor (pre-cat) failed 
Apr 2014

126700 mi

US $85
Rear brake caliper froze, was jamming brakes on 
May 2015

145000 mi

US $300
Alternator failed. Bolt hiding it was rusted on 
Mar 2016

165000 mi

US $300
Front calipers were frozen 
Mazda Protege5 in Illinois, United States
Mar 2011 - Sep 2017
Jun 2011

93000 mi

US $2972
Engine overhaul. I must have dropped something into #4 cylinder as it began consuming oil after the 90K tuneup. 
Apr 2012

111000 mi

US $460
Bracket on strut where stabilizer bar link connects broke. Replaced both struts and both links. Since one strut broke, I split the cost of parts. If you think we should consider both struts, cost of repair with parts and labor is $460 
Apr 2013

133000 mi

US $247
Right front wheel bearing failing. 
Jul 2013

139000 mi

US $79
Replaced suspect ignition coil and plug wires 
Aug 2013

141400 mi

US $550
Both Strut mounts and the passenger control arm with integrated ball joint was replaced. 
Dec 2013

150000 mi

US $340
Alternator failure 
Jun 2014

161000 mi

US $71
Replaced motor mounts Replaced sway bar end links. Clunking and squeeking observed 
Jul 2014

161800 mi

US $110
Replaced Lower Control Arm 
Dec 2014

169000 mi

US $260
Wheel bearing 
Jul 2015

181300 mi

US $600
Wheel bearing replaced again Control arm replaced again 
Jan 2016

173800 mi

US $104
Short in fuel injection system 
Apr 2017

218617 mi

US $190
Passenger rear caliper stuck. Replaced caliper, pads, rotor, brake hose, flushed fluid and bleed system. 
Jun 2017

220000 mi
A previously replaced ignition coil failed. Obtained warranty replacement part and replaced. 
Jul 2017

223681 mi

US $679
Replace A/C compressor 
Mazda Protege5 in Florida, United States
Apr 2011 - Mar 2018
May 2012

141700 mi

US $550
replaced both front wheel bearings, along with front springs. 
May 2014

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. 
Nov 2015

180000 mi

US $600
spun timing belt, replaced timing belt and waterpump. first timing belt change for this car @ 180,000 !! previous owner lied when he said belt changed @ 100,000 spun timing belt, replaced timing belt and waterpump. first timing belt change for this car @ 180,000 !! previous owner lied when he said belt changed @ 100,000 
Feb 2016

181000 mi

US $460
replaced struts, strut mounts and tie rods. (accident repairs below) rear stabilizer, ladder brace. 
Jun 2016

181000 mi

US $60
drivers CV axle bad 
Nov 2016

182300 mi

US $200
alternator went bad, replaced alternator and belt. 
Feb 2018

185000 mi

US $200
vehicle wont start, new starter, new alternator, new battery, started and ran fine after previous repair on electrical work. issue is either Alarm wiring or bad ignition. mechanic looking at it again this week, will update after 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. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
May 2011 - Oct 2011
Jun 2011

72000 mi

US $200
lighter outlet did not work  
Oct 2011

76000 mi

US $300
Car overheated, need thermostat 
Mazda Protege5 in Georgia, United States
Sep 2014 - Jul 2018
Oct 2016

186000 mi

US $300
Replaced upstream catalytic converter. 
Dec 2016

194000 mi

US $130
Replaced left rear brake caliper because it was sticking and grabbing the brake rotor. Like a typical Protege5, the caliper was frozen which resulted in it not being able to be adjusted. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
May 2012 - Dec 2014
Nov 2014

117300 mi

US $250
Replace all motor mounts. All of them were in bad condition (cracked and torn) 
Mazda Protege5 in Ohio, United States
Mar 2012 - Oct 2014
Apr 2012

152000 mi

US $1200
rear calipers were seized and needed to be replaced coolant leak at thermostat induction cleaning to remove carbon build-up 
Jan 2014

US $969
Right rear strut mount broke, needed to replace strut mounts, struts and sway bars links.  Also repaired exhaust system hangers that had broken. 
Sep 2014

179000 mi

US $552
Alternator stopped working, shredded belt, needed to be towed 
Mazda Protege5 in North Dakota, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2022
Feb 2012

111000 mi

US $38
Error code 171. O2 sensor code. Discovered cracks in air cleaner intake hose(connects air filter box to engine). Youtube demo available. Symptom check engine light -> Shudder when accelerating hard. Problem could destroy motor if not fixed 
May 2015

119300 mi

US $70
Valve Cover Gasket started to seep. While I have it apart. VC gasket, plugs, and PCV valve will be replaced. Also going to fix the rust spots on the rear fenders. 
May 2017

129000 mi

US $300
Long story short... If your car suddenly doesn't start make sure to check your factory alarm has power... It has a downward facing fuse that can fall out, and it isn't on the circuit diagram for the car. Now I have real issues induced by trying to figure out why my car wouldn't start. 
Aug 2017

129000 mi

US $250
Water pump was weeping. - Replaced water pump with full timing belt kit. Cam and crank seals replaced. Cam and Crank senors also installed as the crank sensor was damaged from getting soaked with coolant for an extended period of time. Also replaced a defective starter, but that was bad when I purchased it. 
May 2018

131000 mi

US $80
Fuel Pump failed to start. Replaced fuel pump.... still didn't start after much troubleshooting I found that the resistance on the signal side of the fuel pump relay was too high to trigger the relay. The issue is either in the ECU or the wire between the ECU and the fuel pump relay on the negative side. I made a circuit to bypass the ECU with 15 dollars worth of parts from the surplus center. (youtube - "Mazda benjaminlately" for a detailed video on to deal with it. 
Oct 2021

134 mi

US $150
Rear passenger caliper was sticky. It caused premature failure of the break pads. I replaced the entire caliper assembly due to excessive corrosion. I keep this car as a backup car and maybe drive it once a month. Some of the things that go wrong with it are just from sitting. 
Mazda Protege5 in Georgia, United States
Apr 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2007

80000 mi

US $2500
replaced motor with one that has 20000 miles on it., it was a cracked head that led to all this. 
May 2007

82000 mi

US $3300
Bought the car, found out that it had a blown head gasket. To replace the gasket was going to cost 1100 bucks. It also needed a new clutch and pressure plate. Which was going to be another 500 bucks plus parts on top of that leaving the totol cost around 
Jun 2007

84000 mi

US $169
3 Blown motor mounts, replaced them with upgraded ones from AWR 
Mazda Protege5 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2008 - Aug 2019
Dec 2011

122000 mi

US $15
Passenger rear door lock actuator died. Swapped in replacement part. 
Nov 2013

143400 mi
Front passenger side shock was leaking and clunking. The shocks (Tokico Illumina) have 100K miles on them, so installed old one that was laying around and it is fixed now. 
Mar 2014

147000 mi

US $70
Driver's side window regulator broke. Bought replacement and installed it. 
May 2014

153000 mi

US $110
Strut top mount came off and ended up replacing the strut top mount and the strut itself. 
Aug 2014

156000 mi

US $200
Replaced front and rear wheel bearings. 
Sep 2014

156000 mi

US $60
Replaced rear O2 sensor. 
Dec 2015

165000 mi

US $20
CEL, changed spark plugs and replaced fuel injector. 
Mar 2016

167000 mi

US $26
CEL P0171, caused by a cracked air intake boot. 
Sep 2016

169000 mi

US $15
Replaced rear passenger power lock actuator. 
Nov 2016

169900 mi
Replaced front engine motor mount. 
Jul 2017

172000 mi
Replaced rear sway bar endlinks. Excessive rust build-up on the rotors, so removed them, sanded them done and re-installed them. 
Aug 2017

174500 mi

US $75
Oil Cooler Hose rusted through and leaked out the power steering fluid. Replaced with a new hose and new PS fluid, and no further issues. 
Dec 2017

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. 
Mar 2018

179000 mi

US $30
Replaced valve cover gasket as the car has been burning some oil and wanted to see if this helped eliminate that. 
Mazda Protege5 in Colorado, United States
Jul 2006 - Jun 2018
Mar 2009

119000 mi

US $185
Left front wheel bearing had been going out for some time. Replaced. Excellent shop, labor charge about half dealer.. Able to buy Mazda OEM parts from dealer at "shop rate". 
Dec 2010

150000 mi

US $220
A coil pack was firing intermittently and was replaced. Drove too many miles with intermittent misfire, and took out cat. Replaced cat. 
Nov 2017

213000 mi

US $329
Catalytic converter. 
Mar 2018

221000 mi

US $70
Electronic driver's side door latch no longer operable. Latch replaced. 
May 2018

223000 mi

US $60
One of two coil packs went out. Bought two replacements and installed. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
Jul 2006 - Sep 2011
Feb 2009

128000 mi
Catastrophic cooling failure, awaiting funds for repair. 
Jun 2010

130000 mi

US $3600
Engine replacement. Timing belt broke, didn't change it when should have. Needs new engine. Was in shop for weeks. Don't know exact odometer reading. 
Sep 2010

132000 mi

US $985
Small crack in radiator, probably present or cause of catastrophic failure in 2009. After engine replaced, radiator wasn't. Overheated once under extreme stress. Driven for weeks afterward, with no probs. Replaced rad, water pump, t-stat.  
Mazda Protege5 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2006 - Mar 2010
Oct 2006

70000 mi

US $250
The A/C fan switch was malfunctioning. 
Mazda Protege5 in Florida, United States
Apr 2015 - Mar 2017
May 2015

126500 mi

US $200
Replaced fuel pump relay fuse. 
Nov 2016

137300 mi

US $20
Coolant overflow tank developed cracks and holes due to age. 
Mazda Protege5 in Michigan, United States
Jul 2005 - Jun 2014
Sep 2005

24001 mi
Rear ABS sensor replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2006

38000 mi
Headlight out, replaced bulb. 
Oct 2007

48000 mi
Finish flaking off wheels. New wheels ordered. Wrong wheels ordered, so not installed. Will have to go back. Finish flaking off wheels. New wheels ordered. Wrong wheels ordered, so not installed. Will have to go back. 
Nov 2007

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. 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. 
Jun 2008

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. 
Dec 2008

66000 mi

US $280
Front left wheel bearing replaced after started making a loud noise during even the slightest turns over 20 MPH. Front left wheel bearing replaced after started making a loud noise during even the slightest turns over 20 MPH. 
Sep 2009

76000 mi

US $440
Pads and rotors all four wheels. 
Oct 2009

77000 mi

US $5
Repaired rust around the rear wheel openings and along the lower inner seam of the driver's door. Repaired rust around the rear wheel openings and along the lower inner seam of the driver's door. 
Mar 2010

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. 
Apr 2010

84000 mi

US $398
Another wheel bearing. Intake air tube developed a crack, perhaps when I replaced the air filter. Weak part. Caused the engine to run lean, setting off the CEL. Shop suspected this was a common problem, since the part was readily available. Another wheel bearing. Intake air tube developed a crack, perhaps when I replaced the air filter. Caused the engine to run lean, setting off the CEL. Shop suspected this was a common problem, since the part was readily available. 
Jun 2010

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. 
Nov 2010

92000 mi

US $575
Repaired rust around rear wheel openings and on the lower inside surface of the driver's door. 
Dec 2010

93000 mi

US $335
Front left wheel bearing replaced again after two years and 26,000 miles. 
Feb 2011

95000 mi

US $580
Right rear stabilizer bar link broke. Replaced both links. Shop found worn control arm bushings. Replaced both front control arms. But clunk I've been noticing in the front end is still there. 
Apr 2011

97700 mi

US $258
Replaced another wheel bearing, about a year old. Also replaced end links on front stabilizer bar. Clunk gone, handling tighter. 
Dec 2011

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? 
Apr 2012

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. 
Sep 2013

115000 mi
Removed rust from three fenders and welds under hood, treated areas with rust converter, touched-up. Had to remove a few inches of flange from the forward edge of the left rear wheel opening. Not a complete repair. 
Jun 2014

1 mi

US $400
Repaired deep rust on part of the underbody and inside rear wheel openings prior to sale. Right rear strut clunking, needed to be replaced when the car was sold. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
- Nov 2008
Nov 2008

83000 mi
Past repairs include cleaning EGR valve and IAC valve (rough idle) 
Mazda Protege5 in Utah, United States
Dec 2016 - Dec 2019
Feb 2018

197000 mi

US $50
One headlight bulb was out, replaced both bulbs 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
Oct 2017 - Apr 2018
Dec 2017

142000 mi

US $170000
estimate, repair not done yet 
Mazda Protege5 in Washington, United States
Jan 2016 - Dec 2019
Mar 2017

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. 
Jan 2018

130000 mi

US $50
Replaced left outer tie-rod end cap. 
Mazda Protege5 in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2005 - Mar 2010
Aug 2005

32000 mi
Intake manifold screws fell out, new intake manifold 
Sep 2005

35000 mi
Intake manifold screws again fall out, new engine 
Jun 2009

128000 mi

US $500
Replaced engine for second time. Burning oil again by November. 
Mazda Protege5 in South Africa
Sep 2015 - Sep 2021
Oct 2015

93500 mi
Car would cut off intermittently - Replaced Fuel Pump Relay myself.Agents too expensive,so I made my own. 
Dec 2016

103540 mi

R 900
Replaced ball joints and tie rod ends 
Mar 2018

108500 mi

R 550
The car would cut out under load. We first cleaned the petrol filter situated in the tank as it was clogged. A week later it did the same thing. We then drained the petrol tank as it was full of rubbish. No parts replaced 
Aug 2018

109368 mi

R 2150
Replaced clutch kit,slave cylinder and gearbox seal 
Mazda Protege5 in Georgia, United States
Dec 2006 - Sep 2011
Sep 2008

49000 mi

US $144
Car had developed a bit of a tapping noise from the engine. Mechanic suggested this was fairly normal as the engine gets older.  Also had an oil change, a headlight bulb replaced. New bushings installed for aftermarket swaybar. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
Jan 2007 - Jan 2024
May 2010

53000 mi
OBD DTC P0037 - heated oxygen sensor. Dealer diagnosed sensor failure and replaced it free. Covered under CA Emissions warranty. 
Feb 2015

67300 mi
Oil leak; valve cover gasket. 
Mazda Protege5 in Texas, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2016
Jan 2014

90000 mi

US $70
Check Engine Light led me to P0300 code ("random/multiple misfires") and coils were the first suspect per online forum. Replaced coils and spark plug wires. 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. 
Mar 2015

106000 mi

US $90
Replaced front engine mount with Genuine Mazda part costing less than $100. Car was running acceptably with the bad mount but had wheel hop, especially when turning left. 
Sep 2015

110000 mi

US $250
Replaced passenger side engine mount with Genuine Mazda part costing around $200. Car was running acceptably with the bad mount, but wanted to fix it. 
Feb 2016

113300 mi

US $50
Valve cover gasket was leaking, so replaced it myself. Felpro gasket was $40 and included grommets; Permatex sealant was $7. 
Apr 2016

115000 mi

US $300
After 13 years and 115,000 miles on he originals, I bought a good set of struts (KYB) through the mail and installed them myself. The bump stops had disintegrated so I replaced them too. I reused the strut mounts and other parts. 
Mazda Protege5 in Georgia, United States
Jan 2007 - Jun 2013
Jan 2007

75000 mi

US $40
RF wheel bearing howling loudly. Repladed DIY. 
Jun 2007

65000 mi

US $30
Both low beam halogen headlight bulbs burned out. Metal spring clip broke while changing bulb, replacement only available from dealer. 
Dec 2007

79000 mi

US $150
RF outer wheel bearing was making very loud noise. I removed carrier myself, but could not replace bearing as I do not own a press, so I took it to a shop where they replaced the bearing. I reinstalled carrier. 
Feb 2010

112000 mi

US $120
Previously replaced front wheel saddle bearing repair did not last- either I did not properly tighten the spindle bolt (not likely, but could have happened) or the part was defective. RR wheel has +3.0 degrees camber- WAY out of spec. Will need a kit to adjust. STAY AWAY FROM FAIRGROUNDS BODYSHOP, MARIETTA GA. THEY DO TERRIBLE WORK AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR REPAIRS. 
Feb 2012

144000 mi

US $50
RF wheel bearing was very noisy. Had replaced it twice already; the real problem was the hub/bearing carrier had worn and allowed the bearing to become cocked slightly- which in turn caused the bearing to fail prematurely. Replaced hub. 
Dec 2012

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. 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2014 - Aug 2014
Aug 2014

92380 mi
Parking brake would jam up when used 

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2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

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

Mazda Protege5 in Texas, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2013
Jan 2009

157000 mi

US $175
Vehicle overheating and A/C not cooling. Replace thermostat fixed the problems. 
Sep 2012

192000 mi

US $50
Corroded battery terminal 
Jun 2013

201000 mi

US $350
Horn switch replaced 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2011 - Jan 2012
Nov 2011

86800 mi
Front caliper seized and needed replacement Car was rusting under the paint over rear tire wells, body shop refused to fix the car as they were concerned the $ for repairs would exceed value of the car as well that there was additional rust under the plastic moldings. 
Jan 2012

89900 mi

C $250
Front passenger wheel bearing was replaced Passenger side running board trim was removed as the fasteners were rusted through and part would eventually fall off 
Mazda Protege5 in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2012 - Dec 2017
Oct 2014

63240 mi

C $300
check engine light came on. to the mechanic i go. read code: "front oxygen sensor" Replaced that sensor, reset code, nothing further to report. 
Aug 2015

67040 mi
centre bearing on passenger side driveshaft drivers side wheel bearing replaced 
Mazda Protege5 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

115000 mi

US $320
Valve cover replaced.  Sway bar links replaced. 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2010 - Nov 2013
Apr 2011

85760 mi

C $750
Spark plugs, cables, battery, ignition system 
Apr 2012

93620 mi

C $1100
Too much play in tie rods. Had them replaced. 
Nov 2013

101680 mi

C $1100
Front stabilisers replaced replaced water pump front exhaust 
Mazda Protege5 in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

117000 mi
rot around rear wheelwell 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2010 - Nov 2010
Oct 2010

63240 mi

C $500
New front brake calipers in Oct when safetied for re-sale (These cars had a lot of brake issues.) 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Oct 2009
Aug 2009

66340 mi
Overheating problem. Source was Cracked cylinder head. Engine swap. 
Oct 2009

66340 mi
MAP sensor needed to be replaced when sold. Periodic check engine light. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

140000 mi

US $75
Thermostat went out while on freeway. Repaired onsite from personal mechanic. 
Mazda Protege5 in Maryland, United States
- Nov 2007
Nov 2005

33336 mi

US $21
Headlight bulb: right. 
May 2006

41224 mi
Donut gasket on exhaust downpipe. Warranty repair 
Sep 2006

46332 mi

US $26
Headlight bulb; right 
Sep 2007

66029 mi

US $26
Headlight bulb: left 
Nov 2007

66950 mi

US $24
Headlight bulb: right 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2009 - Jun 2011
Feb 2009

54560 mi

C $200
front right wheel bearing 
Oct 2009

62000 mi

C $400
alternator went kaput 
Feb 2010

63860 mi

C $300
rear sliders seize all the time. need to lube them at least once a year. caused my rear right pads to wear like crazy alternator died. Support links on all 4 wheels replaced. all worn out badly. rear sway bar bushing worn out, replaced 
Jul 2010

76460 mi

C $200
another wheel bearing went kapoot. 
Sep 2010

77500 mi

C $700
fuel pump housing was cracked. fuel would leak out and stink up the cabin as well as mark up the driveway. i do not like this car's reliability. 
Feb 2011

80680 mi

C $280
another wheel bearing. third one in 3 years. 
May 2011

82120 mi
rear caliper sticking. again. 
Mazda Protege5 in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2012 - Apr 2013
Nov 2012

106400 mi

C $500
Full rear suspension and ball joint on rear wheel 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2012 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012

128960 mi
1. Forward links require repair 2. Significant rust in underneath in the rear, approaching perforation. 3. Engine light remains ON (mechanic cannot find problem). Turns back ON after reset. 
Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2006 - Mar 2011
Feb 2008

41540 mi
EGR r&r Purge valve replaced. New design EGR installed, finally. Covered by 7 year factory warranty, discovered by accident by owner. 
Nov 2009

57040 mi

C $300
Suspension stabilizers at all 4 corners making pronounced knocking sound on anything but absolutely smooth road; badly, corroded and had to be cut out. Parts replaced were after market as Mazda parts double the cost! Solved the problem completely. 
May 2010

62000 mi

C $150
Temp gauge went sky high, thermostat replaced [2nd try]. 
Aug 2010

65100 mi

C $135
A rear bushing "making noise even over slight bumps - annoying to me; my wife [the owner] was oblivious. Shop owner had to work to find it, but I knew it was there! 
Nov 2010

67580 mi
Shop cannot repair annoying check engine light - no obvious symptoms. 
Mar 2011

68200 mi
very glad to finally RID of this problem child - the whole thing started to go rapidly downhill at age 7, but only 110,000 Kms; needed coil packs... cat. convert, exhaust... rust on hatch and rear fenders. 
Mazda Protege5 in Nevada, United States
Oct 2012 - Dec 2014
Oct 2012

66700 mi

US $80
Battery replaced 
Dec 2012

70000 mi

US $55
Received engine code error, misfire on two cylinders. Replaced two spark wires and plugs.Kept original coils. 
Nov 2013

88925 mi

US $526
Replaced one injector, head gasket due to piston misfire. 
Apr 2014

95700 mi

US $905
Solenoid inside transmission replaced. 
Dec 2014

108000 mi

US $240
Fuel injector replacement (one injector). 
Mazda Protege5 in Florida, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2018
Jan 2013

64200 mi

US $200
Sticking left caliper. Taking a break right now from replacing both. 
Sep 2013

64500 mi

US $43
Threw a cel(Check Engine Light) code determined to be bad downstream O2 sensor at Advance auto parts.They will read the code for free.Bought part there and replaced it myself in about 35 minutes for a cost of 43$.Runs great! Threw a cel(Check Engine Light) code determined to be bad downstream O2 sensor at Advance auto parts.They will read the code for free.Bought part there and replaced it myself in about 35 minutes for a cost of 43$.Runs great! 
Jan 2014

59700 mi

US $125
Driver's side seatbelt receiver no longer functions as intended.(Won't hold clip,button sticks,or traps you by not releasing belt end.)Lame for a car with 65K miles on it,as the net says It's typical on this car. 
Feb 2015

80400 mi

US $150
Alternator replaced. 
Dec 2015

90000 mi

US $180
replaced radiator 
Jul 2017

115800 mi
Fumbled repair. Shop installed on drivers side(front} bad bearing was on passenger side(front) This repair took 3 days to do the one bearing then it failed at about 7000 miles. I picked the car up and dropped it off at another shop to get the correct wheel bearing replaced and had it back in 2.5 hours. 
Sep 2017

125000 mi

US $50
The original wheel bearing repair by idiots failed in 7000 miles. I had the good shop replace that one too. No problems since and very quiet. HVAC fan replacement, Old one got noisy. Blissfully quiet now. Won't miss the wheel of fortune sound of the old one. 
Mazda Protege5 in Virginia, United States
Jul 2006 - Mar 2010
Dec 2006

34000 mi
Both coil packs were failing, causing rough idle and severe hesitation. Dealer also replaced all four sparkplugs and both ignition wires as a precaution. Failing coil packs are a known problem that affects a small but measurable number of Proteges/Protege 
May 2007

39000 mi
Rattling from engine bay before engine warmed up. The heat shield had come loose. Dealer reattached under owarranty. Car died while idling at a stoplight. CEL stayed on and then turned off when car restarted. Dealer unable to diagnose and no code recorded. No charge. 
Mazda Protege5 in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

64000 mi

US $170
Thermostat stuck in closed position, leading to engine overheating. $20 for diagnosis at random corner garage, then towed to usual mechanic, who charged $20 for replacement part and $120 in labor to screw it in, tax. 

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2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Mazda Protege5 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2008

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. 
Mar 2008

45880 mi
2 rear abs sensors. mazda dealership reported that they both needed to be replaced. Dealership where vehicle was purchased 5 weeks prior was able to fix the problem with no new parts (cleaned and replaced parts). Mazda dealership wanted $636 plus 13% s 
Oct 2008

50840 mi

C $430
EGR valve kit needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2009

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.  
May 2010

68820 mi

C $1350
Both front wheel bearings and stabilizer bars replaced.  Rear right ABS sensor replaced. 
Jun 2010

69440 mi

C $222
Front intermediate pipe from exhaust manifold was corroded and fell off. New pipe installled. 

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2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

Mazda Protege5 in South Africa
Mar 2017 - Aug 2021
Feb 2018

107880 mi
Car would jerk when under power. Cleaned Fuel Filter and Fuel Tank 

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2003 Mazda Protege

Engine not specified

Mazda Protege in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2013 - Dec 2013
Dec 2013

120000 mi
2nd wheel bearing in one year. 
Mazda Protege5 in Quebec, Canada
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

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

Mazda Protege in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2013 - Sep 2014
Dec 2013

166000 mi

US $100
Accessory belt for power steering snapped for the second time in a month. 
Mazda Protege in California, United States
- Nov 2007
Nov 2007

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. 
Mazda Protege in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2014 - Oct 2014
Sep 2014

185000 mi

US $500
Failed OEM turbo 
Mazda Protege in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2008 - May 2011
Jul 2008

72000 mi

US $1800
differential repair 
Mar 2011

108000 mi

US $250
Right side control arm. Right side wheel bearing. 
Mazda Protege in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2011
Sep 2010

69000 mi
Coil pack #2 failed and was replaced with new duralast one by me(owner). Car runs perfect now. Valve cover gasket needed to be replaced, I(owner) did the labor. 
Mazda Protege in Arizona, United States
May 2008 - Feb 2023
Nov 2008

23000 mi
Clunking noise when driven over small bumps or uneven roads was noticed coming from rear of the car. During routine oil change, mechanic checked and discovered rear suspension buhings were worn. Dealer shop installed bushings that were ordered. 
May 2009

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. 
May 2010

32000 mi

US $50
R/Front passenger door actuator went out and would make grinding noises. Dealer ordered & replaced with new part. 
Mar 2014

47000 mi

US $153
R/rear door lock actuator was shot. Grinding noise whenever the electronic door locks opened or closed. 
Jan 2018

52000 mi

US $23
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. Adhesive for factory rear bumper skirt molding had failed and was sagging. Removed rear skirt and cleaned all molding adhesive off from rear skirt & bumper. Body shop technicians replaced all adhesive and mounted rear bumper skirt within factory specification. 
Jan 2021

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. 
Mazda Protege in Alabama, United States
Sep 2006 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007

30187 mi
replaced end links, bushings, and rear sway bar due to design flaw. replace rear sway bar, end links, and bushings 
Jul 2009

54000 mi

US $250
replaced bushing and brackets for rear sway bar replaced bushing and brackets for rear sway bar 
Jan 2010

63000 mi

US $612
replaced leaking rear struts 
Mazda Protege in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2011
May 2009

50500 mi

US $350
Check engine light indicating intake manifold runner stuck. Replaced intake runners. That didn't fix. 
Aug 2009

52100 mi

US $350
Check engine light indicating intake manifold runner stuck. Replaced intake runners again. The Check Engine light with same code still comes on sporadically and then goes off after a time (anywhere from a day to several months). 
Mar 2010

57000 mi
One of my struts was clanking and needed its top nut to be tightened. 
Mazda Protege in Virginia, United States
May 2007 - Jul 2022
Jul 2010

49800 mi

US $75
Cat pipe broke between the two cats. 
Jan 2016

51800 mi

US $1000
LSD Welds broke. Replaced LSD. 
Dec 2016

84000 mi

US $75
Front O2 sensor replacement 
May 2018

92000 mi

US $100
Muffler replaced. 
Mazda Protege in California, United States
Jan 2009 - Oct 2013
Mar 2009

101000 mi

US $200
Misfire on one cylinder due to bad ignition coil pack. 
Dec 2009

106000 mi
Belt(s) would squeal on startup and when cold; probably not tightened enough during timing belt service. 
Dec 2010

115000 mi

US $6
Oil leakage, due to bad o-ring on oil filler cap. Replaced cap with an aftermarket part. 
Mar 2011

117000 mi

US $5
I was looking under the hood for another problem and noticed that a boot on the vacuum line feeding the turbo wastegate, BOV/recirc valve, etc. had split. Replaced with various vacuum hoses & fittings from stock on-hand. 
May 2011

117900 mi
Scantool showed code P0660. This code will not turn on the check engine light--it has to be found with a scantool. Code for VICS (variable intake) electrical problem. Tested vac. solenoid. High resistance, wouldn't pass vacuum correctly. 
Jun 2011

119000 mi

US $130
Installed new VICS (variable intake) solenoid valve. Old solenoid valve had high resistance and wouldn't switch vacuum ports when power was applied. A test drive confirmed significantly better high RPM power with the VICS working again. 
Oct 2011

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. 
Apr 2012

123200 mi

US $89
Engine was very sloppy feeling, like its mounts were worn. Replaced very worn front engine mount, which was surprisingly easy to do. Rear mount should also be replaced, but will be a very big job, so I will defer it for now. 
Jun 2013

129000 mi

US $65
Occasional slight misfire during warm-up, then later, a more severe misfire at startup. Check engine light came on. Code P0304. Followed Mazda troubleshooting procedure. Replaced both coil packs. Code came back again later. 
Aug 2013

131000 mi

US $44
Misfiring, severe during cold warmup and slight when warm. Learned that the plug gap for the turbo is less, and they are frequently mis-gapped. Checked gap, too large. Plugs almost due to be changed. Installed new plugs, regapped to proper. Driver's seat belt buckle stopped latching. The belt tongue wouldn't stay in the buckle when it was inserted. There was no obvious debris in the buckle. Tried oiling the buckle, unsuccessful. Replaced buckle with new OEM part. Car started overheating in stop and go traffic with the A/C on. Turning on the heater cooled it down, and the temp was normal once the traffic started moving. LH cooling fan was getting power but didn't turn. Replaced fan motor. Once the LH fan was replaced, it ran continuously. Tapping the fan relay stopped the fan. Later drives showed that the fan rarely came on when the car was hot. The relay was sticking in both the open and closed positions. Replaced the relay. 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Protege in Kansas, United States
Dec 2008 - Aug 2009
Jun 2009

94000 mi

US $180
Reset check engine light due to fuel cap (apparently) not being on tightly enough. Replaced spark plugs at same time (75k on these) 
Mazda Protege in Missouri, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2016
Mar 2013

139000 mi

US $30
Valve cover gasket replacement. 
Mazda Protege in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2016 - Oct 2017
Feb 2017

141000 mi

US $150
Replaced motor mount and hose between air filter and intake(broke due to motor mount). 
Aug 2017

151000 mi

US $300
Replaced rear struts and mount. Price reflects friend doing work. 
Mazda Protege in Massachusetts, United States
- Apr 2008
Apr 2008

53000 mi

US $1300
humming noise; fixed by replacing front wheel bearings; it has failed again twice and repaired covered by warranty 
Mazda Protege in Washington, United States
Jun 2007 - Oct 2010
Aug 2007

40000 mi
Dash rattle. 
Mazda Protege in New Mexico, United States
Feb 2007 - Nov 2011
Sep 2007

30000 mi

US $120
Door lock actuator had internal break 
Mazda Protege in West Virginia, United States
May 2007 - Jan 2011
Apr 2007

25000 mi
Intake manifold screws released into combustion chamber resulting in dead spark plugs. Known issue related to a rolling recall. Repaired under warranty by Mazda. 
Dec 2008

43000 mi

US $70
Worn pads discovered during state inspection, replaced with new OEM pads. 
Sep 2009

49000 mi

US $50
Rust forming under driver door seam. Removed rubberized rail, removed drain plugs (other doors didn't have them??), removed loose paint and rust, sealed with POR-15 Rust forming under driver door seam. Removed rubberized rail, removed drain plugs (other doors didn't have them??), removed loose paint and rust, sealed with POR-15 
Aug 2010

54000 mi

US $250
Repaired rust on lower front fenders, at rocker panels. Repaired rust on front, upper strut tower mounts. Repaired rust on lower seam of driver door (second repair; seam collects moisture, not sure about longer-term fix) Inside, rear, passenger-side door handle broke in half. Repaired rust on lower front fenders, at rocker panels. Repaired rust on front, upper strut tower mounts. Repaired rust on lower seam of driver door (second repair; seam collects moisture, not sure about longer-term fix) Inside, rear, passenger-side door handle broke in half. 
Mazda Protege in Colorado, United States
Jun 2007 - Nov 2011
Jan 2007

50000 mi

US $120
VICS screw loosened and went through engine, damaging spark plug. Engine misfiring. Replaced spark plugs. Not notified of recall. 
Mar 2009

75000 mi

US $600
Replace CV joints/axle shafts, replace front brake pads 
Jun 2010

90000 mi

US $30
Recharge A/C system Tighten recently replaced accessory belts 
Dec 2010

95000 mi

US $150
repair vacuum leak repair vacuum leak 
Mazda Protege in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Sep 2009 - Feb 2011
Jul 2010

77500 mi
Front wheel bearing. 
Mazda Protege in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2009 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

93000 mi
Rusting on bottom of doors and rear fenders. 
Mazda Protege in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2011 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

62000 mi

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

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2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

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

Mazda Protege in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2014 - Mar 2016
May 2014

87580 mi

C $170
Both front sway bar links were replaced due to wear. 
Aug 2014

92380 mi

C $10
Engine light came on; replaced gas cap. 
Sep 2014

94860 mi

C $140
Code P2009 and P0301. Spark plug in Cyl. 1 replaced. Good for a week, then code P0302. Noticed electrodes on spark plug #2 touching. Replaced spark plug in Cyl. 2. myself. Drove a few more days, then code P2009. Suspect a problem with VTCS. 
Nov 2014

96260 mi
Discovered recall 3005C had not been done. This was the cause of the previous problem. Mazda dealership did the needed repairs. 
Mazda Protege in Florida, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2015
Jul 2015

66000 mi

US $90
replaced plugs, wires & coils 
Aug 2015

66000 mi
radiator failed, traded car for 2015 Nissan Versa 5spd 
Mazda Protege in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2005 - Jan 2014
Jan 2005

9500 mi

US $75
Dead Battery, Battery replaced under warranty 
May 2005

14290 mi

US $38
Battery Dead, Battery replaced 
Jul 2005

14739 mi
Battery dead. Replaced Alarm module, under warranty 
Aug 2005

14802 mi
Battery dead. Replaced audio unit. Under warranty Battery dead. Towed in at dealers expense. Loose solenoid Wire repaired. 
Jan 2007

20866 mi
Battery dead. Battery replaced under warranty. Charges not shown on invoice. 
May 2007

21947 mi
Check engine light on. Internal Fault. Egr Valve replaced. No charge under warranty 
Feb 2011

37000 mi

US $47
Heat shield on underside had rusted and loosened. Auto shop removed same, but did not replace. 
Jan 2012

38400 mi

US $217
Loss of Power Steering. Power Steering replaced. Repair facility experienced delay in deliver of replacelment part by Mazda distributer 
Jul 2013

41000 mi

US $434
Engine Light ON. E G R Valve failed, and replaced. At same time had a seasonal check up including oil and filter change. 
Mazda Protege in New Jersey, United States
Oct 2011 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

185000 mi

US $200
Battery needed to be replaced 
Mazda Protege in Indiana, United States
May 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009

124000 mi

US $550
Wheel bearing went out, taking wheel hub with it. Protege ES has rare hub, making repair expensive and difficult to source. 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Mazda Protege in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Mar 2010 - Mar 2012
Feb 2011

75020 mi

C $175
Replaced muffler. 
May 2011

76260 mi

C $80
Car almost stalls at red lights/stops. Problem does not exist while driving. Mechanic suggested starting with cheap possible fixes. He replaced spark plugs - this did not fix the issue. 
Jun 2011

78740 mi

C $90
Same problem as before - the mechanic rechecked everything and this time found a small hole in some kind of air intake hose. Once he replaced that, everything was OK. Ball joint was replaced. Windshield washer pump had to be replaced. 
Mazda Protege in Ohio, United States
- Dec 2004
Dec 2004

32569 mi

US $9000
the only thing that had to be repaired was the wheel bearings at like 50k. it now has 90 thousand miles and is going strong 
Mazda Protege in Ohio, United States
Sep 2017 - Dec 2021
Oct 2017

111000 mi

US $71
Replaced both RH interior door handles (broken). Replaced both RH door lock actuators (inoperable). 
Feb 2018

113597 mi

US $81
Bad driver's side ignition coil. Plugs & wires replaced as well. 
Mar 2018

114409 mi

US $96
Replaced broken driver's door window regulator  and broken LR inside door handle 
Jul 2019

132489 mi

US $250
New LF wheel bearing 
Dec 2019

140000 mi

US $175
New LF wheel bearing 
Jun 2020

151496 mi
Replacement driver's side ignition coil under warranty. 
Aug 2020

143976 mi

US $20
New intake hose 
Oct 2020

146136 mi

US $395
New LF Wheel bearing and hub 
Nov 2020

146000 mi

US $129
Failed drive belts from rubbing on engine cover led to failed radiator 
Dec 2021

154000 mi

US $30
New blower motor resistor 
Mazda Protege in Ohio, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Apr 2011

99000 mi

US $1600
Both brake caliper assembly's were frozen - no front brakes.  Front left and right wheel bearings req'd replacement - were severely worn out. Rear suspension knocking noise -- found that entire rear suspension needed replaced (strut mounts, struts, etc, etc,) estimated cost $3000 + labor. Declined repair and sold car. 
Mazda Protege in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2016 - Apr 2018
Dec 2016

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. 
Jun 2017

104780 mi

C $180
Replaced left lower control arm and Ball joint 
Sep 2017

106020 mi

C $380
Replaced ignition coil for #2-3 cylinders 
Nov 2017

106640 mi

C $480
Alternator was replaced 
Mazda Protege in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

52080 mi

C $650
change the shocks and the link kits Change the Shocks and the 4 link kits  
Mazda Protege in Louisiana, United States
Dec 2006 - Aug 2010
Dec 2009

60000 mi

US $49
Belt squealing. Idler pully had backed off losing tension. Belt had been replaced two months earlier on 60000 mile maintenance. So no charge. Vehicle was in for normal service so that accounts for the charges. 
Mazda Protege in Nova Scotia, Canada
Apr 2009 - Mar 2010
May 2009

63240 mi

C $52
front sway bar-drivers side replaced 
Mazda Protege in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2008 - Sep 2011
Jun 2009

48360 mi

C $875
Water pump started leaking coolant, had to have it replaced. Replaced the timing belt as well since it would be due soon (96000 KM), and dealer gave a package deal. 
Oct 2009

52080 mi
When at full stop (idle), car's RPM would fluctuate briskly. Took it to dealership, they replaced what is called the Idle Control Valve, which is a documented weakness of this car. No cost since there is a 7 year secret warranty on this component. 
Dec 2009

53940 mi

C $350
Had to replace faulty alternator after the battery light came on. 
Mar 2010

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. 
Dec 2010

63860 mi

C $300
ABS sensor malfunctioned in one of the rear wheels, causing the ABS light to turn on intermittently while driving. Part and labour was cheap, however, the diagnostic alone cost $100. 
Jun 2011

68820 mi

C $300
Noticed pronounced squealing sound from one of the back wheels while driving the car. Turns out one of the back brake calipers was malfunctioning, causing premature wear of brake pads. Replaced Caliper. 
Mazda Protege in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011

92380 mi

C $958
Two of the ignition coils burnt out and had to be replaced, along with spark plugs. Regular 140k maintenance was also performed. 
Nov 2012

109820 mi

C $350
Rear sway bar links replaced. Coolant fluids flush done. 
Nov 2013

132060 mi

C $1500
Gas tank had a leak, engine belt replaced. Front axle bar needed welding. 
Apr 2016

148900 mi

C $1500
Rust treatment and new coat of paint. 
Mazda Protege in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2008 - Jan 2010
Jul 2009

50840 mi

C $700
EGR valve stuck intake gasket 
Mazda Protege in Utah, United States
Aug 2008 - Jul 2018
Oct 2011

125500 mi

US $130
Drivers side window motor went out and had to be replaced. 
May 2017

170000 mi

US $787
Wheel bearings replaced 
Mazda Protege in Ohio, United States
Jun 2014 - Sep 2015
Aug 2014

127500 mi

US $338
Worn lateral links & bolt, LR. 2 new lateral links, new bolt, alignment. 
Apr 2015

133300 mi

US $15
Headlight 
Sep 2015

135000 mi

US $153
Rusted pipe under engine. Replacement pipe, bolts/springs plus helicoil to repair threads in catalytic converter 
Mazda Protege in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2011 - Oct 2012
Apr 2012

224000 mi

US $220
leaking gas tank. replace tank and fuel pump 
Mazda Protege in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2011 - Apr 2017
Jun 2011

83080 mi

C $400
Bearing repaired. Not a wheel bearing but the bearing that is where the powertrain hits the transmission. 
Aug 2011

85560 mi

C $60
Car had oil leak. Added stop leak to the oil. Also a different humming from front suspension. Told the problem needs to get worse before servicing as they could not isolate the problem. 
Sep 2011

88040 mi

C $400
Front wheel bearing. Had already been changed, but housing out of spec. Replaced bearing (warrantied) and housing. 
Nov 2011

89240 mi

C $300
Other bearing 
Apr 2012

93000 mi

C $400
Replace Alternator, both belts were replaced and Oil Lead was treated 
Aug 2012

97280 mi

C $2
Replaced Water Pump, changed timing belt and replaced oil gasket on engine 
Oct 2013

111160 mi
Battery light comes on and off but the alternator checks out fine 
Mar 2014

117180 mi

C $300
Carburetor hose broken 
Oct 2014

122640 mi

C $700
Making funny noise from front when turning 
Dec 2014

125240 mi

C $300
Alternator stopped working 
Jun 2016

136400 mi

C $300
radiator thermostat 
Oct 2016

140000 mi

C $500
Replace radiator 

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2003 Mazda Protege 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mazda Protege5 in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2007 - Mar 2010
Mar 2007

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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2002.5 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Protege5 in Connecticut, United States
Jul 2006 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

101000 mi

US $200
seized rear caliper (common for high mileage proteges in cold climates) - $200. Also new pads, new rotor, and brake fluid flush needed to complete the job. Cost of those not included as I already had them waiting and don't remember the cost. 
Sep 2008

109000 mi

US $475
After hitting a very harsh bump on the highway, the fuel pump and fuel pump housing was cracked, causing a fuel leak (36mpg became 16mpg). I drove across the country with the leak but the gas fumes were pretty bad. Replaced the whole fuel tank/pump. 

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2002.5 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Protege5 in New York, United States
Feb 2006 - Apr 2011
Oct 2006

52500 mi

US $225
Had loose front tie rod ends replaced because of noise. 
Mar 2007

55000 mi

US $385
Replaced the EGR valve for the third time, first out of warranty. also diagnosed creaking noise in rear as worn/loose sway bar end links. Need to be replaced at next visit. 
Apr 2007

57000 mi

US $85
Buzzing/creaking noise noticed in the front when turning steering wheel. Worn end links on front sway bar diagnosed. Also power steering pump may be at end of life. Not fixed this trip because of cost and not an immediate safety issue. 
Feb 2008

65000 mi

US $300
Replaced broken rear sway bar end links. Also flushed power steering fluid system due to unknown contaminant. Regularly required brake service and lube also performed. 
Jun 2008

67000 mi
Mechanic noticed that front end links are worn/loose and causing front end clunk/creak. Will repair in the future, not a safety issue. 
May 2009

75000 mi

US $475
Had scraping noise in rear of car after new pads and rotors installed in February. Mechanic discovered that the rear calipers were faulty and had to be replaced. Also had to replace the 3 month old rotors and pads because of premature deterioration.  
Jun 2009

75000 mi

US $225
had to replace front pipe, completely rotted, needed new part, not just a welded repair 
Mar 2010

80000 mi

US $1400
Front struts replaced - they were badly leaking and had lost most of their rebound capabilities. Was cause severe tire wear. Had car in for tire wear and 2 alignments over past year, but they didn't figure it out til now. Shop performed rear brake maintenance. The rear brake pad/caliper slides had frozen again. Probably top problem with this car. Significant thru the panel rust on both rear wheel arches, causing the rear bumper to lose its connection points to the body. The connector has rusted away, leaving bumper to rattle in the wind. Also other rust ie bottom of all doors 
Jun 2010

82000 mi

US $500
egr valve problem is back,car stalling and running rough. Cel was egr flow insuficient. Cleared that then threw multiple cylinder misfire. 
Mar 2011

89000 mi

US $350
Front outer tie rods replaced, were significantly loose. Also complained of loud whining/gear noise, was diagnosed as bad driver front wheel bearing. I think it is the gear box whining. also had rust check, alignment. 
Apr 2011

89000 mi
Sold with substantial rust. 

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2002.5 Mazda Protege

Engine not specified

Mazda Protege5 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2007 - Mar 2010

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2002.5 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Protege in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2007 - Oct 2015
Oct 2011

105000 mi

US $120
Left front sway bar link broke. Needed it replaced to pass PA state inspection (even though a sway bar is not technically a 'critical' component; a car can function without one). It was broken a while; figured I'd replace for inspection. 
Jul 2013

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. 
Dec 2013

141000 mi

US $80
Front motor mount failed (common on these cars with age). Replaced easily. 
Oct 2015

149000 mi
Left rear wheel bearing starting to go. Probably age related. 
Mazda Protege in Saskatchewan, Canada
Jun 2009 - May 2016
Nov 2011

106200 mi

C $121
check engine light came on, and noticed some knocking. took car to dealer, who found a split intake tube. Tube was replaced, problems resolved. 
Apr 2012

110360 mi

C $125
Rear struts completely shot, replaced. Nearly every bolt was seized, making the repair difficult. Save the hassle and take it to a shop. 
Jun 2013

112220 mi

C $1100
Vehicle suddenly lost power. Towed to dealership. From the invoice: REPLACED T. BELT, WATERPUMP, W/P GASKET, COOLENT, T. BELT TENSIONER AND SPRING, ALT.BELT, V/C GASKET 
Apr 2014

116560 mi

C $120
had the oil pressure sensor replaced 
Apr 2015

120280 mi

C $700
brake pad fell off. rotor damaged. new rotor, rear pads, and a new caliper (leaking). 
May 2016

126480 mi
Extensive rust around wheel well. 
Mazda Protege in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2011 - Dec 2013
Oct 2011

122500 mi

US $100
Best guess, threw power steering belt which caused serpentine belt to go, causing overheating and cracked radiator. Car towed back to used car dealer where car was purchased and problems fixed under 1250 mile warranty. 
Jul 2012

131800 mi

US $500
The EGR Value needed to be replaced after getting stuck open and stalling the car whenever at a stop. 
Dec 2013

150000 mi

US $500
Struts replaced due to wear. 
Mazda Protege in Ohio, United States
Jun 2009 - Mar 2010
Jul 2009

143000 mi

US $1300
Shocks worn -- replaced. 

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2002.5 Mazda Protege 4dr Sedan

130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Mazda Protege in California, United States
Sep 2009 - Dec 2018
Oct 2011

82000 mi

US $26
Cracked air intake hose was causing hesitation and light pinging. Surprisingly, idle was fine and no CEL. Replacement was easy and straightforward. 
May 2013

93000 mi

US $1050
Brought in for knocking noise that varied with rpm - turned out to be timing belt flopping around. Root cause was not fixing leaky valve cover gasket in a timely manner. Replaced timing belt/other belts, water pump, cam/oil seals, etc. 
Nov 2016

119000 mi

US $575
Rattling noise over bumps and increased body lean that steadily got worse over a year - turned out to be bad strut and strut mount. Ended up getting 2 new rear struts and mounts 
Feb 2018

131500 mi

US $147
Noticed temp gauge started going up so went to shop a few blocks away before car overheated. It was the thermostat like I thought - easy and quick repair. 

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2003 Mazda Protege Repair Histories

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.