2003 Mazda Protege Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,284miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mazda Protege, 3% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,284 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.
“The current issues ( which we believe are Mazda corporate issues) and inherent to this vehicle which has low, low, low miles have caused the engine to overheat and have resulted in an engine fire, twice, on the freeway: 1)faulty electrical parts: this vehicle has had the same electrical problems since the first day we brought it and has had multiple replacements of the electrical module, batteries, alarm system, and other items, which have proven faulty by Mazda. 2)shutter valve recall: ours was inspected, but not replaced even though things were out of sorts. It was later deemed a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384300, filed 2011-02, 50,284 miles“2003 Mazda Protege. Consumer states electrical problems with vehicle and several other concerns the consumer stated the lights stayed on and the alarm would sound intermittently. The dealer replaced the electrical module. The consumer also stated the engine overheated due to a water pump leak and leaking radiator, the battery was replaced several times, the vehicle was out of alignment, and the consumer had to purchase three sets of tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10385969, filed 2011-03“When driving at any speed vehicles unexpectedly died. Dealer determined that computer needed reprogramming. Two months later the engine died again. The vehicle was taken in for second time where they service dealer could not find the problem. On one occasion the powertrain control module was reprogrammed due to the vehicle stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #10071833, filed 2004-06Related service bulletins
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- 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 2003 Mazda Protege
34 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 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 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