2002 Mazda Protege5

2002 Mazda Protege5

The 2002 Mazda Protege5 is a compact hatchback that offers a sporty driving experience and a spacious interior. It is available with a choice of two engine options: a 1.6-liter inline-4 with 103 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

People who like the Protege5 praise its fun-to-drive nature, its well-equipped interior, and its affordable price. However, some common complaints include its lack of power, its cramped rear seats, and its poor fuel economy.

Engine

1.6-liter Inline-4 with 5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The IMRC valve sticks open, causing a loss of power and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: Replace the IMRC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The EGR valve sticks open or closed, causing rough idling, hesitation, and increased emissions.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6-liter Inline-4 with 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

2.0-liter Inline-4 with 5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket fails, causing coolant and oil to leak.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V420000
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor fails, causing the engine to stall or run rough.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter Inline-4 with 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips or fails to engage gears.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V190000

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The strut mount bearing wears out, causing a clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mount bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tie Rod End Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The tie rod end wears out, causing the steering to feel loose or wandering.
  • Solution: Replace the tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to discharge and the car to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter fails, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Release Cable Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The hood release cable snaps, making it difficult to open the hood.
  • Solution: Replace the hood release cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Hatch Struts Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch struts weaken, causing the hatch to not stay open.
  • Solution: Replace the rear hatch struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuator fails, causing the door to not lock or unlock properly.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window switch fails, causing the window to not roll up or down properly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mazda Protege5 is a reliable and affordable compact hatchback. However, it does have some potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most common issues include IMRC valve failure, EGR valve failure, head gasket failure, and transmission failure. While these issues can be costly to repair, they are not widespread and should not deter buyers from considering the Protege5.