2002 Mazda Protege Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,793miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Mazda Protege, 9% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,793 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2002 Protege heater fan switch malfunctioned and melted plug and switch almost caused a fire but it was smoking when it fried and caused the 4th speed of the fan not to work I had to splice a new plug in to fix the issue and to keep it from catching fire I have pictures if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10372300, filed 2010-12, 113,586 miles“Recently purchased a 2002 Mazda protege5. Without warning, it wouldn't start. The low beam headlight burned out. The heat, stereo, headlights & power windows all worked. The car had no power and didn't even turn over. About 15 mins later, it started fine and never had a problem again until a few days ago (approx a month in between incidents). Same thing all over again, but this time the car refuses to start. What can I do? What info should I be aware of? I discovered online that this is an extremely common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10554718, filed 2013-12, 172,000 miles“The car began to shutter and dropped from 50 to 25 in seconds. The check engine light (cil) starting flashing and the car began to stutter like it was going to die, I pulled to the side of the road and the car died. Started car again the cil continued to flash, it only would accelerate to 25 miles an hours even with my foot all the way down on the gas. I took it to the a mechanic and the codes were p0421, 171, 300. The mechanic did everything from engine flush, spark plugs, oil, air filters and installed a new catalytic converter but the problem persists. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448859, filed 2012-02, 156,000 miles“Metal face plate of ignition switch heats up while key is in the ignition also notice accumulation of a static charge when removing ignition key. Problem has persisted since purchase of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10018620, filed 2003-05, 1 miles“If my Mazda Protege 5 is not driven for 2-3 days, the battery is dead the next time I try to start it. It has been to Mazda dealerships on at least 6 occassions. I have had the car jumped on 3 other occassions. They have replaced the battery 3 times, replaced varioues fuses, and finally decided that the factory stereo system was draining the battery while the car was not running. The most recent occurrence was 7/25, although this has happened at least 9 other times since last june.”
NHTSA complaint #10130079, filed 2005-07Related service bulletins
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10217209Jul 18, 2022In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274Jun 22, 2022This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10209778Mar 17, 2022The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 10205994Dec 21, 2021Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged…
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10188016Feb 8, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10188015Feb 8, 2021The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 6% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 4% |
| 1995 | 15 | 9% |
| 1994 | 5 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 7% |
| 1992 | 5 | 8% |
| 1991 | 4 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda Protege
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mazda Protege
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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