The first time I took my car through a car wash after I first got it, (at about 7 miles), a bunch of the paint started peeling off. So I had to take it in right away for a re-paint.
At only 20,000 miles I had to have the front right drive shaft replaced. Luckily it was still under warranty so I did not have to pay for it. However I had a difficult time getting it in to the dealership since they were always booked up and then didn't have the parts in the shop. It took them three months to actually get the parts and then no one from the shop called me back.
At 53,000 the front right drive shaft went again. So I took it in to a different Mazda dealer. Same issues: terrible service, did not have the parts, most of the time, no one even answered the phone at the dealership, AND they replaced a different part at first because they didn't know the real problem, turns out the first part did not need to be replaced! The cost of labor was $85 per hour and the OEM part was outrageously expensive.
My AC compressor went at 69,000 and supposedly it is going to be $800 to replace (parts and labor).
The lights on the radio and air controls went out at 30,000 miles, but I have never gotten them fixed.
I am also not certain if this is semi routine, but I have had to have the brakes replaced three times already (and I am pretty normal driver), and parts of the exhaust system twice.
My car has always started in the winter, but sometimes it takes a few turns of the key.
It has died several times when going in reverse. I was told by the dealership that they can't diagnose that problem unless it happens all the time. So they won't even look at it.
Thankfully my car has never stranded me anywhere. Most issues are things I can drive with until fixed, but they are all very expensive. I keep up with all the maintenance religiously so I hope I won't have many more issues.
This car is very difficult to fix on your own if you work only a little bit with cars. It is very low to the ground so a person will need jack stands. Also the heat shields prevent simple work like oil changing from happening very easily. Despite the inside being pretty roomy for a compact car, the engine is so tight, it is hard to have room to fix things.
The trunk is pretty big for a compact car and the back seats fold down for even more room for cargo. However, the opening between the back seat and the trunk is very small so it is difficult to fit much through there.
It is difficult to see out of the car when driving because the rear-view mirror is not high enough to be out of the windshield line of sight.
I had to have the brakes replaced every year. The mechanic who did the first replacement stated that this model was notorious for this. I also have a problem with the air control switches and the driver's side lock does not work anymore. I am very disappointed in my vehicle as this make and model are well recommended by Consumer Reports.
I have a 96' Protege 1.8 LX (purchased used) and have had more than anyone's share of problems.
The check engine light came on and only Mazda has the equipment to verify. The problem was a defective ECU!!! A used one cost me $250. I installed it myself to save money since just the diagnostics test at Mazda was $90.
The front brakes are finished. When I bought the car they were at 30% (used) and I only did 15 000 km on them.
The car has many squeeks and rattles, they become annoying.
Also the largest problem to date is that when driving at a constant velocity for a small period of time, the engine seem to "hesitate" as if it were about to stall. No mechanic, including those at Mazda, knows what the problem is. Since it does not do it all the time, it is near impossible to diagnose! (if anyone has a valid theory, please leave a note).
On the positive end, the car is a nice driver's car. Good handling, acceleration and a general fun to drive vehicle. I guess I got the one assembled by the guys with the name-tag marked "in training".
What exactly is meant by the "front right drive shaft?" There is only one drive shaft on, well, MOST cars, and it exists dead in the middle of the body (neither left nor right) Do you mean the front right AXLE?? I'm interested to know since my girlfriend gets her used '99 LX in 2 days, and I just had to replace my front axles on my '93 ranger, which was very pricy (even though I did it myself).
I have had many problems with my 1996 as well. The brakes have been replaced every 30k miles. I just spend $1200 repairing the engine because the #1 and #4 cylinders had no compression. I was told that this is also common for the car, and to make sure that the compression is tested every time it is tuned up.
I like the car, and hate to get rid of it, but I can't afford to dump any more money into it. For two years, I have taken it to too many different repair shops because of a constant vibration when in gear. No one seems to be able to tell me what this is. It now vibrates so badly that I can watch the passenger seat shake when I am stopped.
I hope other people have had more luck.
I have a 96LX with almost 130,000 miles on it and I love it. At around 70,000 I replaced the brake pads and shoes and will probably need to do it again in a few months. Also the EGR valve needed replacing at around 80,000 miles, but other that that the car has been great.
I have had my share of problems with the 1996 JDM Mazda Protege. The right front axle, suspension creeks, breaks, breaks, oh did I say breaks, Clutches, motor mounts sway bars, cross members, breaks, oh and right now a blown engine. But in general the car is fun to drive and great in the twisties.
If you are in to the sport compact scene and drive a 96 Protege you already know that the lowered suspension makes it even more fun. And for those that are in the scene a and are looking for a body kit well here is you answer. 94-96 Honda accord front end will fit with modification (knowing some one that can lay fiber glass is a big help) just cut 2 inches off each side the top rear lip on each side and the grille it will fit just fine. For side skirts the ones from a 2 door Pontiac Grand AM (or Prix I don't remember) will fit just fine with no modification. For a rear bumper I have not figured that out yet. Intrax makes drop springs, but for any thing else good luck finding it and if you do find things let me know.
JABBass1@aol.com.
I, too, have had a boat load of problems with my 96 Protege. I can relate about the brakes having to be replaced every year. I can also relate about the A/C Compressor needing replacing around 70K miles, only my A/C clutch went out too. In addition I have number of small things just fall apart like the auto lock switch falling into the door, the check engine light coming on and then going off without any reason at all, and little pieces of plastic breaking off the seats or trunk or wherever.
I also have gotten into a couple of front end collisions and the car crumples like a piece of tin foil. Understandably, this is a good thing and I feel completely safe in the car, but just bumping into someone at 3 mph can cause over a thousand dollars in repairs. So if you're a bad driver, don't get this car.
I do like the car though. It's fun to drive. It's comfortable and spacious.
I'm sad. Some old lady blew a stop sign at 30mph and killed my car. My Mazda had 111,000 miles on it and it was running fine. The only problems I have had with the car is brakes and exhaust. The brakes needed repaired often and the exhaust system was pricey to fix. Parts of the tail pipe rusted severely in a few different spots. Everything else was typical maintenence. The car never left me stranded and anything that needed to be fixed, I was able to do when I had time (not an emergency). I enjoyed the ride, and when the car was hit and totaled, I walked away. However, it didn't take much to do extensive body damage. RIP little Mazda!
My brakes are just fine I have gone 45k and it is still has got 40-50% in the front. My first set of brakes went 65k until it ruined my calipers which was my stupid mistake.
I have a '96 Protege LX with 107,000 miles. I do replace my brakes once a year. Yes, the exhaust was replaced to. The car creeks in cold weather. The only real problem I've had is my M.A.P. sensor. Check engine light comes on every once in awhile. I had it replaced (M.A.P. Sensor) under warranty, and out of warranty. Still no fix. Buy the way it is expensive,$250. It idles rough like its going to stall in gear, but never does. Finally, if I punch the throttle to merge into traffic, the (AUTO) transmission seems to slam back into gear. I hope this isn't a bad sign, otherwise it shifts fine.
Mike.
Well, I purchased a 96 Protege myself and my brakes have gone out twice in a year. The reason for that is because of the overdrive, your brakes will wear out sooner than normal. Also, My cars idle is so bad, I feel like I'm in a diesel truck. It gave out on me recently. It just felt like wanting to turn off at every stop or light. Mechanics say they can't diagnose it because the ecu is out. If someone has similar problems and has fixed them or has knowledge of this problem please email me at ramnailz@aol.com. thank you.
My 96 Mazda Protege LX has overall been great. But I have some of the problems others listed. The brakes and exhaust have to be replaced every year, the check engine light comes on all the time in the summer, the exhaust manifold went on it once.
My girlfriend bought a 96 protege with 60,000 miles on it two years ago. After replacing the driver side wheel-bearing, the left side start going bad. I was wondering if it was just her car, or if there was just something about the protege. However, I went ahead and put Intrax 1.8" lowering springs and new struts on the car and we've not had too much problem out of the suspension. (The only thing I really don't like about the car, other than the passenger side power window getting stuck and the power door switch not wanting to stay set, is the drums in the back. I don't understand why they didn't put disk brakes all the way around) We at first bought 16" wheels, but had to go with the 15" white motege racing wheels b/c we couldn't get enough clearance with a 50 series tire (too many pot-holes in this area for anything lower profile). The manual transmission is what is giving us problems now. Her 1st-4th gears work fine, but it won't go into reverse or fifth. I see these sets are connected to different rods, but does anyone have any ideas what may be the problem. The car looks sweet after the new dark blue paint job with the white wheels and white pin stripe and she loves the thing. I just don't want to have to pay $1500 for a new transmission. So any help would be appreciated.
I bought a Mazda Protege a few months back and really seem to enjoy driving the car, except for accelerating of course.
I have a 5 speed and for some reason doesn't like to get up in speed as quick as I like. I have a problem with y brakes too, but mainly becuase I drive in stop and go traffic every morning to get to work. I have a problem with the exhaust. I need a new donut gasket, but when I had a friend drive and listen to it, he seems to think I have a cracked manifold. I did some research about the car and noticed that the exhaust and manifold are a common problem.
You can also feel every single bump in the road, and the car makes a lot of rattling noises on the inside. Worse part about it is that you can't find where the noises are coming from.
Other than the few problems I have experienced with the car, driving it is fun, especially on tight curves.
Repaint at 7 miles??? What was that guy smoking... Anyway I have a 1996 Protege LX. Only problem I have had is the Check Engine light, I need a EGR Boost Sensor (MAP sensor) which costs about 250, I've decided not to bother fixing it. Also I had to replace the brake pads after about 10k miles, but come on brake pads cost what $20, no big deal. Car runs GREAT, I'm very happy, good engine, starts every time, gets me where I need to go.