Had to replace the transmission on our three year old Protege 5 a car with only 41,000 miles on it. Warranty had ran out, but Mazda did replace it with a rebuilt transmission.
Periodically hear a clicking noise when turning a corner, but cannot figure out what it is.
Both back windows will no longer go down.
Air conditioner compressor flickers on and off and sometimes will not stay on if you turn the blow level past one. It also puts out an odd odor.
Very noisy on the inside when on the interstate.
After only a month we had to have a new CD player put in. After three factory CD players we finally bought our own CD player and have had no problems since then.
The paint on the hood chips easily and the clear coat is already going.
The Protege 5 is an okay car. I think we paid to much for it, but I guess you live and learn.
Not a very good car if you have an infant. When put in the back seat you have to move the passenger seat almost all the way up for the baby seat to fit properly. I feel sorry for the front passenger because they have no leg room when the baby is in the car.
Clicking heard while turning corners is most likely due to a failed/failing outboard CV (Constant Velocity) joint. If the inboard CV joint fails it will usually make a thud sound during acceleration and deceleration.