Mazda Protege hesitation problems

Filed Feb 16, 2007 · Engine · 26,131 miles · CA

For over two and a half yrs, my car has had a rough idling noise and the engine often hesitates and wants to turn off. On several occasions the engine has hesitated and shut the car off. Very recently a loud noise was coming from my engine. (you could hear a rattling noise) it sounded like a piece of metal rattling around in the engine. A year ago I took my car into the dealership because of a recall (recall 3005c) to get it checked out (this is what the letter from mazda asked me to do) my car was there only two hours and only looked at maybe about thirty minutes. I received an oil change and then they were to inspect it due to the recall. When I retrieved my car they gave me a certificate of correction, but informed me that nothing had been fixed and that they were only authorized to inspect. That if the part broke that I would be responsible for it even though it was a recall. Here I am one year later and I had my car looked at and it appears that two of the screws must have come loose due to the recall. (they were found in my exhaust) I got no help from the dealer. I found the recall instructions online from mazda to the dealer which instructs the dealer to replace the parts if they have not been replaced on any previous occasion (which was procedure b). And if it has been previously worked on they are to proceed with procedure a which instructs them to do an air compression inspection for internal damage and give a certificate of correction. They did the wrong procedure on my car and never actually did what needed to be replaced for my car to be legal and ok to drive. They are now avoiding my calls and not returning numerous e-mails or voice mails. I have been trying the dealer and mazda themselves. On tues .I received nothing but rude mocking from each place telling me that it was my problem. I have been trying everyday since and I have received no response. *nm updated 2/23/2007 - intake manifold shutter and variable tumble control valves.

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Engine · 67,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began hesitating. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, who determined the computer gave a code stating a misfire in the first cylinder. The spark plug was taken off and the gap was closed. The air intake manifold was then taken off and the screw had come off, this closed the gap on the spark plug. The intake manifold was being replaced.

Filed May 1, 2006 · Seat belts · AZ

1. Automatic/passive restraint belt for drivers side had been acting sluggish e.g. Belt would hesitate when opening/closing door before moving to full open/closed position. 2. Belt is stuck/frozen in midway position of door. Driver has no adequate shoulder restraint in event of collision. 3. Contacted mazda manufacture but they state car VIN is not in u.s. Database. I was never notified about the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v211000 that identifies a problem with mazda vehicles 323 and mx3 that use the identical restraint system. My car was built in japan, shipped to europe and purchased new in months, belgium as u.s. Spec vehicle. This puts my car in a limbo status of it is a u.s. Spec car but was sold in europe and isn't covered by a u.s. Only recall. My complaint is that if car manufacturers are selling vehicles overseas to u.s. Military members who bring the cars back to the states then they should be required cover those vins as well for safety recalls etc.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Acceleration · 25 miles · TX

While driving 25 MPH gas pedal was pressed and vehicle hesitated and then lurched forward. Dealer had the vehicle three times, but could not resolve the problem.

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Engine · CO

Engine has a very bad hesitation during exceleration, both from a standing and roilling start. Hesitation is bad enough to cause vehicle control problems durring the winter when driving on snow or during rainy conditions. Engine has already had the PCM module reprogramed as per outstanding service bulletin this fixed the engine missing under same circumstance but does not correct the hesitation. Dealer has looked at the vehicle 2 times and cannot find or fix the problem.

Filed Apr 2, 2004 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · VA

While driving at any speed the vehicle hesitated when the brake pedal was pressed. The dealer examined the vehicle twice and replaced the front pads and found the rear calipers were warped. Due to the warped calipers, the rear pads can not be replaced with out new calipers.

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · LA

The car hesitates before taking off after stopping. When it does switch into the right gear and move forward, it is as if you have been hit in the rear because it jerks forward hard. The car then does not accelerate very well.

Filed May 30, 2003 · Acceleration · 30,000 miles · PA

Issue with a 2000 mazda protege es, 5 spd. When driving engine will hesitate, when pressing accelerator, causing "jerking" of the car after accelerator was pressed or released. It feels like the fuel is not delivered properly. Dealer ran the diagnostics numerous times and was not able to find or fix the cause. It seems that probkem goes away when engine warms up.

Filed Apr 16, 2003 · Transmission · 500 miles · MO

We purchased a new 2002 mazda protege lx in 08/2002. Within days we were having problems with the transmission. Sometimes just hesitation in acceleration and shifting. Frequent failure to shift at all or failure to shift for prolonged intervals (sometimes miles). Occasional slamming into gear and car lurching forward. We have had 3 incidents that almost lead to accidents. We have had car in for repairs on 5 separate occasions, but dealer said they could not find anything wrong. Letter of notification of defect to manufacturer sent to mazda corporate on 3/22/03. Car was taken into dealer for final chance to repair. Dealer still says they can find nothing wrong. We purchased a 2nd mazda protege lx at the same time, and we have had no problems with its transmission and it shifts smoothly and properly. Even though this is a dangerous and potentially life threatening issue and this car is clearly a lemon, mazda has done nothing to replace this car.

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.