2003 Mazda Protege

Introduction:

The 2003 Mazda Protege is a compact sedan known for its sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It is available with three engine options: a 1.6-liter inline-four producing 103 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.3-liter V6 producing 160 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and 5-speed automatic.

Owners generally appreciate the Protege’s performance and value, but some have reported issues with reliability.

Engine

1.6-Liter Inline-Four

• Cylinder head gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating engine
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-Liter Inline-Four

• Premature timing belt failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken timing belt, catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner as per maintenance schedule
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

2.3-Liter V6

• Intake camshaft position sensor failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, stalling
  • Solution: Replace intake camshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power steering pump failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power steering assist, whining noise
  • Solution: Replace power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shift linkage issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace or lubricate shift linkage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission solenoid failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed shifts
  • Solution: Replace faulty solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Overdrive failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to engage overdrive gear
  • Solution: Replace overdrive solenoid or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, rough shifting
  • Solution: Replace leaking seals or gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping transmission, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut mounts:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or knocking noise from front suspension, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear sway bar links:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from rear suspension
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, flickering electronics, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to start vehicle
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to lock or unlock doors
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window switches:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperative window switches
  • Solution: Replace window switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Mazda Protege is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has some common issues that can be costly to fix. Engine problems, such as cylinder head gasket failure and timing belt failure, are among the most severe and expensive to resolve. Transmission issues are also a concern, with potential problems ranging from solenoid failure to torque converter failure. Suspension and electrical issues are relatively less common but can still affect the vehicle’s performance and comfort. Overall, the cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the severity of the issue and the specific parts affected.