2000 Mazda Protege

2000 Mazda Protege

The Mazda Protege is a compact sedan that was in production from 1990 to 2003. It was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 1.5-liter inline-four, a 1.6-liter inline-four, and a 1.8-liter inline-four. Transmission options included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.

The Protege was praised for its handling and performance, but it was also criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

1.5-liter Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6-liter Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

1.8-liter Inline-Four

• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start, bent valves
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips when shifting
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid and filter or rebuild/replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front end, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace front lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine does not crank
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks do not function properly
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracks over time
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair cracks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window does not roll up or down properly
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Mazda Protege is a reliable and affordable compact car. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leaks, timing belt failure, transmission slipping, front lower control arm bushing failure, alternator failure, starter failure, door lock actuator failure, dashboard cracking, and window regulator failure.

The severity of these issues varies, but some, such as timing belt failure and transmission slipping, can be costly to repair. Overall, the 2000 Mazda Protege is a good choice for budget-minded shoppers, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems before making a purchase.