The Mazda Protege Years To Avoid
Mazda Protege by Infrogmation - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Whether it’s for customization, budget reasons, or first-time drivers, there are many reasons why people would want to buy an older car. With that said, if you’re looking for an older compact car that delivers durability and reliability, the Mazda Protege is one of your better choices.
The Mazda Protege, a compact car produced between 1963 and 2003, is a hidden gem in the used car market, particularly for those on a budget. This vehicle is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall value, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious buyers.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MAZDA PROTEGE
Over its forty-year manufacturing lifespan, many different iterations of this vehicle came to the market. If you’re wondering what the most reliable Mazda Protégé year is, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the key features of the Mazda Protege is its robust and durable engine. Many owners report that these cars can run smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular maintenance and care. This longevity is a significant factor for budget buyers, as it keeps costly repairs and replacements at bay.
However, not all Protege models are created equal. While the vehicle has a strong reputation overall, certain model years have been reported to have more issues than others. So for today, we highlight the Mazda Protege years to avoid when browning the used car market. Let’s take a look.
Which Mazda Protege Years to Avoid?
Below are the worst Protege years you should avoid when shopping for a pre-owned unit.
- 1995 Mazda Protege
- 1999 Mazda Protege
- 2000 Mazda Protege
- 2002 Mazda Protege
- 2003 Mazda Protege
BE CERTAIN YOU’RE GETTING THE BEST DEAL
CoPilot searches your area and lets you know if there’s a better deal on a similar vehicle nearby, so you’re always certain you got the best deal possible. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car.
1995 Mazda Protege
The 1995 Mazda Protege is widely regarded as one of the most problematic years for this compact car. As per CarComplaints.com, the 1995 Protege has collected 236 complaints and five recalls. The vehicle-complaint website also declared the 1995 Protege as the worst model year, no thanks to a wide range of reliability issues.
The 1995 Mazda Protege has had reported issues with its airbags, including exploding airbags without rhyme or reason. In one case, the airbags reportedly exploded while the owner was outside the car. The owner noted that there had been a recall on the airbags, but Mazda Corporation had not informed them.
This isn’t entirely unexpected since the airbags from older vehicles tend to be less reliable due to factors like age, exposure to high humidity, and manufacturing defects. With that said, do yourself a favor and avoid the 1995 Protege.
1999 Mazda Protege
The 1999 model is also one of the Mazda years to avoid due to severe safety and mechanical issues. CarComplaints has listed 104 complaints and three recalls for the 1999 Protege. While it has fewer complaints overall, the severity of the problems can be a dealbreaker.
From age to outdated technology, airbags from older vehicles tend to be less reliable. As such, if you take your vehicle safety seriously, you’ll want to skip the 1999 Protege due to its defective airbags. Based on reports and user complaints, the 1999 Protege’s airbags may not deploy. One report stated that the Protege’s front airbags failed to deploy during a rear-end collision while driving. This resulted in the driver suffering neck and back injuries, and the vehicle was totaled due to extensive damage.
Many reports also indicated the 1999 Protege struggled with clutch and transmission problems. According to one user complaint, the vehicle hesitates after stopping, then jerks forward hard when it finally moves, giving the sensation of a rear collision. In addition, its acceleration is noticeably poor.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
2000 Mazda Protege
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented 104 complaints and three recalls for the 2000 Protege – making it one of the most potentially problematic years. Most complaints are from the airbags, powertrain, tires, and service brakes.
The 2000 Mazda Protege has been reported to have several powertrain issues related to its automatic transmission. One report mentioned the accelerator pedal sticking in the depressed position, causing the vehicle to accelerate and jerk, resulting in an accident. Meanwhile, another case detailed how the vehicle’s transmission seized while driving down a hill, causing the passengers to be thrown forward.
Non-deployment of airbags is another severe issue for this vehicle. In one report, a front-end impact of at least 45 mph occurred without the braking. Despite the force of the collision, the front airbags didn’t deploy, resulting in serious injuries to the driver. With the issues mentioned above, you should write off the 2000 Protege from your shopping list.
2002 Mazda Protege
Another Protege year that used car shoppers should avoid is the 2002 model. According to the NHTSA, the 2002 Protege received 100 complaints and four recalls. The main trouble spots for this model year are electrical systems, engine and cooling, powertrain, and seatbelts.
Apparently, the seat belt on the driver’s side of the Protege is prone to fail. Numerous reports describe that the driver’s side seat belt latch breaks in the latched position, requiring the latch to be removed to release the belt. Another report mentioned the driver’s side seat belt latch was no longer working due to broken components in the female part.
Another knock on the 2002 Protege’s reliability is its faulty transmission. You’ll see many familiar issues being reported by owners, including rough shifting, hesitation, locking into a specific gear, high-pitched noises, etc. Because of these issues, you’re better off avoiding this model altogether.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
2003 Mazda Protege
Unfortunately, the swan song of the Protege compact wasn’t very reliable. This model has had several reported issues related to its manifold, header, muffler, and tailpipe, all components of the powertrain.
One issue reported involved the intake manifold needing to be replaced after the check engine warning light was illuminated. At the same time, another person mentioned a no-start condition due to screws falling off butterfly shutters within the intake manifold.
Like the previous years, the 2003 Protege also struggled with faulty seat belts. According to one frustrated owner, the seat belt broke when they tried to put it on, with several plastic pieces broken and floating around inside the female adapter, making the seat belt useless. It’s quite a shame because the Protege didn’t quite go out on a high note.
Common Mazda Protege Problems
While the Mazda Protege has earned a reputation for reliability, certain model years have exhibited recurring issues. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems:
- Airbag malfunctions: Some Proteges have experienced unexpected airbag deployments or failure to deploy during collisions.
- Transmission troubles: Several models struggle with transmission-related problems, including hesitation, jerky movements, and in extreme cases, complete failure while driving.
- Seatbelt defects: Faulty seatbelt mechanisms have been reported, with latches breaking or becoming stuck, compromising passenger safety.
- Powertrain issues: Various powertrain components, including the intake manifold and exhaust system, have shown susceptibility to failure in some models.
- Electrical system glitches: Certain years have faced problems with their electrical systems, potentially affecting multiple vehicle functions.
- Brake system concerns: Some owners have reported issues with the braking system, including problems with calipers and overall performance.
- Engine and cooling complications: A number of Proteges have experienced engine-related problems and cooling system malfunctions.
While these issues don’t affect every Protege, they’re worth considering when shopping for a used model. A thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic can help identify potential problems before purchase.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
