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Engine coolingPart report

2002 Mazda Protege Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
7%of 98 total for the year
Median mileage
120,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Mazda Protege, 7% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.

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.

“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

“I have a 2002 Mazda Protege. Were the upper passenger side motor mount attaches to the car body, the car body metal is severely rusted and starting to separate on the inside of the engine compartment. I did take the car to a Mazda body shop and they quoted me in the area of $1,000.00 to fix the issue. I do not feel it is my responsibility to pay for the fix as this is an area high in the engine compartment not subject to the elements. Basically Mazda has some problem with the metal, the anti corrosion treatment or the finish treatment to the metal. …”

NHTSA complaint #10384614, filed 2011-02, 120,000 miles

“I have been working on this car for maybe 2 years and the last few months it has been misfiring on cylinder 3. It seems that many other people have had this problem but cant seem to figure it out. I have replaced everything that had to do with electrical and now I think it might be something to do with the fuel injectors. Also the seat belt would stay locked for about 10 minutes or so.”

NHTSA complaint #10253641, filed 2009-01

“The contact stated while traveling 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. After a few seconds, the engine regained power but the light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the EGR valve and catalytic converter were replaced, but the problem persisted.”

NHTSA complaint #10169193, filed 2006-09, 73,000 miles

“Consumer states engine makes a rattling noise when started. Noise is also heard when accelerating after vehicle has come to a complete stop. Vehicle has been checked by dealer who advised a valve in the engine is causing noise and that Mazda engineers are investigating to find a solution. Consumer is very concerned that issue could compromise her safety when driving vehicle. Ts”

NHTSA complaint #8022831, filed 2002-11

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20033428%
200277%
2001816%
200077%
199989%
19981022%
1997914%
199646%
19951912%
199468%
199349%
199223%
199124%
1990411%

Other parts of the 2002 Mazda Protege

Seat belts
20 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
17 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Air bags
9 complaints
Electrical system
9 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Equipment
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Wheels
5 complaints
Visibility (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