2003 Mazda Protege from North America - Comments

ABS and Brake lights ON. Shaking while car is idling and dying on spot.

It seems that a lot of Mazda Protege owners has experienced the ABS/Brake Lights and shaking problems. Send your concern to Transport Canada, I sent the below email of concern to roadsafetywebmail@tc.gc.ca.

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I owned a Mazda protege 5 with about 88,000KM, bought it in Feb 2003. In the last four months, I have had what I would consider a major issue.

1) The ABS and brake lights went on and wouldn't shut off.

2) Last week, as I drove to and from work, there had been occasion when I'm on a full stop that that the car will shake and die on the spot. This necessitate me to restart the car. At one point the engine light went on however disappeared the next day. I'm concerned that one of these day, the car will stop and I'll get hit from behind or worst. So I took it yesterday for tune up with my mechanic and he said he drove it around the block and unable to imitate the problem. He said with my KM, I shouldn't need to change the plug, it should be good for about 140K and the car doesn't need a tune up. However here's the funny thing, as I was leaving the shop, another mazda protege pulled in, my mechanic laughed and he said "This is my sixth mazda protege5 of the day, all having lights on problem".

It seems in reviewing the different websites on the internet and reviewing comments from owners of the same vehicle, have had the same problems as described in items 1 and 2.

As one consumer said, replacing an engine is not a cheap price to pay and if there's a lot of similar complaints from different websites, will this warranty Transport Canada to investigate for recall consideration?

Wow, I had the same problem with my 1994 Protege LX. I got to the point where I was petrified to drive the car cause I would never know when it would quit on me. The car would shut off when trying to make left or right turns, or one time I was waiting at red light, and then the car would start shaking, then when the light would change, it wouldn't go!! The lights would all flicker on/off, then it would shut off, but could be started again. Someone told me that I was because of the rain getting into the electrical or something. I sent it to the mechanic who ruled out the spark plugs and stuff, then he would take it for a test drive (one time to a city that's 1/2 hr away!) and it would work fine. Seemed like the stop and go of city driving was more risky then highway driving!!

Needless to say, I'm fed up and going to scrap the car, cause the cost to find and repair outweighs the value of the car.

I have an 2003 Mazda Protege and just recently the ABS and Brake light on the dash stay on constantly. I see a lot of people having this problem. Is this the computer malfunctioning?

I own a 2002 Mazda Protege 5. The ABS and brake light recently has come on and remains on. My mechanic attached a diagnostic machine and it does not register any numbers. I have continually had to replace brake pads, calipers and rotors. I have taken this car in for regular service and the mechanic works on another Mazda Pro 5 in town that is experiencing the same brake problems.

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege LX. Recently I had the ABS and Brake lights come on at the same time and stay on - the brakes were fine (I just had the inspection done) so when the mechanic looked at the brakes he determined that the ABS Unit in the front right was opening, but not closing - thus tripping the lights on the dash. A NEW PART WAS 1400.00. AVOID BUYING THAT PART, Even the dealer felt bad for me when I called and asked for a pricing. I managed to find one used from a junk yard for 200.00. Altogether, with an oil change and some brake line work it cost me 500.00. Certainly better than the 2000.00 quote from the Mazda dealer.

I have EXACTLY the same problem as the person who wrote the Aug 4 posting (2000 Mazda Protege LX, the brake warning lights are stuck on, and the ABS pump is kaput). Recently, I moved to Alberta and had to get an out of province inspection done. The car failed because the ABS does not work (it has not for 4 years and I am still living), although the brakes are all new and in excellent working order.

Does anyone have tips on how to save on repair costs? Is ABS a requirement on ABS enabled vehicles in Alberta?

I have a 2003 Protege 5. I thought I was buying a great car, but I am doubtful of that when I look back on what I have been spending my money on. I like to be getting good customer, and service department service and have not been satisfied at all by the dealer. I hear and have read most peoples comments, and it seems as though most of us have the same problems.

I know there is regular maintenance, brakes, tires, oil changes, but then there is the Oh you have to replace your oil pan, and the mid part of your muffler as it attaches to the engine... I am not mechanically inclined, so not wanting to pay the hefty price went and got a second opinion. Yes that stuff was all wrong with it, so I got it done, and did go back to the dealer for it, because I didn't have faith in the other shop. But it gets better, the dealer proceeds to tell me that I need an additional 250+ of work done, Merry Christmas to me. I needed rear sway bars, replaced. Come on, I was just in here 2 weeks ago, what are you guys not checking the car over like you say you do!

I have also had to replace the EGR valve I believe it is, luckily they called it an extended warranty, probably because I complain every time I am in there for service, but my car was idling very low, and would stall out in parking lots and traffic lights...it's an AUTOMATIC!

I can honestly say I do not think I will be buying another Mazda, don't get me wrong, I love the way it drives, but I dread taking it anywhere for service!

I purchased a used Mazda Pro 2002, believing that this was a Japanese car and it will not give me any trouble for long time. I purchased this car before three months and I did not find any problem. But yesterday when I drove the car around 40 km on highway and then entered into the city, my car started shaking. I thought that there is some problem with plug or garbage in the fuel pipe. I went to mechanic and after checking with his device, he replied me that there is problem either with the plug or with the coil. Still I have not fixed the problem. And I don't know what is the solution. If any one knows, please post it on this site.

Anyone with a Mazda Protege 5 that's stalling and dying, ABS and Brake lights on, etc., I had that problem, and I got it fixed:

I took it to two mechanics who had no idea, but charged me a handful for their tests anyhow. Then finally took it to a friend who took the time and effort to figure out the REAL problem. Evidently, the car was filtering exhaust back through the engine. That was layman's terms at least. So, if you take it to a mechanic, maybe suggest that as being the problem?

Cheers, good luck all!