Mazda Protege 5 problems

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The Mazda Familia (Japanese: マツダ ファミリア, Matsuda Famiria), also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.

It was marketed as the Familia in Japan, which means "family" in Latin. For export, earlier models were sold with nameplates including: "800", "1000", "1200", and "1300". In North America, the 1200 was replaced by the Mazda GLC, with newer models becoming "323" and "Protegé". In Europe, all Familias sold after 1977 were called "323".

The Familia was also rebranded as the Ford Laser and Ford Meteor in Asia, Oceania, Southern Africa, some Latin American countries and, from 1991, as the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North America. In addition, the Familia name was used as the Mazda Familia Wagon/Van, a badge-engineered version of the Nissan AD wagon (1994–2017) and Toyota Probox (2018–present).

Mazda Familias were manufactured in the Hiroshima Plant and also assembled from "knock-down kits" in various countries including Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Colombia, and New Zealand. Some of these plants kept manufacturing the Familia long after it was discontinued at home.

photo of Mazda Protege 5 car production

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Mazda Protege 5 model years

mazda protege 5 2002 photo
Protege 5 2002
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  • 5
  • 4
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Common Mazda Protege 5 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Mazda Protege 5, common problems with this car include:

  • Transmission Problems: Some owners have experienced transmission-related issues such as rough shifting, hesitation, locking into a specific gear, and high-pitched noises. These transmission problems can significantly impact the driving experience and overall performance of the vehicle.
  • Seat Belt Latch Failure: The driver's side seat belt latch in the Protege 5 is prone to failure, with reports indicating that the latch can break in the latched position, requiring removal to release the belt. This safety concern poses risks to the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.
  • Powertrain Issues: The 2000 Protege model has been associated with powertrain problems, including reports of the accelerator pedal sticking in the depressed position, leading to unintended acceleration and jerking. Additionally, there have been cases of transmission seizing while driving, resulting in safety hazards.
  • Airbag Non-Deployment: Certain Protege models, like the 2000 version, have been reported to have issues with airbag non-deployment during collisions. This critical safety feature failing to activate can result in severe injuries to the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.

These common problems with the Mazda Protege 5 highlight various safety and performance issues that owners have encountered. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Mazda Protege 5

Is Mazda Protege a reliable car?

The Mazda Protege, a compact car produced between 1963 and 2003, is a hidden gem in the used car market, particularly for those on a budget. This vehicle is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall value, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious buyers.

Are Mazda Protege 5s reliable?

Very reliable car, and low maintenance cost. Only came out for 2002 and 2003 model years.

How many miles per gallon does a Mazda Protege 5 get?

2003 Mazda Protege/Protege 5

VehicleEPA Fuel EconomyGreenhouse Gas Emissions (tailpipe)
24 MPG 22 28 combined city/hwy city hwy 4.2 gal/100 mi370 grams/mile
Range not available
2003 Mazda Protege/Protege 5 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular Gasoline
24 MPG 22 28 combined city/hwy city hwy 4.2 gal/100 mi370 grams/mile

What was the problem with the 2001 Mazda Protege?

Most Common 2001 Mazda Protege Problems

An electrically shorted air flow sensor can cause a crank-no start condition. diagnosis may show that ignition spark... The timing belt tensioner pulley may make a squealing noise from the timing cover area on cold startup.

Are you having problems with your Mazda Protege 5?

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Mazda Protege 5 photo