Mazda Protege headlights problems

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 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 Jul 20, 2011 · Lights · 95,000 miles · 00

Mazda headlight harness - the lights are constantly going out (during the past 4 years). I went to replace the bulb years ago and it came back on as I wiggled the harness to pull the bulb out. Over 80 times since then I've had to smack the headlight to get it to come back on. This happens predominantly when the temperature is below 0 celsius (freezing). This has occurred on my 2001 mazda mpv (which I got rid of this year) and my 2003 mazda protege which I still have. Once it happened on my protege I knew it wasn't an mpv situation, it must be a mazda problem and likely relates to the supplier that makes the harness for the headlights. Many times my wife and I have been 'flashed' by other drivers for not having lights on.

Filed May 29, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · MO

The headlights no longer work on low beam. The high beams still work. Upon removing the steering column cover and unplugging the wiring harness I found that the connector is literally burned and melted at the point of connection in the harness. Mazda no longer makes the part and I cannot have it fixed by a mechanic because the part is almost impossible to find in a used salvaged vehicle.

Filed Nov 5, 2008 · Lights · 68,364 miles · NY

The low beam halogen bulb (headlight) on the passenger side of my mazda recently burned out. > first complaint--because of a cramped engine compartment, the bulb is difficult to replace. I have smallish hands for a man. There was barely room to access the bulb socket (holder) on the outside corner of the headlight "pod". > second complaint--the bulb holder was complex. The bulb plugs into an "internal" socket; this pair slides into the headlight "pod"; the pair is then held in place by a wire clip; everything thus far gets covered by a rubber gasket; and lastly, there's an "external" connection (plug). > third complaint--the headlight "pod" is a intrinsically lousy design. Even in broad daylight, I couldn't see the catch-point for the wire clip. > fourth complaint--the "pod" itself is frail. It's apparently plastic. The plastic apparently ages badly. My gentle attempt to refasten the wire clip broke something on the back of the "pod"--I don't know what. So I was forced to replace the "pod" assembly at a cost of over $400. > note--I'd previously replaced three headlight bulbs on this car; and though successful, I was frustrated with the process each time. > there oughta be a law! > an owner should be able to replace any safety-related light bulb on the outside of their vehicle with 1) no prior experience mechanically, eg, a teen barbie-bimbo; 2) only modest hand dexterity, eg, an old fart with arthritis; 3) no tool more complex than a commonplace screwdriver; and 4) without an owner's manual, eg, an older used car. > the goal here is to empower an owner to keep their vehicle in safest condition. I request that the usdot issue and enforce suitable standards for the manufacture of "family" vehicles. > it's too '!@#$% late to help me. I doubt whether I'll ever buy another mazda.

Filed Jun 28, 2007 · Electrical · WA

We own a mazda protege 1999. Both the headlights & bright lights failed. We tried replacing bulbs & a relay, neither of which worked. The car is currently at an independent automobile electrical shop. The owner stated that the internal wiring for these components burned out. This could have caused an internal fire behind the dashboard. The wires were not exposed under the hood so we could not have known that they were wearing thin. I have been in contact with mazda USA as the mechanic told me that this was a common problem with mazda. I am distressed that my daughter was driving a car known to have faulty wiring that could have caused an engine and/or interior fire. Mazda USA advised me that the car was not under warranty, and I was facing a $700 cost for repairs. I was hoping mazda will help with this, but as yet they have not, and my daughter was without a car to drive at night.

Filed Jan 2, 2007 · Lights · PA

Tl* - the contact stated that while driving on 12/27/06 at 35 MPH, had high beam head lights on ,and he tried to toggle the high beam to low beam and all the lights turned off. The contact stated that he played with the toggle switch and the lights came back on seconds later. The contact took the vehicle to dealership on 12/29/06. The mechanic looked at vehicle, and told the contact they found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact hasn't had this problem since, but did find a recall #06e038000.*ak updated 03/07/07.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Lights · 127,066 miles · VA

While driving headlight switch works intermittently. Consumer is still having the same problems after repair of recall 91007. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Lights · GA

This is a repeat of the federal safety agency campaign id number : 00v118000. I had the car repaired at the mazda dealership in year 2000 under the previous recall. 1 month ago the headlights stop working due to a broken wire in the headlight switch assembly. The ground wire broke its solder connection at the base of the switch. I have dissaembled the switch and connect a temporary ground wire to the base of the switch. There is something wrong with the engineering of this switch assembly if it happens again!

Filed Jan 13, 2003 · Lights · 70,000 miles · NJ

Headlight switch was recalled and replaced. Replacement switch failed: headlights went off when turn signal was used. Replaced again. Now taillights and dash lights are shorting out. May be due to switch again. Dealer unable to fix.