2000 Mazda Protege Suspension Problems

“Less than two months after purchasing my 2000 Mazda Protege new from the dealer I took the vehicle to the service dept. While accelerating, the car would jerk and buck as if I hit a brick wall. The car continued to do this. Each time I complained to the service dept. At the dealership I was told nothing was wrong. I also contacted Mazda corp. To inquire if there were any other complaints or recalls. I was advised that Mazda had not received any similar complaints. …”

“Over the past year, my 2000 Mazda Protege es makes a thumping noise when going over bumps. It sounds like something is hitting the floor. I've had the car back to the dealer for repairs six times over the past year. After having the service department replaces various suspension parts, the noise goes away...only to return a month or two later. The last time it was at the dealer was on monday (2/3/03). The noise was gone then. However, after driving to and from work today (2/4/03), I noticed that it came back tonight. …”

“My 2000 Mazda Protege lx has had some major surgery lately. About a year ago (early 2008), when backing up especially, the car would make a stress then pop noise on the right side and towards the middle underside of the car. I was told this and that. I had new rear struts put on, alignments, tightening of the suspension, etc. Some of these worked temporarily. My car was involved in an accident at the end of december 2008. We had bad snow and ice and my car's left front tire hit an ice rut pretty good. After that, my car popped and popped. …”

“Car always pulls toward the right. More pronounced with passengers in the car. Have tried allignments and tire rotation. Nothing helps. Drove several other 2000 proteges, and they also pulled. I feel this is a defect, possibly related to the suspension of the car being too stiff for the size and weight of the vehicle.”