2000 Mazda Protege: complete transmission failure

Filed Jun 19, 2006 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · TN

I feel that my 2000 mazda protege dx with 56,000 miles on it is a very unsafe vehicle. This vehicle has such low miles on it to be giving me any trouble. When I am driving, the vehicle feels as if it is going into overdrive by itself and then returns back to normal. My overdrive light flashes on and off when this happens. This is a very unsafe because when it does this, it lunges your vehicle forward. I have not been going very fast when this has happened. I am very afraid to drive my vehicle in fear that at a higher speed, this could cause an accident. I have read many complaints that are similar as mine. Something needs to be done about this. I have no warranty on my vehicle and really don't have the money to fix it, but it has to be done. From what I have read on the internet, mazda has produced a very poor transmission. I feel that this is only the start. I am hoping this will not lead to me putting in a new transmission. The transmission shop read the code as solenoids. I have an appointment at the transmission shop to get the solenoids replaced. This will cost about 400.00. I am hoping that this will fix my vehicle and give me peace of mind.

Filed Jan 8, 2006 · Transmission · 31,127 miles · TX

As I accelerated to 30 MPH, the "o/d off" light on the dashboard flashed and the speedometer stayed at zero, even though I was driving as fast as the other cars on the street. It felt like neutral gear. The manual indicates the flashing light is due to an electrical problem with the transmission. I remembered that within a few months of purchasing this new car, the transmission was replaced due to peculiar sounds, so I worry about the quality of this component since I do not drive much.

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · TX

Own a 2000 mazda protege dx w/auto & air, 41k miles that was purchased new. Upon driving for 45 minutes on the highway, the o/d transmission light starts blinking. When I bring to the car to a stop, turn off the engine and restart, the light is no longer flashing. I do not drive the car for more than a few minutes after the o/d light starts flashing before letting the car sit for several hours. The transmission fluid also gets dirty at an accelerated rate vs. What would normally be expected for a car. Last full flush at 38k miles, and the fluid is now brownish-red. Transmission shops tell me I need a new transmission for $1,500, but I can imagine I'd need that on a well-maintained japanese car with 41k miles. At this point I'm afraid to drive the car for fear the transmission will fail (from what I've been told) at any moment. I've heard this problem is prevalent in the 626, and also happens in the protege. Please help in creating a recall on this issue.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

While driving 50 MPH check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. Also, while applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. However, the problem recurred. *ak.....the transmission cost $1,800.00 to be replaced. The contact stated that a vehicle with not much mileage should not have a major transmission failure. The car jerked and was shifting gears while driving. It was clearly a defective transmission.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · TX

Vehicle recently repaired for transmission failure, which necessitated repairs in excess of $2,500.00. *la (nar)

Filed Jun 7, 2003 · Transmission · VA

On several non-successive occurrences, while driving between 35 - 40 MPH, I encountered a severe sudden deceleration which felt as if the vehicle undercarriage scraped an invisible bump. The deceleration is sudden, harsh and very unsettling. Also, while driving up east coast mountains, such as in md. Va. And pa., the transmission seems to have a very bad smell as if heating up too much. Eventually the transmission failed. It was replaced by dealer at no cost. Now the replacement transmission is doing the same things again! It looks like the transmission is due to fail again!!

Filed Apr 28, 2003 · Transmission · IA

O/d light intermittently flashes on and off. Does not happen all the time. Also is accompanied by check engine light at times. Low mileage on car - 50,000. Mazda dealer says transmission needs to be replaced. Another transmission shop has suggested defective solenoids.

Filed Jan 23, 2003 · Body, Engine · 49,800 miles · VA

While driving engine and overdrive warning lights illuminated. Dealer diagnosed that vehicle requires new transmission, radiator and other engine work. Consumer very concerned because vehicle mileage wa slow and maintained regularly. Ts.

Filed Nov 3, 2002 · Transmission · TN

I bought this car used from the dealer. Also with the extended warranty. The engine light comes on and the o/d light flashes. The RPM's increase and the car will bog down like it can't catch another gear. We have taken it to a mazda dealer to have it checked. They told us they can't find anything wrong with it. While we were talking to the mazda tech about the problems the car was having and he was telling us can't find the problem. There was a nissan tech standing there listening and after the mazda tech went to get our car. The nissan tech told us the transmission is going out on that car just by you telling what the problem is your having with it. He said he has replaced quite a few transmissions with this problem. He also told us a few other people had the extended warranty and it ran out and cost them to replace the transmission. He said as soon as the light comes on again bring it back to them again and again if you have to. Well today is 11/03/02 and the light has come back on again and the o/d light was flashing. We will call monday to make an appointment again for this problem. Is there any help out there for this problem. Dt

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

When driving speedometer reading goes from 60 to 0 still with forward movement, causing vehicle to jerk forward/ hesitate also, consumer noted overdrive button flashes off and on the instrument panel. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced the transmission and also a computer chip, problem still occur. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jul 30, 2000 · Transmission · MD

Check engine light and o/d off light were blinking. Took car to the dealer and the transmission needs to be replaced.