2001 Mazda Protege problems

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Seat belts · 170,000 miles · UT

Every time I go to fasten my seat belt into the buckle, it's always unbuckling it self. This happens in stationary and in motion. My radios screen cant be seen or read. The visor on the car broke off and nothing was pulling it.

Filed Feb 12, 2017 · Body, Engine · 153,000 miles · AZ · crash

Takata recall I bought by 2001 mazda protege a couple years ago and was never sent anything about any recalls. After pulling a car fax report there is 5 recalls all having to do with headlights. I've received a ticket for no headlights on when they were on and was recenctly in a car accident due to not seeing the other vehicle . The damage to my vehicle is on the front end including damaging my radiator which needs to replaced, bumber and grill. I had only liability insurance on my vehicle and they only would pay for the other car that was hit. Why was I never informed of recall issues? I've already paid for the no headlight ticket at night and I'm frustrated because they were illuminated. Please do not tell me I have no recall issues because I have done my research and have 5 recalls all to do with lights which can result in a crash. My vehicle was in motion turning when the accident occured at night.

Filed Nov 7, 2015 · Airbags · 168,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Got into an accident at intersection , airbags did not work , as a result I have serious chest pains . Vehicle was in motion going straight while a vehicle at intersection was turning left across my road.

Filed Nov 6, 2013 · Fuel system · 131,000 miles · IN

The fuel tank has rusted and there is a noticeable gas smell.

Filed Oct 25, 2013 · Engine · 22,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda protege. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the engine failed to start accompanied by an abnormal knocking from the engine. The contact also mentioned that the failure occurred more often when the engine was cold. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 05/28/14 ma the consumer stated model year 2003 vehicles have been repaired for the same failure by the manufacturer. But the manufacturer refuses to repair model years 2001-2002. The consumer stated this condition does not keep the engine from starting. It can and has caused catastrophic engine failure, which shuts down the power steering and brakes while the vehicle is moving. Updated 05/29/2014

Filed Sep 29, 2011 · Fuel system · MI

Fuel vapor odors began accumulating in the garage during an overnight park. When vapors became excessive, vehicle was parked outside. Eventually, the vapors became noticeable while idling at a traffic light.. Vehicle was taken to a car care clinic and diagnosed with a severely rusted fuel tank. I am grateful there was no fire from a spark.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · GA

I purchased my 2001 mazda protege brand-new. At about 60,000 miles the overdrive light started blinking. Going from second gear into third, the transmission would buck. I took it to the dealership and was told that it needed a new transmission, so I had a new transmission installed. Now at 154,000 miles, it is happening again. I have read numerous complaints similar to mine. Mazda refuses to accept any responsibility for manufacturing faulty transmissions.

Filed Jul 16, 2007 · Electrical · VA

Vehicle: 2001 mazda protege lx 2.0 liter engine failure: key is inserted in ignition and turned, starter will turn over but engine will not start. Occurrence: intermittently, 3 times in 2 months. Service: had it towed each time to a certified mazda dealership. First time - they replaced the ignition coils with another vehicles coils and it started right up. They put the original coils back in and it started up fine. Second time - they replaced the PCM third time - had it towed to a different mazda dealership. After towing, the vehicle started right up. I have had the vehicle serviced at regular intervals as recommended by mazda since I purchased it new 6 years ago. I have been in contact with mazda corporation to check for recalls or known issues and was told there are none for my vehicle. After explaining my problem to them, I was given no suggestions for recourse. This problem is intermittent, but leaves me with an unreliable vehicle.

Filed Apr 22, 2007 · Airbags · 85,000 miles · IN · crash · 2 injuries

Front end collision, air-bag failed resulting in injuries.

Filed May 30, 2006 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · OK · fire

I was at a local restaurant when they announced a mazda protege was on fire in the parking lot. Fire department and police were called. Fire was put out and fire department looked to find source of fire. I was told it was electrical. It started in the wiring at the left rear door. The fireman asked what was in the trunk (meaning highpowered amps). I told him everything in the car was original. No added equipment. He said that the only time he had seen a fire in the electrical system like mine was as a result of overload from added speaker/ amps. My mazda 2001 protege is being totaled by farmers insurance but they will not have it investigated as to the failure. Mazda has been informed and opened a case but will not do anything without the insurance company's investigation. I am now out a car that should have lasted me ten years or more. I have had no problems with this car until the fire. If the insurance companys refuse to investigate then how do we, the consumer, know when we are in danger. What recourse do I have with either my insurance company or with mazda.