Day of purchase: cd player defective and replaced week later by dealer.
20,000 miles: a/c unit floods interior of car, passenger footwell; entire a/c unit replaced.
55,000 miles: alternator dies and is replaced.
58,000 miles: right and left wheel bearings cracked and replaced.
Every 2,000-5,000 miles: headlights go out.
10,000 miles: battery dies, is replaced.
Steering wheel "timing wire (?) " makes constant noise while driving.
Multiple windshield chips.
Multiple areas where paint has chipped off to reveal fiberglass below.
Unfortunately, the Mazda Protege 5, at least the one I purchased from a local Mazda dealer, is a frustratingly expensive vehicle, many problems and repairs.
I looks like you kept this lemon for 4 years. That is very high endurance rate.
Just adding to previous posts. My 2003 Mazda Protege 5 up and DIED on me today. Tow truck driver said it's the alternator. Stopped for a red light... DIED... hazards, radio, lights, door locks, NOTHING WORKED. Stuck on a busy and dangerous expressway. Pouring down rain... had to lift the hatch and stand out to divert traffic from hitting my car. No AAA prompt service. Slow alternate service... BAD AREA for breakdowns near the Newark airport in New Jersey!! Car is only at approximately 85 thousand miles.
No more Mazdas for me!!
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