2003 Mazda Protege ES GT from North America - Comments

Started malfunctioned at 30,000 km

Radio button fell off going over railway tracks

Rust on doors, quarter panels and rocker panels.

So far I really like this car except for the constant rust problem. Rust will develop in the middle of a panel, there is no chip. I have had all four doors repainted, both rear quarter panels repainted and now I have rust on two doors and both rocker panels. Mazda is covering this under the warranty with out too much issue.

However, no explanation as to why it is happening. I have checked used car lots and found this problem on most 2002 and 2003 protege 5's. I suggest all owners check their Mazda for this problem.

I keep my car in a garage and don't drive it in winter, so road salt is not the cause.

Definitely agree on the rust problem, protege5 and protege's all have this. Mazda thinned out their paint process dramatically. buyer beware.

Could it be the reason for the new paint process and the resulting rust is that a few years ago- Ford bought Mazda? Gee ya think?

Yep- that is probably the reason all right- typical of Ford- - cut corners!!!

I am continuing my search for the reason for the rust problem. Looks like my dealer no longer want to deal with the issue. No call backs as to weather they will fix the current problem with rust. Call Mazda head office and dealing with the issue that way. Mazda Canada claim I am the only person haveing this issue. Not only do they have an inferrior product, but they with hold the truth when dealing with customers who purchase their product.

Head office says they will send out the regional service manager to inspect my vehicle.

I am planning to sell this car and buy a Toyota Matrix or may upgrade to an Audi A3. You get what you pay for!

Please add a comment to let everyone know if you are experiencing the same rust issues. I know I am not the only one.

I bought an '03 Protege ES back in November.

I love this car to death, but noticed 2 rust "spirals" starting on the driver's side door. I did notice this in the lot when I looked at the car. Now I'm a bit worried.

I am not sure if the dealer will cover the rust issue.

But I just wanted to say that it does indeed appear that rust has developed out of nowhere on my Protege.

Check the rear quarter panels, on the wheel well lip, also under the rocker panel mouldings.

We too are currently freaking out over the amount of rust on our 2003 protege. There are some spots where it is our fault, but other places where the paint just chips off and rust appears for no reason. Inside the doors, on the lower outside corners, there is tons of rust - more than on my 1993 Mazda 323!!

I have been toying with the idea of going back to the dealership, has anyone had any success with warranty?

Mazda is now fixing all the rust on my car under warranty. I hope this solves this issue.

My 2003 Protege is rusting very badly in the rear quarter panels, so I've been checking out other Mazdas I see on the road. Most every one I see is rusting in the same place. The dealer & manufacturer of course have been no help whatsoever.