2002 Mazda Protege problems

Filed May 12, 2019 · Tires, Wheels · 123,000 miles · IN

Bulges on sidewalls of both passenger tires. Tires are 6 months old and only have approximately 3,000 miles.

Filed May 4, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 67,000 miles · KY

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 use maguires wax and polish every time. And it's also got a rust spot along the back left wheel lip. I am the second owner of the vehicle. And when I took it to the dealership to be repainted after I played for the car. It was magically only 24 hours from the warranty covering it. Other than that, it's been a great car. I would purchase another if I can find one. Something needs to be done about both of these concerns. Please fix and I would drive this car until it hits 1 million miles. As long as you keep maintenance up on it, it last forever.

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Body, Lights · 118,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

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

Filed Sep 24, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · 160,000 miles · PA

Tl* 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

Filed Sep 18, 2015 · Seat belts · 110,000 miles · MD

Drivers side seat belt latch broke in the latched position. Necessitated taking the latch apart to release the belt.

Filed Dec 9, 2014 · Seat belts · 91,000 miles · IL

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!

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Electrical · 172,000 miles · MT

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2013 · Engine · 880 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 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 880. Updated 05/28/14*lj 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 Jun 22, 2013 · Seat belts · 120,500 miles · FL

At first the seat belt locked and I could not get out of it. After about 15 minutes I was able to get it released. Thank god I was in the garage at home. Then approx 6 weeks later I was latching the belt to the buckle and the darn thing fell apart. The right rear door handle broke last year but since no one sits back there I never worried about it. Now with the seat belt issue I was searching for the part and someone suggested I check the recall list for this car, because they are not supposed to do that. I found numerous complaints on line and then this site.

Filed Dec 6, 2012 · Seat belts · 60,000 miles · OH

The driver-side seatbelt latch fell apart. The seatbelt is no longer operable.