2001 Mazda Protege

Introduction

The 2001 Mazda Protege is a compact car available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 1.6-liter engine produces 103 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine produces 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Protege is known for its sporty handling and responsive steering, but it has also been criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

1.6-liter engine

• Issue: Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Issue: Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter engine

• Issue: Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Issue: Oil pan gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from oil pan
  • Solution: Replace oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed manual transmission

• Issue: Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed automatic transmission

• Issue: Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Car hesitates or slips when shifting gears
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Issue: Front strut mounts worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from front suspension
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Issue: Rear shock absorbers leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Issue: Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Issue: Starter problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start, clicking sound from starter
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Issue: Rust on fenders and rear wheel wells
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust spots on fenders and rear wheel wells
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Issue: Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard
  • Solution: Replacement of dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Issue: Window regulator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or slow
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Mazda Protege has some common issues that can be costly to repair, including head gasket failure, timing belt failure, and transmission slipping. The vehicle also has some less severe issues, such as rust on the exterior and dashboard cracking. Overall, the Protege is a reliable car, but it is important to be aware of these potential issues and factor them into your purchase decision.