Mazda Protege jerking problems

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Engine · 101,000 miles · PA

While driving on highway at about 60 MPH for 40 minutes, the car began sputtering, jerking, making noises, losing acceleration and the check engine light came on. It initially felt like someone was taking their foot on and off the gas. We pulled off road and were towed to our garage. Mechanic found that the spark plug for cylinder 4 was smashed shut, he replaced it and told us to take it to the dealer since this was the 3rd time we had this problem. In dec of 2009 the spark plug for cylinder 1 had same problem then again in feb 2010 it was the plugs for 1 & 4. Each time we were driving at 55 MPH or higher when car began to sputter then check engine light came on. Mazda is telling us nothing is in the engine, the compression is fine and they have no idea why spark plugs are getting smashed. The first time it happened our mechanic thought it was bad spark plug and replaced it free of charge, the second time we took it to the dealer who could find nothing. It is now at the dealer again and they are saying the only thing they could do is take the engine apart and look but have no guarantee of finding anything and it could cost $1500. They removed spark plug, checked for debris and tested the compression. They also used a magnet to search for foreign body in cylinder and found nothing.

Filed Jun 16, 2006 · Acceleration, Suspension · 66,097 miles · KS · crash · 1 injury

Less than two months after purchasing my 2000 mazda protege new from the dealer I took the vehicle to the service dept. While accelerating, the car would jerk and buck as if I hit a brick wall. The car continued to do this. Each time I complained to the service dept. At the dealership I was told nothing was wrong. I also contacted mazda corp. To inquire if there were any other complaints or recalls. I was advised that mazda had not received any similar complaints. Just shy of three years of ownership I again took the car to the dealer service dept with the same problem concerning the car's acceleration. This was my third request to have the dealer look into the matter. Again, I was told nothing was wrong with the car. The car's acceleration continued to act up. On may 26, 2006, with 66097 miles on the vehicle my accelerator stuck and I struck another vehicle and a cement base light pole. Each time I took my foot off the brake to shift from reverse or drive, my car would take off on its own. I have sent the federal safety agency a detailed written complaint via postal mail. That complaint is dated june 5, 2006. *nm there was a high pitched noise coming from the front of the vehicle upon acceleration. The vehicle needed a front end alignment. The consumer a experienced a flat tire, however upon opening the trunk she discovered the tool kit was not there. According to the owners manual the tool kit should have been there. Updated 07/10/06.

Filed Jun 12, 2006 · Acceleration, Engine · 66,097 miles · KS · crash

2000 protege lx accelerator pedal was stuck in the depressed position. *ts as a result of the accelerator pedal sticking the consumer was involved in an accident. On feb 21, 2000 the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the consumer heard a high pitched ping noise coming from the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the noise. The left rear door lock assembly was defective. The vehicle would accelerated and jerk while accelerating.

Filed May 4, 2005 · Engine · TX

My 1996 mazda protege lx (1.5 liter engine) suffers from such extreme engine vibration that the car has recently become practically undriveable despite its low mileage of 83,000k and a good maintenance history. The car shakes severely when starting, jerks severely when shifting gears and is surging almost uncontrollably at various times. It is unsafe and I have been told that all engine mounts must be replaced at this time. In looking at the vechicle history, there has been manufacturer service bulletins about excessive engine vibration. I believe this to be a significant manufacturer defect that causes unsafe conditions and undue burden and expense to consumers. The estimate future expense to me is close to $1,000.00.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

While driving 50 MPH check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. Also, while applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. However, the problem recurred. *ak.....the transmission cost $1,800.00 to be replaced. The contact stated that a vehicle with not much mileage should not have a major transmission failure. The car jerked and was shifting gears while driving. It was clearly a defective transmission.

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 18, 2004 · Engine · 20,000 miles · MI

Intermittently while driving 40 to 50 MPH vehicle jerked. Vehicle would not stall, but would lose speed and power. Dealer examined the vehicle four times, and informed the consumer that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle.

Filed Mar 19, 2004 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · IL

I owned a 1999 mazda protege that had the original transmission replaced at 49500 miles. Approximately 24 months later at 85000 miles, the replacement transmission went out as well. In both instances the problems was the axle breaking the restraining clip causing the transmission to move out of position. The transmission would then leak causing slipping and lurching. The replacement transmission installed by the dealer was a rebuilt transmission that only had a 12/12000 warranty.

Filed Sep 9, 2003 · Brakes · NC

I believe that the 2003 mazda protoge5 brake design is flawed and dangerous (5-speed manual). I have addressed this issue with my dealer (capital mazda, cary, nc) and they refuse to help.*ak there is excessive brake pedal travel, so much so that I can nearly push the pedal to the floor. The dealer says this is normal operation. I have experienced several occasions that when braking, have actually pressed the accelerator pedal as well, causing the engine to race. On at least one occasion, the car lurched forward upon releasing the brake, due to the accelerator pedal being pressed as well as the brake pedal. This is a fundamental design flaw it seems and one that needs immediate action from mazda. This is a condition that will likely lead to traffic accidents.

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.