There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda Protege, but owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Mazda Protege problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Seat Belts | 21 | |
| Power Train | 17 | |
| Air Bags | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Tires | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | |
| Equipment | 6 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Wheels | 5 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 13
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Structure › Body — 3
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 3
- Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
- Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 2
- Wheels › Rim — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Mazda Protege complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Structure · at 67,000 miles · reported May 4, 2016
I've owned my 2002 mazda protege5 for 7 years now. It's always had a vibration while braking. Even after having out brand new brakes, rotors and calipers. I'm very anal on how my car looks and drives. If I feel something out of the ordinary, I know something is off. This has happened ever since I've had the car. It does cause me to drive more cautiously especially in the back roads along with wet pavement. The steering wheel shakes while braking as well. As for the body of the car, the paint is faiding fast. It's yellow, and I hand polish and wax it once before spring, summer, and winter. I…
Structure · at 118,000 miles · reported Nov 2, 2015
Underneath the car is nothing but rust. It is affecting the undercarriage, the ball joints, the control arm, and the car's frame itself. I have replaced both ball joints both control arm shock and the car is still hard to steer
Service Brakes · at 160,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 mazda protege. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the brake pedal was applied and the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle then accelerated up a hill and suddenly stopped. The contact had the vehicle towed to a tow yard. Later, the vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was bent and the fuel and brake lines were destroyed. The vehicle was unable to be repaired and was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Updated 11/09/15
Seat Belts · at 91,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2014
I was driving at about 35 MPH and hit a bump on the road that caused the driver seat belt buckle to come loose and it got in my way of the steering wheel. I was lucky to be driving on the left lane on one way street, I was able pull over, and to my surprise the buckle wouldn't latch to the female connector. It seems like the female connector pieces inside it had broken. Please check, this is a huge concern for anyone. If this would have happened on an interstate freeway I can't imagine taking my eyes of the road for even 1 sec. Please investigate!
Electrical System · at 172,000 miles · reported Dec 3, 2013
Recently purchased a 2002 mazda protege5. Without warning, it wouldn't start. The low beam headlight burned out. The heat, stereo, headlights & power windows all worked. The car had no power and didn't even turn over. About 15 mins later, it started fine and never had a problem again until a few days ago (Approx a month in between incidents). Same thing all over again, but this time the car refuses to start. What can I do? What info should I be aware of? I discovered online that this is an extremely common problem.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Mazda Protege have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Mazda Protege as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda Protege?
Owners report seat belts problems most often (21 reports), followed by power train (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.