2003 Mazda Protege Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 8%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the tires of the 2003 Mazda Protege, 8% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 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.
“While driving at about 40 MPH back right tire went flat instantly without warning. Tire make: bridgestone potenza p195/55r15. The tire showed no signs of wear or damage and was only driven on for 25,000 miles. I took it to a repair shop (pepboys) and they found that the inside steel belt had broke and caused the tire to fail. I replaced that tire with another brand (cost $100), and still have the damaged bridgestone tire for evidence.”
NHTSA complaint #10110122, filed 2005-02, 25,000 miles“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“Within 15 months and 5,000 miles of purchase, michelin pilot primacy 195/55r15 tire showed tread separation and required replacement. Michelin only offered to refund 25% of tire cost (and only for a new michelin tired).”
NHTSA complaint #10230334, filed 2008-06, 59,000 miles“The clutch had gone out. Then two of the tires had blown out. One tire had blown out from the inner wall and the other blow out was due to sidewall failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10101949, filed 2005-01, 100 miles“I have trouble with the tires on my 2003 Mazda Protege. First they told me I had to get used to the low-rise tires. I didn't drive in any snow that first winter, but the winter of 2004-2005 I was doing doughnuts on overpasses & streets. The dealer gave me the customer care phone # because they don't handle tires . Customer care said, I can't help if you live in extreme conditions. All he could offer me for a solution was to buy winter tires & rims (as they aren't interchangeable) for about $2,000. A man in my office said his family was having the same problem with theirs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10163517, filed 2006-07Related service bulletins
- 10179228Aug 3, 2020New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda…
Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 8% |
| 2000 | 7 | 7% |
| 1999 | 12 | 14% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda Protege
34 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
7 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