1997 Mazda Protege

Introduction The 1997 Mazda Protege is a compact car that was praised for its sporty handling, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It was available with either a 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter engine, both paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. However, the Protege also had some known issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine 1.5-liter Engine

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing vacuum leaks and poor engine performance. Symptoms include rough idling, hesitation, and reduced power. The solution is to replace the gasket, which costs around $200-$300. Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure: If the timing belt fails, it can cause catastrophic engine damage. It is recommended to replace the timing belt and water pump every 60,000 miles, which costs around $500-$700. Recalls: None Found

1.8-liter Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission 5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or slipping. The solution is to replace the clutch, which costs around $400-$600. Recalls: None Found
• Synchronizer issues: The synchronizers can wear out, causing grinding or difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission, which costs around $1,000-$2,000. Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears. The solution may involve replacing the torque converter, solenoids, or rebuilding the transmission, which costs around $1,500-$2,500. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut mount failure: The front strut mounts can fail, causing noise, vibration, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the strut mounts, which costs around $150-$250. Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure: The rear shock absorbers can fail, causing excessive bouncing or poor handling. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers, which costs around $200-$300. Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall. The solution is to replace the alternator, which costs around $300-$500. Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The solution is to replace the starter, which costs around $200-$400. Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust: The Protege is known to be prone to rust, especially in the wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage. Regular inspections and rustproofing can help prevent or mitigate rust. Costs vary depending on the severity of the rust. Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. The solution is to replace the window regulator, which costs around $200-$300. Recalls: None Found
• HVAC blend door failure: The blend door in the HVAC system can fail, causing the inability to control the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. The solution is to replace the blend door, which generally costs around $300-$450. Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof drain tube leakage: The sunroof drain tubes can become clogged or damaged, causing water to leak into the interior. The solution is to unclog or replace the drain tubes, which generally costs less than $150. Recalls: None Found

Summary The 1997 Mazda Protege is a reliable and economical car, but it does have some potential issues to be aware of. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, clutch failure, and transmission slipping. While some issues can be minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or detect problems early on, minimizing the overall cost of ownership.