1996 Mazda Protege problems

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Acceleration · 30,000 miles · PA

I have had a problem with my vehicle - the mazda protg mentioned under "subject" of this e-mail - accelerating without the gas pedal being touched on at least three occasions since I purchased it new in the fall of 1996. The vehicle also exhibited intense rumbling when in drive and waiting at idle at a stop sign or traffic light. On one of several occasions that I returned the vehicle to the dealer about the latter problem, a young attendant at the dealer (mazda maple shade in maple shade, new jersey) mentioned - apparently inadvertently - that the rumbling was a "factory defect". I never mentioned the acceleration problem since I had always managed to put on the breaks firmly whenever it occurred, and thereby prevented movement that could have caused serious damage to anything in front of me as well as the car. The vehicle also has an electronic feature that causes it to audibly "rev up" the motor briefly (approximately several seconds, but less than a minute) to warm up. Once the warm-up cycle ends the car "revs down" to a normal idle sound. Eventually I had another problem with the car that required that a major repair be done to the transmission - at expense to me since the extended warranty I had purchased had worn out. The repair fixed not only the new problem but -coincidentally according to the dealer - the rumbling. I have also not had the acceleration problem since the transmission problem was fixed. All of these problems appear to me to have been connected. I would like to know if other purchasers of this vehicle have had similar problems. From the federal safety agency web site.

Filed May 4, 2005 · Engine · TX

My 1996 mazda protege lx (1.5 liter engine) suffers from such extreme engine vibration that the car has recently become practically undriveable despite its low mileage of 83,000k and a good maintenance history. The car shakes severely when starting, jerks severely when shifting gears and is surging almost uncontrollably at various times. It is unsafe and I have been told that all engine mounts must be replaced at this time. In looking at the vechicle history, there has been manufacturer service bulletins about excessive engine vibration. I believe this to be a significant manufacturer defect that causes unsafe conditions and undue burden and expense to consumers. The estimate future expense to me is close to $1,000.00.

Filed Nov 15, 2004 · Airbags · 84,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Consumer's vehicle was rear ended while stopping at a traffic light, which caused a chain reaction with two other vehicles. Consumer's head impacted the steering wheel , the seat back, and then the steering wheel again. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.

Filed Oct 30, 2003 · Transmission · TX

While driving consumer noticed that transmission failed to shift gears. After being inspected consumer concluded that transmission had failed and needed replacement.

Filed Aug 6, 2003 · Steering · 75,000 miles · NY

While driving car on highway air conditioner seized breaking belt and causing me to lose power steering

Filed Jul 3, 2003 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · OK · fire

Car started smoking & within less than 10 minutes the fire that started under the hood had half the car engulfed in flames, within 25 minutes the whole car was completely burned up from front to back.

Filed May 29, 2003 · Transmission · MA

I had difficulty moving the automatic transmission gear shift lever when the car was about 1 year old. The problem would occur on and off over the next few years. I finally had to replace the part when the gear shift lever was stuck with my key still in the ignition about 2 or 3 years ago. I can't remember if it was an electrical/ignition or transmission problem. Now the same problem is happening again!

Filed Feb 22, 2003 · Body · 35,000 miles · MN

Serious rust problem discovered in the windshield area of car when having new windshield installed. Several years ago, probably 1999, while the car was still under warranty, I attempted to have mazda repair rust that was appearing on the front pillars by the windshield. Their area representative refused, saying that the warranty only covered rusting through. Now this has become a safety hazard, because the integrity of the new windshield's mounting is in doubt.

Filed Jul 24, 2002 · Airbags · VT · crash

In arear end collision with another truck neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Suspension · TX

While driving at any speed vehicle will make noise while making a turn. Also, it feels unbalanced. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.