2003 Mazda Protege engine problems

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Engine · 188,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda protege. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine and timing belt needed to be replaced. The engine was taken apart and the mechanic found a screw inside of the intake valve. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2020 · Engine · 130,280 miles · CA

Rough idle causing to stall while driving, check engine light on for cylinder misfire, found cylinder 4 with a bent spark plug with the gap closed. Replaced all 4 plugs car ran fine for a few months only to have the same issue cylinder misfire with cylinder 4 with another bent plug gap closed. Possible something loose inside cylinder 4 causing the misfire issues to the plug. Mileage 130,280

Filed Oct 25, 2013 · Engine · 13,200 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 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 13,200.

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Engine · 109,687 miles · TX

I recently purchased a '03 mazda protege5. While driving down the road yesterday at 65 MPH, I heard a loud bang and heard something hit the bottom of the car. The car exhaust suddenly became much louder. I immediately pulled off the road. I looked under the car, and the exhaust had come apart. The piece of the exhaust after the cat was hanging about 1 inch from the ground. This piece is after the catalytic converter, near one of the hanging points of the exhaust system. Two bolts, which hold this piece together, and the exhaust gasket were missing. Luckily, there was no damage whatsoever. This problem could have ended tragically.

Filed Jul 23, 2013 · Engine · 114,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda protege. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Engine · 102,778 miles · MN

On at least 3-5 occasions this 2.0l engine has suffered the exact same fate as the federal safety agency id# 10422484. Check engine light on, misfiring, associated noise sounding like a bolt / screw bouncing around in the engine for maybe 15 seconds, then would return to normal. Each time there has been a different cylinder misfire, upon spark plug removal it was found the gap was closed causing no spark. Each time, a new plug was installed and corrected the immediate problem. After seeing these complaints and a recall regarding this issue I realized I've had the same issue. Don't know if my VIN # is in the effected range or not. Car now has 123105 miles. Would hope that mazda would cover any vehicle with this problem.

Filed Mar 7, 2012 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MD

My 03 protege has vics screws falling out and all issues that comes with it. My car has been parked in the driveway untouched because I cannot afford to pay for the repairs due to how many times my car has had issues and cannot pass emissions. So I have to turn my tags in within the month because mazda wont recognize the issue being their recall since my VIN is out of their window for cars being defective. I don't understand why if so many people are having the same problem; why those months when we have the same parts? Mazda claims its the torque but obviously its the screws falling out including the butterflies. Why was the torque different those 3 months? If mazda is saying the recall is due to the torque being wrong and the screws are falling out then why are so many vehicles that are in and out of the VIN number needed to be required for free repair? Why are so many vehicles being checked and mechanics finding screws and butterflies in other areas other than where they should be? If the recall is due to torque, then why are you replacing the original screws? If torque is the case why not just use the correct torque usage, you know the torque that's in my car! Why are proteges with the vins out of the recall window having the same corrective action when they go to get the repair and get the same parts when they had the correct torque in the first place! Its clear this recall isn't about torque, this is about it the recall part being faulty no matter what torque was used. Wouldn't it have been more cost effective and easier for you just to use the required torque rather than new parts since you say. Mazda doesn't take this seriously and fix their faulty part. We need help!

Filed Oct 30, 2011 · Engine · 85,000 miles · OH

The car suffered a failure of the intake manifold whereby the screws inside the intake had come loose and caused damage to the engine. It is unclear at this time if my car is covered under the current recall 3005 c.

Filed Aug 29, 2011 · Engine · 56,197 miles · CA

The tightening torque of the screws used for mounting the intake manifold shutter valve loosened and fell out (1 into the spark plugs and caused damage to plugs and coils).caused misfiring, affecting the exhaust emissions. There was a recall in 2006 but not for my car's VIN - but my car had the exact problem from that recall. Waiting to see if mazda will honor this recall and pay for repairs/parts.

Filed Mar 1, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · CA

2003 mazda protege. Consumer states electrical problems with vehicle and several other concerns *tgw the consumer stated the lights stayed on and the alarm would sound intermittently. The dealer replaced the electrical module. The consumer also stated the engine overheated due to a water pump leak and leaking radiator, the battery was replaced several times, the vehicle was out of alignment, and the consumer had to purchase three sets of tires.