Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Mazda Protege owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1999 Mazda Protege received o/d off light, speedometer dropped out and slippage in gears, (o/d), brought to schwartz Mazda, shrewsbury, nj, they sold me a new transmission, (76000 miles on odometer), car still had same trouble. Advised Mazda that I felt this is a misdiagnosis, per nhtsb tech service bulletin of speed sensor on transmission which presents same symptoms, they would not credit the $2073 cost of the new transmission, the dealer did not see this trouble which is what I originally brought in for service, after 3 more return visits to service dept, they finally replace speed sensor, now problem is gone, but now I have a new transmission that I did not need. They never produced any diagnostic back up to the transmission failing, I took them at their word that this is what the car needed, when all along the speed sensor fixed the trouble. …
Problem Mazda transmission failure .Mazda Protege 1999 this car had a major engine overhaul recent about a year from now. One month after overhaul transmission failed. Mazda refused to be responsible for this failure. Transmission was replaced at owner expense exactly one year after that transmission was fixed failure again . Again transmission not covered out of warranty. Estimate as to how much has been spent so far $3,500. As of now I cant drive this car because the car cant be moved due to malfunction. After research online I have found this VIN number on this Mazda has had issues with transmission failure at off lamp flashing no shift condition 3rd gear shift ration set erratic shifts issues with transmission issues etc. …
My car started with unintentional acceleration last feb. 2003. Then it started to fell like the gears were slipping. The problem was intermittent. I took it into the dealer and they could find no problem. Now, it is oct. 2003 and the transmission has failed. Last night the car got stuck in low gear and will not reverse. The RPM go up when you try to accelerate, but the car will not go past 10 miles an hour. Right now the car is at the dealer's shop and I am mad!!! I am a single mom who bought the car new. I've had all maintenance, and I wanted a car that would last for 10 years. Now I feel cheated by Mazda!!
I owned a 1999 Mazda Protege that had the original transmission replaced at 49500 miles. Approximately 24 months later at 85000 miles, the replacement transmission went out as well. In both instances the problems was the axle breaking the restraining clip causing the transmission to move out of position. The transmission would then leak causing slipping and lurching. The replacement transmission installed by the dealer was a rebuilt transmission that only had a 12/12000 warranty.
I bought a new Mazda Protege in 1999. I have taken every precaution to make sure my car was taken care of. I did all the maintenance that was suppose to be done when they were due. After all the care I took, my car's transmission went out on dec. 31, 2002 with only 66,000 miles on the car. They said it would be $2200 to replace a transmission. I feel the car should have lasted longer than 66,000 miles. Should there be a recall on these cars? I also feel the manufacture should be liable.
1999 Mazda Protege with 40K miles automatic transmission. Car purchased new and cared for, at recent service vehicle was tested and found to have slippage in 2nd and 3rd gear and trans will not "lock up". Rebuild starts at $1700 and goes up. Mazda seems to have problems relating to transmissions and not standing behind their products. Transmission shop indicates Mazda's transmissions are extremely expensive to repair (as much as Lexus).
The car hesitates before taking off after stopping. When it does switch into the right gear and move forward, it is as if you have been hit in the rear because it jerks forward hard. The car then does not accelerate very well.
Problems with vehicle transmission. The vehicle's transmission had to be replaced a 32600 miles. The vehicle's warranty had expired and the consumer had to pay for the replacement. The consumer request reimbursement.
Clutch failure. This is the second time clutch failed. First time at 57K, now at 149K. First time was fixed at Mazda dealership, both replaced with Mazda clutch parts. Highway miles used majority of time.
I am now having to put the 3rd transmission in my 99 Mazda Protege, the first two were at Mazda expense and I feel the 3rd should be as well since this is a known problem with this vehicle and this model.
Transmission complaints in other Protege years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Mazda Protege?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Mazda Protege, 25% of the model year's 88 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mazda Protege transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Mazda Protege, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Mazda Protege transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.