MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mazda Protege

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Mazda Protege
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:42.731Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
120
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 48 complaints 1994: 75 complaints 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1998: 46 complaints 1998 1999: 88 complaints 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 50 complaints 2002: 98 complaints 2003: 120 complaints 2003 120 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 75 complaints 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 46 complaints 1999: 88 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 50 complaints 2001 2002: 98 complaints 2003: 120 complaints 2003 120 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 75 complaints 1994 1995: 165 complaints 1995 1996: 70 complaints 1996 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 46 complaints 1998 1999: 88 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 50 complaints 2001 2002: 98 complaints 2002 2003: 120 complaints 2003 120 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006

2003: 120 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19892
199038
199151
199263
199348
199475
1995165
199670
199766
199846
199988
2000102
200150
200298
2003120
20040
20050
20060

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Seat belts

14% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

While my son was driving to work on a hill curve turn he lost control on icy wet road and hit a tree he died on 01/29/2013 he was 18 years old he was going to school and working.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-29

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

Power train

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing pedal/hand lever(motorcycle) and automatic transmission.

CRASH

Suspension

10% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing front and stabilizer bar.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Excessive wear in the area inside and outside in tires ... Many several workshops can not correct the alignment fault ... The steering wheel go to the right and I have to force to the left ...

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-05

Also filed under Steering and wheels

Tires

8% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 120 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E038000 Certain alfaotto combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to…

    Remedy: Alfaotto will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2006. Owners may contact alfaotto at 626-656-2992 or visit their website at www.alfaotto.com.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

    Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mazda Protege — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 35 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E038000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mazda Protege reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mazda Protege is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda Protege?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda Protege have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.