1999 Mazda Protege Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 25%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Mazda Protege, 25% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am now having to put the 3rd transmission in my 99 Mazda Protege, the first two were at Mazda expense and I feel the 3rd should be as well since this is a known problem with this vehicle and this model.”
NHTSA complaint #10105936, filed 2005-01, 33,818 miles“I bought a new Mazda Protege in 1999. I have taken every precaution to make sure my car was taken care of. I did all the maintenance that was suppose to be done when they were due. After all the care I took, my car's transmission went out on dec. 31, 2002 with only 66,000 miles on the car. They said it would be $2200 to replace a transmission. I feel the car should have lasted longer than 66,000 miles. Should there be a recall on these cars? I also feel the manufacture should be liable.”
NHTSA complaint #10000826, filed 2003-01, 66,000 miles“My car started with unintentional acceleration last feb. 2003. Then it started to fell like the gears were slipping. The problem was intermittent. I took it into the dealer and they could find no problem. Now, it is oct. 2003 and the transmission has failed. Last night the car got stuck in low gear and will not reverse. The RPM go up when you try to accelerate, but the car will not go past 10 miles an hour. Right now the car is at the dealer's shop and I am mad!!! I am a single mom who bought the car new. I've had all maintenance, and I wanted a car that would last for 10 years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070987, filed 2004-01, 68,000 miles“Problem Mazda transmission failure .Mazda Protege 1999 this car had a major engine overhaul recent about a year from now. One month after overhaul transmission failed. Mazda refused to be responsible for this failure. Transmission was replaced at owner expense exactly one year after that transmission was fixed failure again . Again transmission not covered out of warranty. Estimate as to how much has been spent so far $3,500. As of now I cant drive this car because the car cant be moved due to malfunction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249753, filed 2008-11, 75,000 miles“1999 Mazda Protege with 40k miles automatic transmission. Car purchased new and cared for, at recent service vehicle was tested and found to have slippage in 2nd and 3rd gear and trans will not lock up . Rebuild starts at $1700 and goes up. Mazda seems to have problems relating to transmissions and not standing behind their products. Transmission shop indicates Mazda's transmissions are extremely expensive to repair (as much as lexus).”
NHTSA complaint #10039009, filed 2003-09, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 | 10% |
| 2002 | 17 | 17% |
| 2001 | 6 | 12% |
| 2000 | 29 | 28% |
| 1999 | 22 | 25% |
| 1998 | 15 | 33% |
| 1997 | 10 | 15% |
| 1996 | 8 | 11% |
| 1995 | 19 | 12% |
| 1994 | 7 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 6% |
| 1991 | 4 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mazda Protege
21 complaintsTires
12 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mazda Protege
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology