2003 Mazda Protege Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mazda Protege, 6% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Emergency brake fails on inclines--this happened to me and a woman with the same make, model and year car sitting next to me at an insurance hearing! It caused significant damage to both our cars and her friend's property.”
NHTSA complaint #10213343, filed 2008-01, 42,000 miles“Premature rear brake wear, both sides. Both rear rotors (and their pads, of course) had to be replaced at 20,240 miles. I was charged $378.45 for repair. Internet discussion groups report this problem due to caliper slides sticking. Some dealers perform this repair free; mine refused.”
NHTSA complaint #10116287, filed 2005-04, 20,240 miles“I believe that the 2003 Mazda protoge5 brake design is flawed and dangerous (5-speed manual). I have addressed this issue with my dealer (capital Mazda, cary, nc) and they refuse to help. There is excessive brake pedal travel, so much so that I can nearly push the pedal to the floor. The dealer says this is normal operation. I have experienced several occasions that when braking, have actually pressed the accelerator pedal as well, causing the engine to race. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037557, filed 2003-09“The contact owns a 2003 Mazda protg. The contact stated that while attempting a left turn at 10 MPH, the vehicle began sliding abnormally. The contact applied the brakes in order to shift gears but the vehicle would not stop. The contact then attempted to engage the emergency brake but to no avail and crashed into a curb. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer advised that the brake sensor would need replacing. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458566, filed 2012-05, 50,000 miles“Vehicle went backwards even after consumer put the gear into park. When the consumer got back in the car after leaving it running she noticed the engine oil pressure light was on, but thought nothing of it. The consumer was unable to stop the vehicle until it came to rest on its own after rolling in a ditch. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10079939, filed 2004-06Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 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…
- 10153307Jan 14, 2019Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the…
- 10148003Oct 10, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the…
- 10142515May 11, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 6% |
| 2002 | 11 | 11% |
| 2001 | 5 | 10% |
| 2000 | 10 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 11% |
| 1997 | 11 | 17% |
| 1996 | 9 | 13% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 11% |
| 1992 | 5 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda Protege
34 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mazda Protege
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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