2002 Mazda Protege Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the equipment of the 2002 Mazda Protege, 6% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 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.
“Air conditioning has been getting less and less cool. Took vehicle to dealer and they indicated the evaporator was leaking and part would cost 561.12 out of warranty. 2 months prior the condenser went out and replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10135860, filed 2005-09, 34,000 miles“Problems with tire equipment on the 2002 Mazda Protege 5. There was difficulty with placing suitcases or boxes into the trunk of this type of vehicle, the cd player skipped, the transmission displayed a loud clunk noise, there was a spare tire problem, there was a nail in the tire which could not be repaired because it was located too close to the edge of the tire, 50% of tread remained, and there was evidence that the wheel needed to have five holes for bolts (spare wheel), and the brakes had 50% remaining. …”
NHTSA complaint #10079850, filed 2004-06, 19,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Protege. While driving 25 MPH, the radio stopped working and then smoke came out of the radio. The contact removed the fuse to disengage the radio after smelling the wires burning. The manufacturer has not been notified. The contact is concerned about the risk since serious damage may have occurred. The failure mileage was 110,275.”
NHTSA complaint #10298732, filed 2010-01, 110,275 miles“Consumer states that he was wondering why he was getting such poor gas mileage. He then took his vehicle to his private mechanic since he lives about 65-70 from the nearest Mazda dealer. He thinks that this is a defect, because he also thinks that it is because of some mis-wiring. Air compressor runs when it is not turned on. Overdrive button is inopperable.”
NHTSA complaint #10082150, filed 2004-12“Purchased a new 2002 Mazda Protege on 2/20/02 from ramsey Mazda, ramsey, nj. Other than regular oil changes, only service to vehicle done by Mazda dealer on 5/8/02 when car stalled and dealer installed new computer. On 8/24/03, while driving car stalled and I saw smoke coming from under the hood. Opened hood and saw engine compartment engulfed in flames. Fire department called and put out fire but not before extensive damage done to front of car. Insurance company has deemed car totalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037136, filed 2003-09Related service bulletins
- 10209761Mar 29, 2022Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 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…
- 10200527Aug 17, 2021This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâÂÂs floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are…
- 10198689Jun 9, 2021Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer…
- 10186701Jan 26, 2021A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the…
- 10186703Jan 21, 2021In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10177847Jul 20, 2020When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10170817Jan 13, 2020When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of…
- 10170661Jan 9, 2020In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1996 | 6 | 9% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda Protege
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
7 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 28, 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