NHTSA lists 120 complaints for the 2003 Mazda Protege, 16 of them mention a crash and 2 mention a fire. 10 complaints mention an injury, with 11 injuries and 1 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MAZDA PROTEGE.
Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.
| System | Complaints | Share of this vehicle's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 34 | 28.3% |
| SEAT BELTS | 17 | 14.2% |
| POWER TRAIN | 12 | 10.0% |
| SUSPENSION | 11 | 9.2% |
| AIR BAGS | 10 | 8.3% |
| TIRES | 10 | 8.3% |
| STEERING | 7 | 5.8% |
| ENGINE | 6 | 5.0% |
| SEATS | 4 | 3.3% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 4 | 3.3% |
| System | Subsystem | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ENGINE | 15 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | EXHAUST SYSTEM | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | FRONT | 4 |
| AIR BAGS | FRONTAL | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | BODY | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | SIDE/WINDOW | 2 |
| EQUIPMENT | ELECTRICAL | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | HEADLIGHTS | 2 |
One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
0 recalls.
0 investigations; 0 open.
97 manufacturer communications.
| System | Count |
|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 39 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 13 |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8 |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
Date: 2026-08-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
Date: 2026-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER.
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled
Date: 2026-04-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the sch
Date: 2025-12-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling
Date: 2025-04-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling
Date: 2024-08-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealera s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odomet
Date: 2024-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled
Date: 2024-06-07. Type: Other. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled
Date: 2023-02-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Speedometer replacement procedure
Date: 2022-11-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition
None listed.
| NHTSA model label | Complaints |
|---|---|
| PROTEGE | 120 |
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